guages.

[Kev]

Hey guys,

So my speedo went out a couple weeks ago and my tach has been winding a bit. The other day I was on the interstate and the tach just cut out. When I stopped I took a look at the tach cable and I could see that the metal sleeve where the connector goes into the back of the guage had been sheered apart and the metal spinning stick inside the wire was bent but still moving. I know very little about gauges and I was wondering what advice you guys could offer. Not really sure where to start fixing these things. The speedo cable appears to be fine. It just stopped working.

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

[Mith]

Sounds like it's probably time to replace both cables.

[Kev]

Ok. Do you think the cables could be all that is wrong (ie have you seen this happen before)? I know there are supposed to be bearings or something in the gauge behind the face. Also, a buddy with a harley said he lubes his cables with some kind of grease. Is this something I should be doing?
Thanks,
Kevin

[Mith]

From my own experience, I have had several problems with the original cable that were on my bike. In troubleshooting the speedo I found that when I disconnected the cable at both ends it was free to turn. When I had it connected the gauge didn't work. Once I replaced the cable everything was fine. I then took the cable apart and found that the cable had worn a groove in the teflon sleeve. Replacing was the answer.

On my tach problem it was intermittant. When I disconnected it from the gauges it spun nicely. When connected it sometimes didn't work. The cable had broke inside so sometimes it worked.

The original cables on these bikes are around 30 years old. If they are original it's time to replace them. They are one of the least expensive maintenance items to do. New cables turn with much less resistance then the original ones. I wish I had replaced mine sooner rather than messing around greasing them.

[waterman]

Replace cable with a Factory OEM suzuki cable. They only cost a buck or two more than aftermarket and are much better quality.

[Kev]

Awesome guys. Thanks. I'll give it a try. Do you know if the suzuki dealerships carry cable that will fit? If not, I know a guy out near the dragon who has a cycle junkyard and he pulls and organizes/refurbishes good suzuki parts. Might be a good excuse to pay him a visit.

[Nessism]

Awesome guys. Thanks. I'll give it a try. Do you know if the suzuki dealerships carry cable that will fit? If not, I know a guy out near the dragon who has a cycle junkyard and he pulls and organizes/refurbishes good suzuki parts. Might be a good excuse to pay him a visit.

Very few dealers stock parts like this. If you want the part they can order from Suzuki and then you have to wait until it's shipped in from the warehouse.

[Mith]

I don't really see a point in replacing a 30 year old cable with a 30 year old cable from a salvage yard. Ordering the cables from a Suzuki dealer is the way to go.

[Kev]

See, I agree with you. And that's why I asked if they could be bought from the dealership. It was late when I asked and I couldn't call. The salvage yard is kind of a last resort, but if it worked then I would have a 30 year old cable that works instead of a 30 year old cable that is broken. I'm calling the Zuki dealer today to see if they can order one (as I too seriously doubt that they stock them).
Thanks Guys.

[Nessism]

See, I agree with you. And that's why I asked if they could be bought from the dealership. It was late when I asked and I couldn't call. The salvage yard is kind of a last resort, but if it worked then I would have a 30 year old cable that works instead of a 30 year old cable that is broken. I'm calling the Zuki dealer today to see if they can order one (as I too seriously doubt that they stock them).
Thanks Guys.

There are also dozens of on-line Suzuki parts sellers. Try googling "suzuki motorcycle parts", or search the archives here for LOTS of suggestions. Old motorcycles need maintenance so these cables are just beginning of the parts you need if you plan on keeping your bike in working order.

[Kev]

cool. I appreciate the help. I got the cables on order from the stealership. 22 bucks a piece. Oh well. lol. Just want to get the old girl back on the road. She's been so good to me so far.