Control Cable Kit

What Is a Control Cable Kit?

When you swap out your handlebars — whether you're going taller ape hangers, a different drag bar, or a completely custom setup — the stock cables and brake lines almost certainly won't reach. A control cable kit is a carefully matched set of all the cables and lines your motorcycle needs to operate safely after a handlebar change. Rather than hunting down individual components one by one and hoping they match, a complete kit delivers everything in one package, sized and styled to work together.

A typical control cable kit includes the critical connection points between your hands and your motorcycle's mechanical systems: throttle cables, idle cables (or throttle-by-wire extensions on fuel-injected models), a clutch cable or hydraulic clutch line, brake lines, and often the hardware, copper crush washers, and turn signal or switch wiring extensions needed to complete the job. Getting all of these components from a single kit ensures that lengths are coordinated, fittings are compatible, and — for riders who care about aesthetics — the braiding and finish match from one cable to the next.

Why Control Cable Kits Matter for Safety and Performance

Your control cables are among the most safety-critical items on any motorcycle. A throttle that sticks, a clutch cable that binds under load, or a brake line that restricts fluid flow can have serious consequences on the road. Quality control cable kits are built to meet or exceed OEM specifications for fitment, construction, and endurance — not just to look good, but to perform reliably in real riding conditions. Low-effort, high-efficiency cable designs reduce hand fatigue and improve the precision of every input you make.

For builders tackling a handlebar swap on a Harley-Davidson or other cruiser, a matched kit also eliminates the guesswork of routing, since kits are typically engineered for specific models and handlebar rise combinations. Dual-disc brake configurations benefit especially from kits that include brazed manifolds, which prevent leaks and alignment problems that can arise with threaded connections.

Key Considerations When Shopping Control Cable Kits

• Handlebar height and rise: Kits are sized for specific handlebar heights — know your bar dimensions before ordering.
• Model and year fitment: Always verify that the kit is designed for your exact motorcycle make, model, and year.
• Brake system type: Single-disc and dual-disc setups require different brake line configurations.
• Finish and aesthetics: Braided stainless, chrome-look, blacked-out, and carbon-style finishes are all available — choose a look that complements your build.
• OEM vs. aftermarket specs: High-quality kits meet or exceed factory specifications for safe, reliable operation.

Top Brands in Control Cable Kits

Magnum Shielding is the dominant name in motorcycle control cable kits. Founded in 1982, Magnum Shielding develops and produces top-of-the-line braided motorcycle cables and brake lines. Magnum is also the only brand that offers complete kits that include all of the matching braided cables and brake lines you need when you install new handlebars. Their lineup spans several distinct finish families — Sterling Chromite II® is Magnum Shielding's premiere product line, with a patented braid and weave designed to look like chrome. For riders preferring a darker aesthetic, Black Pearl braided control cables and brake lines feature a non-yellowing, crystal clear outer jacket over jet black braided wire, giving products a high-tech braided look especially when viewed in direct sunlight. Magnum operates in an ISO 9001-based quality system to ensure customers receive the absolute best products.