Ignition, Throttle, Speedo issues

[Ingah]

My trusty CB500 is starting to prove itself a little bit of a pain (moreso than i would expect of a Honda bike, even though it's probably all down to its age, and rider neglect!)

Am just fishing for ideas on these points:

1) The ignition barrel is playing up - i.e. when the key moves even slightly to one side or the other, it decides to cut off the power as though i've removed the key (can be a significant annoyance when getting going, due to the engine repeatedly cutting out as a result of the engine vibrating the key around). The problem appears to be getting more frequent, and i was wondering what the best solution would be - probably replacing the barrel at a guess (have tried squirting with WD40)

2) The bike fell over a week ago when i left it unattended outside my house on the uneven surface (yes, i won't be making that mistake again). I believe this has knackered my speedo as after that i've found that from 20mph+, it gets increasingly less accurate as my speed goes up, but the speedo doesn't (i.e. i pretty confident i'm doing ~40mph, and it's reading 30mph and worse: i think i'm doing 70-80mph, and it's reading 40mph!). Any suggestions bar replacing the entire unit (as that would be costly)?

3) Again since it fell over, the throttle cable now 'sticks' where i leave it (doesn't snap back). My haynes manual recommends that the cable needs lubricating, but due to the fall over would this actually fix the problem.

This is adding to a fair list of what i've had to and am having to fix. I'm thinking that by the time i'm finished most of the bike will actually be almost new

[Pete]

Not sure about the ignition barrel as I don't know much about them - I'd just go for a new one (after waiting to hear what other wiser sages say on here first).

As for the speedo check the connection to the front sprocket (if that's where it is). The speedo on my GSX600F gets the speed reading from the front sprocket and if the connection were loose (i.e. after a fall ) it could be knocked out of kilter.

For the throttle cable I'd take the fairings off (on my bike anyway!) and check the throttle cable location under the tank. It could be that it's just been knocked and wedged under something so when you move the cable it gets grabbed along the line somewhere. I doubt it's anything to worry about, just get it seen to soon

[Anthony]

throttle cable on my bandit stuck if the wheel was turned either way and the throttle pulled, try findign where it sticks then give the cable a "mechanics wiggle"

dunno bout speedo, check everything is its its proper place and no cables are snagged

and key, talk to honda:)

[Guest]

first throttle, did it fall on this side?

if so check that it isn't fouling with the bar end, or the end of the bars, then could have been bent so they touch the throttle, restricting its movement

Ignition, undo clean and replace the electrical connector..

speedo.. i would check the cable, replace if necessary, its cheaper than a complete speedo housing, how do you know it is out of sync.. its it fluctuating, have you enlisted a mate to drive at the speed limit, so you can compare yours to his/hers... obviously when safe to do so....

[Ingah]

The speedo cable connects to the front wheel so i think that's where it's being measured. When it's not pissing it down (the bike is outside at the moment), i'll check that it's connected properly.

I'll check the entire length of the throttle cable for snags (duh, why didn't i think of that straight away...), and give it that there "mechanic's wiggle"

It fell on the throttle side. I've already checked and it didn't seem to be fouling on the bar end, but i'll check more closely later.

Cheers for that re. the ignition, i'll have a go when the weather's nice .

Only had the speedo cable replaced less than 1K miles ago, but i'll check it first as i fully agree it's a cheaper fix. The way i know it's out is that i went down an NSL road i know well to test it, and from the speed i'm sure i went up to at least 70mph, probably 80. And yet the speedo would not go above 40. And i've yet to see it do so since it's little tumble. Also i can accelerate when it's reading 30, and it doesn't actually move at all until i go much much faster (it did before).

[Guest]

with your throttle, move it in slightly on the bars and see if it returns to stop, if it does its a bar end issue, if not its a cable issue..

could be your speedo has been "jarred" by the fall, you could try banging whilst in motion, see if that frees up the mechanism, be very careful though, wouldn't want you to fall off.. (works for my TV)

[Ingah]

My bad re. the throttle, misunderstood the way the bar ends / throttle fits together! I took all the bits off the bike trying to disconnect and lubricate the cable, but got stuck as it seemed i needed to remove the carbs to get to the nipple on the end, so i gave up.

I took the thing to a mechanic, and he just loosened the bar ends off (30 second job), and now i've got a throttle that snaps back even easier than before!

Have tried disconnecting and reconnecting the speedo cable - no joy (it died completely a few days ago, so my miles aren't clocking up, and neither does the speed). Might be looking at some new clocks soon...

Also got the geezer to check the ignition barrel (AKA ignition switch, apparently), and he reckons it's totally stuffed - so i'm looking for a used one.

To top it all off, i dropped the thing (well it sort of bounced out my hands) wheeling it out of my garage this morning, and put a hole in a side panel, after it landed on a well-placed random brick... Grrr...

[Ingah]

Just an update in case anyone was wondering:

1) Ignition barrel has been fitted (Honda pattern part, £35 new) and so that problem is well and truly solved.

2) It is the speedo drive in the front wheel hub that is knackered, so i am currently keeping an eye on eBay for a second hand replacement as Honda want £60 for a "genuine Honda" replacement (!)

3) As previously explained, bar end needed adjusting in light of the bike's fall.

So that's that lot nearly sorted. Of course, i have a new problem to contend with now http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24990

As well as my front brake hose needing replacement too (it's flexing a little, and making the brake a bit spongy).

Not having a good time with this, am i?

[Guest]

Just an update in case anyone was wondering:

1) Ignition barrel has been fitted (Honda pattern part, £35 new) and so that problem is well and truly solved.

2) It is the speedo drive in the front wheel hub that is knackered, so i am currently keeping an eye on eBay for a second hand replacement as Honda want £60 for a "genuine Honda" replacement (!)

3) As previously explained, bar end needed adjusting in light of the bike's fall.

So that's that lot nearly sorted. Of course, i have a new problem to contend with now http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=24990

As well as my front brake hose needing replacement too (it's flexing a little, and making the brake a bit spongy).

Not having a good time with this, am i?

 

brake hose, look out for a braided set, have them on mine, and every bike i;ve had..