[ChopperCharles]

Has anyone else had problems with aftermarket speedometer cables? I bought a cheap one from Cycle Recycle II many months ago, and just had a chance to install it the other day. The cable lasted a whole 48 miles. It broke right at the sharp bend near the top end of the cable.

I just ordered a new inner part from JC Whitney, which was over double the cost of the original cable... hoping it lasts a bit longer...

Charles.

 

[knightslugger]

Snapping? No... falling loose, yes but not totally snapping off...

 

[ChopperCharles]

The inner cable broke off about 2" down from the speedometer. But this was aftermarket, not a Kawasaki brand cable. Was wondering if anyone else had the same experience... anyone using the JC Whitney cable I just bought? Hoping it lasts longer.

If all else fails, I have an outer cable from a ZX6, which is the same length but without the sharp kink. (The inner cable has a different end on it, or I'd have just swapped it over)

Charles.

 

[Guest]

Mine snapped about 4 inches from the bottem at the start of my 06 riding season. That was a stock cable though.

 

[bitzz]

There isn't alot that can go wrong with a speedo cable.
If it snapped after only 48 miles I would hazard a guess that the inner cable was too long or the jacket had no lube.

When you install the next one you might want to compare the length before you install it.
Also smear the thing with light grease.

If you can find a taxi meter shop in your home town, they can make you a cable cheap, that should be the correct length.

 

[ChopperCharles]

There was the graphite lube that came on the cable. Next cable I'll use 20w40 motor oil, like I've been doing for years. (Every time except this time...)

I did notice that I had my speedo drive unit mounted incorrectly - it was not in the notch, so it was pulling the cable down further than it should have been.... but that shouldn't have caused the cable to break at the top I don't think.

Anyhow, I repositioned the speedo drive in the correct place and I'll install the new cable inner as soon as it arrives and then put 300 miles on the bike and let you know what happens.

Charles.