Optimistic Speedo Cable

[Decor58]

I fitted a new speedo cable on friday and I can't help but think it's rather optimistic in it's speeds.

When going down the M1 in the second lane where most people are going 70mph given the amount of traffic, time of day and the fact there are loads of camera signs (but no cameras anymore?) my speedo said I was doing 80-90mph.

I very naughtily took it to max speed and it came up with 104 but I know the bike is limited to 100 and it previously struggled to get to that, it normally got to 90-95.

So my question is this, is there a cheap/simple way to calibrate/adjust it to give more realistic speeds?

Also it tends to flicker which I think just means it need tightening a bit.

[Guest]

is it the right way round?

[Lumor_uk]

You got the right speedo cable for the year of your bike. Is it an after market one? Most accurate way is a GPS device on a level road.

[Straw Walker]

Could be a little oil or grease has found its way into the speedo head.

[Decor58]

It's definitely the right cable and it will only go on one way lol

There was some grease on the old one when I took it off, assumed it was supposed to be there, so will take the new one off and clean what grease I can away.

Thanks guys

[Guest Hodgy]

If it's a mechanical speedo, with a cable running from the front wheel to the speedo, then the cable can't alter the speed displayed as it's only transmitting the number of turns of the front wheel to the speedo. Perhaps your old cable was tight and not turning as freely as it should?

The flickering of the speedo is usually caused by the cable going through too tight a turn somewhere, make sure it's routed as straight as possible without any sharp bends or kinks.

Hope you get it sorted

[Grumpy Old Git]

The mechanical speedo cable cannot revolve too quickly (giving a higher speed indication) - More likely is the old one was binding (stiff).

Check with a GPS.

End should be lightly greased - stops corrosion.

[Decor58]

In that case I don't like my new one lol want the old one back! Unfortunately it was completely worn through and rusting lol

Ah well, I've just cleaned some of the grease out, only put it in last week, and was covered. Shall see if that makes a difference.

Thanks guys!