Yes, you can cut it to length, at the carb.  There is a shortening kit that is essentially a clamp on end that has set screws that hold the cable.  Some think it may not even be necessary.  I’d still recommend using one, however, because that prevents the cable from flexing/bending at the carb attachment point, and eventually breaking there… using one makes the cable travel in a straight pull, without flexing…

While you’re there, make sure that you have a metal tube for the cable to run through, that inserts into the fan shroud.  Those are sometimes missing, and the cable then rubs the shroud and breaks or binds after it has worn a groove…