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General Category => Maintenance => Topic started by: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 06:10:44 PM

Title: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 06:10:44 PM
New FJ1200 owner here. Have been reading the forums for a while. Last Summer I found a totally stock 86 FJ1200 in pretty nice shape. 1986 is when I graduated from college and Yami came out with the 1200, I fell in love but was dead broke.

Anyhow, I was reading about the dreaded speedo howl and would like to know if the speedo will howl at all speeds or just certain speeds. I have a strange howl or noise between 3500 rpm to about 4500 rpm. I beginning to think it is just vibration but would like to rule out the speedo. If it is the speedo I would like to try something preventive before it gets worst. Also, how do you hear a speedo howl? I wear a helmet and would think it would be difficult to hear a speedo howl.
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: Joe Sull on February 28, 2014, 06:42:31 PM
I think it need to be defibrillated :shok:

Welcome!
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: Pat Conlon on February 28, 2014, 06:49:55 PM
Yes, it starts intermittently, then gets worse.

Disconnect the speedo cable at the front wheel. Pull the inner cable out. Coil it and put in a Baggie. Clean your fingers. Reconnect the outer cable.

Go for a ride.

Notice: Did the howl go away?    Yes? Then It's the speedo...... No? Then It's something else.

Check the Maintence Files. There is a post about the Death Howl and a shop in San Diego that fixes them.

Welcome to the campfire. What's your name?  Do you fly?  Cheers Pat
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: FJmonkey on February 28, 2014, 08:32:25 PM
Welcome fellow 86' owner.  :drinks:
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: movenon on February 28, 2014, 09:23:14 PM
Welcome aboard ! What part of the world are you in ? 
George
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 09:51:37 PM
Thanks all. Yes I do fly, planes and motorcycles have been a consistent passion in my life. Currently residing in Idaho.

Good one on the "defibrillation"! But I don't think the FJ develops enough jewels for an adequate depolarization.

Good suggestion on removing the inner cable and yes I did see the recent thread on the speedo, hence my question as I learn about this bike. I also saw the fix it from Randy so might try that also.

Cheers,
Dan
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: movenon on February 28, 2014, 10:17:16 PM
Quote from: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 09:51:37 PM
Thanks all. Yes I do fly, planes and motorcycles have been a consistent passion in my life. Currently residing in Idaho.

Good one on the "defibrillation"! But I don't think the FJ develops enough jewels for an adequate depolarization.

Good suggestion on removing the inner cable and yes I did see the recent thread on the speedo, hence my question as I learn about this bike. I also saw the fix it from Randy so might try that also.

Cheers,
Dan

OK Dan, There are 3 FJ riders here in Meridian, Boise area.  Good to have another Idaho member.  One more and we will have half the population  :rofl: :rofl:
George
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: red on February 28, 2014, 10:23:05 PM
Quote from: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 09:51:37 PMThanks all.  Yes I do fly, planes and motorcycles
Good suggestion on removing the inner cable and yes I did see the recent thread on the speedo, hence my question as I learn about this bike. I also saw the fix it from Randy so might try that also.  Cheers,
Dan
Dan,

Welcome to the fray.  I fly too.  Find yourself a wingman, and dive in.    :biggrin:   
This worked for me:
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10874.msg106517#msg106517 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10874.msg106517#msg106517)

Cheers,
Red
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: Aeroaddict on March 01, 2014, 08:16:59 AM
Oops, yup that was the fix I saw, thanks Red, thought it was Randy.
Title: Re: Speedo howl or just plan vibration?
Post by: Aeroaddict on March 01, 2014, 05:57:20 PM
Well I went for a ride without the speedo cable before the rain set in. No howl/vibration (other than normal). Re-installed and rode again, howl/vibration returned. The original speedo cable and housing were not in the best of shape so I ordered a new one. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will just be the cable. When it warms up, I'll start the maintenance that Red suggested.