Speedo howl or just plan vibration?

[Aeroaddict]

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.

[Joe Sull]

I think it need to be defibrillated

Welcome!

[Pat Conlon]

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

[FJmonkey]

Welcome fellow 86' owner. 

[movenon]

Welcome aboard ! What part of the world are you in ? 
George

[Aeroaddict]

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

[movenon]

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 
George

[red]

Thanks 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.       
This worked for me:
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10874.msg106517#msg106517

Cheers,
Red

[Aeroaddict]

Oops, yup that was the fix I saw, thanks Red, thought it was Randy.

[Aeroaddict]

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.