Starting out for a ride I killed the motor because the clutch was dragging. Started to adjust the clutch cable and noticed the wire was frayed where inter the lever. I am wondering what caused it to fray.

 

Not lubing it on a regular basis.

 

And the barrel may have stuck, causing the cable to bend back and forth, eventually breaking strands. Lube the lever area and barrel of the cable as well as the cable itself.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think the barrel was stuck. I am going to replace the cable.

 

Actually the barrel has broken off and is stuck in the holder!

 

So now you know why. When you install a new cable clean the lever or replace it, oil up the pocket. Chain lube or grease would work well. Something that will stay, not some light oil.

 

I have ordered a new holder, barrel and lock nut. I will lube with white lithium grease or maybe silicone brake grease. Thanks for the advice!
Any other tricks for installing the new cable? The service manual is not very helpful.

 

If the cable that's on it now seems to be routed properly, duplicate that with the new one.