Yes it can, but it is not recomended. There is a spring in the carb or throttle body (depends on the year of your bike) that will return the bike to idle. BUT if there is a Kink in the throttle cable or any other control problem, this spring will not be strong enough to slow the engine down. If Harley Davidson did not think the return or idle cable was necessary, they would have saved the money and not installed it. I would only recomend this operation in a emergency situation, such as a breakdown on the road. Keep your bike and yourself safe and make a proper repair. Don's Motorcycle Repair Ride Safe
To adjust the cable just go 1/2 way down the clutch cable and pull the rubber over the adjuster. loosten the lock nut and adjust the cable so there is about 1/8" free play at the handle.
Take it to an experinced mechanic and do not pass go!
the speed cable hung up and no break lightsand turn signals
It sounds to me like the clutch adjustment isn't correct. If the cable is too tight, it will cause the bearing to spin continuosly causing it to wear out prematurely.
You can add transmission fluid, to your 1985 Harley-Davidson, through the transmission fluid. Check opening. A funnel will help to get the fluid in without spilling.
If you don't have a speedo cable on your front wheel, you have a speedo sensor. I believe that change was made in 2000.
You must disconnect the battery cable for a short time. Don't for get you must double click the the alarm button to turn off alarm, once turned on.
Need to figure out exactly what's wrong with it first. Maybe it needs to be replaced, or maybe it's just in need of a new speedometer cable.
You should buy a manual for that information.
Which motorcycle?
Try checking the gorund cable at the opposite end from the battery. I had one come loose on my sporty and it would not start but the lights would come on.
First remove primary chain cover then remove 3 inch stud holding starter pinoin on,(has lock tab,7/16 spanner) then remove positive battery cable & solinoid wire from starter, then remove the 2 mounting studs & it should come straight out, I fitted new solinoid contacts to mine today, 18/ July/ 08, good luck, HB, Australia