In 1996, Harley-Davidson motorcycles typically used a carburetor system, which means they employed a mechanical throttle cable to control the engine's throttle. The throttle cable connects the throttle grip on the handlebar to the carburetor, allowing the rider to adjust the engine's speed by twisting the grip.
The throttle cable consists of an inner cable housed within an outer sheath. When the rider twists the throttle grip, it pulls or releases the inner cable, which, in turn, controls the opening and closing of the carburetor throttle valve. This controls the amount of air and fuel mixture entering the engine, regulating the engine speed.
It's worth noting that newer Harley-Davidson models, particularly those manufactured after 2007, have transitioned to electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems, which use electronic sensors and actuators instead of mechanical throttle cables. However, for a 1996 Harley-Davidson model, it would typically utilize a mechanical throttle cable.