Speedo cable only works when it's warm??

Han Solo 1 · February 5th, 2014, 04:16 PM

Last summer I noticed my speedo cable came loose from where it connects to the head/speedometer panel. I just screwed it back in and all was well, for a while.

Now I notice that on cold days, it won't work at all. The odometer and tach work just fine, but the speed doesn't. If it's a warm day, however, (60's or above), it will start working again and give me the speed. Usually it doesn't work in the morning (cold), but in the afternoon it does (warm).

What gives?

Also, is it okay to put locktite on the speedo cable to keep it in?

Motofool · February 5th, 2014, 07:28 PM

If the odometer is working, the cable is transmitting the rotation, as intended.

The speedometer works on electrical induction, which is not a solid linkage.
Being that way, it may not be able to overcome the viscosity of any grease in the mechanism.

Proper torque should be enough to keep that nut in place; I wouldn't use Loctite.

mgentz · February 6th, 2014, 06:03 AM

no loctite

Han Solo 1 · February 6th, 2014, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

The speedometer works on electrical induction, which is not a solid linkage.
Being that way, it may not be able to overcome the viscosity of any grease in the mechanism.

So should I not lube the cable where it connects?

DaBlue1 · February 6th, 2014, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

...The speedometer works on electrical induction, which is not a solid linkage.

Don't you mean the tach?

DaBlue1 · February 6th, 2014, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

So should I not lube the cable where it connects?

Pull out the inner cable and inspect it. Then lube it to see if it fixes the problem. If it does not, the issue may be the speedo gauge gearing itself.

Han Solo 1 · February 6th, 2014, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Pull out the inner cable and inspect it. Then lube it to see if it fixes the problem. If it does not, the issue may be the speedo gauge gearing itself.

Got it, thanks!

Motofool · February 6th, 2014, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Han Solo 1

So should I not lube the cable where it connects?

Yes, lube everywhere you can reach.
I was talking about the factory grease that goes inside the mechanism, where you cannot reach.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Don't you mean the tach?

No, I did mean the speedometer.

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/how-...ter-works.html

February 5th, 2014, 04:16 PM	#1
Han Solo 1 ninjette.org guru Name: Han Solo Location: Albuquerque Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): Had a 2008 Ninja 250, til some low-life stole it. Now riding a 2013 red cbr250. Posts: 274	Speedo cable only works when it's warm?? Last summer I noticed my speedo cable came loose from where it connects to the head/speedometer panel. I just screwed it back in and all was well, for a while. Now I notice that on cold days, it won't work at all. The odometer and tach work just fine, but the speed doesn't. If it's a warm day, however, (60's or above), it will start working again and give me the speed. Usually it doesn't work in the morning (cold), but in the afternoon it does (warm). What gives? Also, is it okay to put locktite on the speedo cable to keep it in?

February 5th, 2014, 07:28 PM	#2
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	If the odometer is working, the cable is transmitting the rotation, as intended. The speedometer works on electrical induction, which is not a solid linkage. Being that way, it may not be able to overcome the viscosity of any grease in the mechanism. Proper torque should be enough to keep that nut in place; I wouldn't use Loctite. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

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February 6th, 2014, 06:03 AM	#3
mgentz Board Member Name: ... Location: WI Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 250R (street), 250R (dirt) Posts: A lot.	no loctite