Ongoing speedometer issues, stuck odometer, jumpy needle

[Guest]

I've been poking around for a while on here and can't find anything that sounds like this problem, so I'm posting in hopes someone knows something.

My speedometer unit has been acting up recently, compounded by cable breakages. Here's the series of events:

-When I bought the bike, odometer (trip meter broken) and speedometer worked, although the speedo would register ~10 mph faster than actual speed.

-Got a tire change 10,000 miles later, mechanic tweaked the axle and broke my speedometer cable. Replaced with working cable (used). Everything almost back to normal, but speedo needle would bounce a bit

-Speedometer drive seized internally. Replaced that, everything as it was.

-Cable broke at connection point to speedo drive. I am on the road, and the closest thing I could find was a cable for an '80 gs1000, which seems to be the right length and fit ok. When I installed it my needle jumped madly and was sluggish, my odometer seemed to get stuck a lot. I removed and reinstalled, and while the needle still functions (sluggish and jumpy) the odometer won't budge. The cable spins just fine within the housing it seems..

Do you think this most recent issue is cable related, or could my speedometer unit have failed on me finally?

[Nessism]

I'd replace the cable with a new OEM cable but it sounds like your speedo is failing. Both the 850G and 1100G shared the same speedo so keep that in mind when searching if it comes to that.

[klylor10]

Alright, I'll just go without until I can make it home to order a new cable. Thanks.

[jdvorchak]

Jumpy speedo is usually an indication of lack of cable lube or cable and sheath are both dirty and need to be cleaned and lubed. Best bet is a new OEM cable.