'70 through '95 throttle Components

During the R246/7/8 production there were a few changes to the throttle systems that can complicate repairs and modifications. Roughly speaking, there are five types of throttle systems on these models:

• '70~'74 - /5 and first-year /6
• '75~'80 - double-pull with brake cable
• '81~'84 - single-pull with hydraulic MC
• '85~'95 - double-pull with hydraulic MC
• '91-on Paralever - single-pull K-type controls (for boxers, pulled two cables using an adapter)

Each of these has a unique housing, due to changes in the brake pull or the number of throttle cables, and a unique cover. The throttle cams changed for different models, and were upgraded at one point requiring new housing covers. Even the throttle tubes can be different. So, there are a lot of different parts and you need to know which parts go with which.

I wrote this page to help me identify some new but unbagged throttle components (mostly cams) that I had. I was ordering new cams for customer bikes and not fully understanding how they differed from those I already had, so I decided to investigate. In the process I also clarified which throttle assemblies were best for various modifications some of my customers were making.

Housings & covers

'70 through '74 (32 72 1 232 464 and ?, 32 72 1 232 664 and cover 32 72 1 233 306). Double-pull, they can be recognized by the small size and the Hella switch mounts. Due to the small size, only the no-ramp throttle cam will fit inside. The housing and cover split in the middle of the lower cable holder. Housing is threaded for the barrel-type brake light switch. Early models had a shorter stalk where the cable entered; I'll add details as I can. This system has no parts in common with any other.

'75 through '80 (32 72 1 233 537 and cover 32 72 1 233 538). Larger, with a cable pull for the drum brake or the under-tank master cylinder, and the throttle cable pull goes straight across from the front edge of the housing. Like the previous one, the housing and cover split in the middle of the lower throttle cable holder. Threaded for the small brake switch (not used on all bikes).

'81 through '84 (32 72 1 242 563 and cover 32 72 1 457 050). Single pull, housing and cover split in the middle of the throttle cable holder. Housing is threaded for the small brake switch. The throttle cable pull is swept rearward compared to previous ones to allow room for the master cylinder in front. In some cases (like the G/S) this design was used past 1984.

'85-on (32 72 1 454 461 and cover 32 72 1 457 039). Nearly identical to the single-pull, but the housing and cover each have one full cable holder. Threaded for the larger brake switch.

Paralever Starting in '91, the GS and subsequent R100R and Mystik used the K-style housings. These were only available in single-pull, so boxers used an adapter to feed two throttle cables through the single hole. Regardless of the engine type, they all used the same throttle cam. Threaded for the large brake switch.

Early R65 There was also a double-pull 32 72 1 238 377 housing (NLA) and 32 72 1 238 379 cover used on the pre-'81 R65 that is NLA. That R65 used a special round master cylinder reservoir and a unique lever. If I get more details I'll add them.

Covers

'81 and later cams were upgraded to the larger 15mm hole, requiring an updated cover. Without this cover, the new cam will slip on the throttle tube. Old covers (for the cams with 8mm holes) are obsolete and NLA. '85-on covers are already 15mm.

Cams

Cams have two thicknesses, three different ramp profiles, single-pull or double-pull ends, and (in the case of the early single-pull ones) two different hole sizes.

Worn cams (and their matching throttle tubes) are a common cause of throttle stiffness. Especially if you feel a notchiness in the throttle action, you need to replace the cam and throttle tube (which can get expensive with heated grips). If you have an '81~'84 bike with the old cover, you'll need to buy the new cover to match the upgraded cam you'll receive.

		single pull	double pull	Notes
14mm thick for cable brake	no ramp	-	32 72 1 232 463	'70~'74 only one that will fit the /5 housing
	low ramp	-	32 72 1 233 535	'75~'80 32mm
	high ramp	-	32 72 1 233 536	'75~'80 40mm
11mm thick for bar-mounted MC	no ramp	32 72 1 457 080 (15mm)	32 72 1 238 378 (8mm) 32 72 1 457 038 (15mm)	'81-on 32mm
	low ramp	32 72 1 457 036 (15mm)	-	'81-on K-type switchgear (32mm or 40mm)
	high ramp	32 72 1 457 081 (15mm)	32 72 1 458 092 (15mm)	'81-on 40m pm

Throttle tubes

Note that the throttle tube is also different for '70~'74. The difference is that the retaining groove is a few millimeters closer to the teeth starting in '81. Using a later tube with that throttle assembly will not work because the teeth will barely be engaged.

Current part numbers:

'70~'74 - 32 72 1 233 307 - with black knurled Magura grip

'75-on - 32 72 1 454 129 - with gray lengthwise ribbed grip, closed-end. Includes '91-on GS, K75 and some K100 models.

R100R/M, some K100/LT/RT - 32 72 1 451 732 - open end?

Examples