speedometer/odometer failure ... how to troubleshoot?

[radlam]

Both my speedometer and odometer failed last weekend when I was out riding.

Stopped the bike to take a break from riding, got back on the bike and started out again.

There was a whining sound coming from down by the front wheel.

I was about 15 miles from home, so I just kept riding.

Pulled the speedometer cable, it seemed intact, so I relubed it with some motor oil and reinstalled.

It did not fix the issue, so I ordered a new Pro Motion aftermarket cable and that did not work either.

In the Haynes manual on page 7-13, there looks to be a speedometer drive gear assembly in the front wheel.

Based on the symptoms described above, what should be the next course of action to fix the problem?

[Blaine]

Unhook cable down at wheel & use a power drill to rotate it to see if speedo works.Than you will know it the drive in front wheel is the problem.

[radlam]

I followed your suggestion.

The speedometer is working with the drill running counter clockwise to about 40mph.

I also put the bike up on the center stand and turned the front wheel, but the speedometer cable did not rotate.

So I know what is wrong.

I need to find a new speedometer drive gear assembly somewhere.

I hope there is not any further damage to the front wheel from running the bike another 15 miles after the speedometer failed.


Thank you for your assistance.

[Blaine]

Nov 3, 2014 13:40:56 GMT -6 radlam said:

I followed your suggestion.

The speedometer is working with the drill running counter clockwise to about 40mph.

I also put the bike up on the center stand and turned the front wheel, but the speedometer cable did not rotate.

So I know what is wrong.

I need to find a new speedometer drive gear assembly somewhere.

I hope there is not any further damage to the front wheel from running the bike another 15 miles after the speedometer failed.


Thank you for your assistance.

Glad to help.I can't imagine riding it will do any more damage than already done.

[radlam]

I took my bike to a shop that does work on older Kawasaki motorcycles.

They found a small gear, probably a pinion, has stripped out in the speedometer drive gear assembly.

My diagnosis was correct. No other front wheel damage was found.

Fortunately, they had used parts to make the repair, so I saved money.

I also had worn rear brake shoes and a defective front brake light switch, so that will be repaired as well.

The $$$ per diem for the repairs was modest, so I am happy with the outcome.