Speedo no go

[MrFox]

Hello:

I have a non-working speedometer on an '85.  It worked last week, I parked it for a few days and now it doesn't.

I pulled the cable and cleaned and lubed with no luck.  The cable is tightly screwed in at both ends.  Per my searching on the forum, I found using a drill to test for function.  I did and the needle didn't move.

If I hand turn the cable at the tire end, I can hear it ticking at the dash.  It wasn't making any death / dying noises previously.

Any ideas?  Thanks!

[FJmonkey]

Hello:

I have a non-working speedometer on an '85.  It worked last week, I parked it for a few days and now it doesn't.

I pulled the cable and cleaned and lubed with no luck.  The cable is tightly screwed in at both ends.  Per my searching on the forum, I found using a drill to test for function.  I did and the needle didn't move.

If I hand turn the cable at the tire end, I can hear it ticking at the dash.  It wasn't making any death / dying noises previously.

Any ideas?  Thanks!

When testing with a drill make sure you run the drill in both directions. I tested mine once and thought it failed. Then I saw the odometer going backwards, switched direction and it came to life. I also know that with some minor modification an 85 speedo can fit an 86. If you need a new one then you might get an 86/87 to fit your 84/85. There are some shops that can repair them but you will need send out many emails to find them. I lost my notes when I found two shops that repair our older Jap speedos. Still kicking myself for loosing it.

[ninjamuder]

i know it might be a ways from you, but ........

Creative Audio
   
702 Towson Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 782-0336

these guys have fixed quite a few speedos for me over the years....usuallytakes a few days for turnaround, and in most cases, for under 40 bux.......ask for scott

[JMR]

i know it might be a ways from you, but ........

Creative Audio
   
702 Towson Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
(479) 782-0336

these guys have fixed quite a few speedos for me over the years....usuallytakes a few days for turnaround, and in most cases, for under 40 bux.......ask for scott

Do these folks do other makes...in particular a 1979 CBX tach and speedo? Thanks!
  Mike

[ninjamuder]

they do almost anything ......only time i ever had em tell me " nope" was on something that had crash damage......

[JMR]

they do almost anything ......only time i ever had em tell me " nope" was on something that had crash damage......

Perfect...thanks again!

[MrFox]

Is it possible that the ends of the cable have become too rounded off to engage and turn?  There's a clear difference between the tip and further up the squared off part. 

Or, is that normal and am I in denial about tearing into the dash so it can pass inspection?

[FeralJuggernaut]

Think you can find a replacement cable for about $12-15 and it is usually 'off the shelf' kind of item in my travels.  That said, to pass inspection, does it have to be the OEM speedo?   I've played the speedo game on my '84  (ok, higher mileage) and ended up going with a digital bike cyclometer.    If you are turning the cable, and the speedo doesnt move, but the trip ticker does, I know the answer and you dont want to hear it.         A GPS will give you speed an mileage info, would that satifiy the inspectors?

[Marsh White]

  A GPS will give you speed an mileage info, would that satifiy the inspectors?

I do know that in the state of California that a speedometer is NOT required on motorcycles - but you MUST have an odometer.  Not much help I know, but I thought I'd throw that bit of info out there.

[craigo]

http://www.davelaw.com/motorcycle-laws/california-motorcycle-law.html

This link is to a website called Dave's Law.  It goes over in brief what laws affect motorcycles in California.  He seems to feel that speedo and odometers are not required on a motorcycle.

Hope this helps,

CraigO

[MrFox]

I did some digging into PA's motorcycle inspection laws and a working speedometer is required. 

Might have to find a shop of ill repute...

[FJmonkey]

MrFox, one more thing.....When you spin the speedo cable with a drill, does the Odometer advance? If it does then the cable is engaging and your speedo is knackered. If the ODO does not spin then your cable is knackered. The ODO is independent of the speedo operation. Lets hope it is the cable....