Troubleshooting 1978 GL 1000 speedometer

[ELC]

Hi, I have a 1978 GL 1000. While driving I noticed that the speedometer's speed would drop, then pick back up. Finally it quit working all together. I disconnected the cable from the speedometer and wrapped some blue tape around the interior cable to see if it would spin while driving, nothing. The front tire was replaced about 2,000 miles prior to the speedometer dying. Any suggestions for troubleshooting? Also what torque should be applied to the axle holder nuts when reinstalling the wheel. Any help would be appreciated.

Ted

[SnoBrdr]

Hi, I have a 1978 GL 1000. While driving I noticed that the speedometer's speed would drop, then pick back up. Finally it quit working all together. I disconnected the cable from the speedometer and wrapped some blue tape around the interior cable to see if it would spin while driving, nothing. The front tire was replaced about 2,000 miles prior to the speedometer dying. Any suggestions for troubleshooting? Also what torque should be applied to the axle holder nuts when reinstalling the wheel. Any help would be appreciated.

Ted

Did the cable break ?

It could be broken at the wheel end.

I never torque mine.

I put them on then do across pattern and tighten a little at a time.

I repeat until they are tight. I also recheck after ride and do it periodically.

But I often check things as these bikes vibrate.

[ELC]

Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping it's the cable because getting a replacement speedometer gear box is going to be rather difficult. To access the set screw on the gear box will probably require removing the front wheel because it is really tight between the screw and the fork (0.6").

[SnoBrdr]

Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping it's the cable because getting a replacement speedometer gear box is going to be rather difficult. To access the set screw on the gear box will probably require removing the front wheel because it is really tight between the screw and the fork (0.6").

You shouldn't have to remove the wheel to remove the screw on the gear.

Unless the last person installed it improperly, it should be easy to get to the screw.

Never seen that gear go bad but I have seen them for sale on EBAY.

Be advised that the screw is NOT a regular Phillips head and is a JIS screw. Hopefully you have the screwdriver that came in the tool kit.

You can use a Phillips but you have to be careful that you don't strip out the head.

[ELC]

Thanks folks, I pulled the speedometer cable off the gear box and the cable was broken off there. Ordered a new part, so life is good. Thanks for the prompt and accurate replies.