The "old" XT brake cable and housing.

[Tootyred]

Motorbike parts...try venhill. I use a ferrule to make the smaller ends bigger, so the slimmer new cables don't flap in the levers etc.

Or go for bigger cable sets

 

[Spankyfart]

Yeah I'm going to mail a big scooter/motor parts internet shop tommorow.
I used to buy parts for my Zoomers there, they know things.
I'm fairly sure the outers for scooter/motor brakes are 6mm/2mm or close to that.

edit: lol @ they know things.
What I meant if you have a question they most likely have the answer right away.
Knowledgeable, that was the word I should have used.

 

[fettler]

BOWDEN CONTROL CABLE 2MM OD INNER 6MM PVC COVERED OUTER CHROME ENDS 1.5MTR SET | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for BOWDEN CONTROL CABLE 2MM OD INNER 6MM PVC COVERED OUTER CHROME ENDS 1.5MTR SET at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I've used these before, and Venhill also.

 

[gtturbo]

Here's another option for you..

For Sale - 1980s Early Over Size Pair Of Stainless Brake Cables & Outers New

Here is a nice pair bikes worth of 1980s stainless steel inner cables including outers Diameters 2.0mm x 6.0mm x 7x7 braided stainless cables condition New comes as a pair full bikes worth 2 inner stainless cables & 2 outer cables £12 each set posted in the uk overseas extra

www.retrobike.co.uk

 

[Spankyfart]

I'm finding some stuff, hadn't yet emailed anyone but it seems they did use cables from old scooters/race bikes.
Now 20 meters might be a tad much but it's still cheaper then getting it outside of the EU.

Then again I do have 3 Koga's from 91 which all take them.

Rem / gas kabel 6mm x 20m

Rem / gas kabel 6mm x 20m

ferrysmitracing.nl

 

[Rsylv]

I have 2 bikes I need cables for, these are 6MM housing and 2mm innards.
What are my options apart from finding them NOS on fleebay and paying 1 million dollars..
Ideally I'd like the XT / Shimano labelled ones but I assume these came in different brands seeing the 80's all had these kind of cables on bikes?

Anyone replaced their cables and what did you end up using?
I can re-use the cables themselves if I keep the flatbar, are motorcycle housings around the same diameter when I can't find anything else?

 

[dan28]

motorcycle outters are bigger i think they dont have as much flex in them either
what jagwire or fibrax do they have any

 

[elite504]

Shimano Deore XT SLR 2.0 mm brake cable set • https://www.bicyclist.cc

Original Shimano made Deore XT SLR brake cable set with 6.0 mm outer cable and 2.0 mm inner cables for late 80s/early 90s MTBS.

bicyclist.cc

 

[Spankyfart]

Found 10M cable, in a fairly random way.
Enough for a lifetime.