In a 1996 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the throttle cable is a crucial component that connects the throttle grip on the handlebar to the carburetor or throttle body, controlling the opening and closing of the throttle. The throttle cable is responsible for transmitting the rider's input to the engine, regulating the amount of fuel-air mixture entering the engine, and consequently, the engine's speed.
In Harley-Davidson motorcycles from that era, such as the 1996 models, the throttle cable consists of a housing and inner cable. The housing provides a protective casing for the inner cable, while the inner cable is the actual flexible wire that carries the mechanical force from the throttle grip to the throttle body.
It's worth mentioning that Harley-Davidson has transitioned to electronic throttle control (also known as "throttle-by-wire") in many of their newer models. However, in 1996 models and older ones, a mechanical throttle cable system is typically employed.
If you have a specific model of the 1996 Harley-Davidson and need more precise information about the throttle cable, it's recommended to consult the motorcycle's owner's manual or reach out to a Harley-Davidson dealership or authorized service center for accurate details on the specific throttle cable configuration for your model.