Throttle cable issues

[PandaNin]

This is my first post with a problem, that's how rock solid this bike has been since 05.

But now I have a problem.

I noticed the throttle was getting a lot of play in it before it engaged and I also noticed that when I let go of the throttle it's not returning to a closed position on it's own. Only if I rotate it closed.

I pulled the tank up and checked the throttle cables. The top cable (the one that closes the throttle) had almost an inch of play in it! The bottom cable is so tight it's not even funny. Now that I'm paying attention I do notice that the throttle is harder to twist than it should be.

I adjusted the top cable out to the locktite on the bold and that took up the slack but it's still not returning to closed throttle when I release.

Do I just need two new cables?
What caused it? normal wear/tear?
Are they hard to replace?

Thanks in advance

[Mr Brown]

They may have gotten gummed up. Grime and such can get in there and cause the throttle action to get stiff. It happens. Replace them. Not hard to do, can be a pita to adjust though.