Ever break a speedometer cable?

[Notorious]

Apparently I did, somewhere in the 1/4 mile between the gas station and home. It was working fine on the way home from work. I stopped and got gas, rode home and this morning the speedo didn't work. The only thing I did different was instead of laying the gas cap on the floorboard like I usually do, I laid it up on the triple tree next to the speedo as I was filling the tank. I can't imagine that would have anything to do with it. I pulled the cable from the speedo end and I can roll the cable with my fingers. That's bad, right? I ordered a new cable from the dealer for $22.60.

[SHADOW 1100T]

Check the 2 flanges on the drive unit, if there not lined up right they will get smashed flat or close to it, trouble is you have to pull the front wheel to do it. if they are flattend the speed O will still work,,,for a while. you can look at the cabel and tell if it's broken which I doubt because they will let yo know there on there way out with a bounceing needle, another possiablity is that the nut on the speed o wasn't tight and worked it way down and the cable just didn't have enough cable in the speedO to drive it.

[mpenner]

Yes I have. I went for a ride on New's Year Day this year. The speedo was working when I left and not working half-way through the ride. I pulled the cable off and the inner part of the cable was broken in half.

I ordered a new from the local dealer and when it came it was about a half inch too short. We tried a different part number and it was correct.

A little Lubri-plate and the new inner cable, re-installed and all was good.

[Cbjr]

Gease the cable once in awhile.......best preventative. I use a schmeer of white lithium every year or two. Should last forever.

[simpleman77]

Parked my bike one night in my garage, speedo working, backed it out in the morning and the cable had broken. Don't take it personal, it just happens.

[blonoacedmc]

i got a question if you pull the cable from the speedo head will the gear fall out in the wheel or are you safe ?? i know its a dum question but its been a long time since i monkied with one

[pigpen]

Ive broke 2. One I thought I was greasing it. After I reassembled and went for a quick ride, it broke less than 1/4 mile later. Turns out it was industrial DEgreaser, worked really well. Other time my speedo locked up on my 76 CB 750, sheared the speedo cable like a twig.

As far as your other question, if you take the cable out it shouldnt cause a problem. I usually take the guts out of the cable and re-install the cable outer housing just to stay on the safe side

[salt17]

Not to be a smart ass but everything works right before it doesn't. No the gas cap didnt do it .. and like what was said above chances are it was bouncing before it went out. I have never seen one go completly from working 100% to nothing just like that, with no problems. Inspect the cable carefully!! But 22 bucks is a cheap lesson regardless.

[Inferno]

I figure this is just as good a thread as any to ask this.

Will the ATP YC-100 inner speedometer cable work in an 86 VT1100?

Are all the cables for Honda Shadows the same size?