how to change speedometer cable on 1979 yamaha xs 1100 special motorcycle

[dolphans1]

"Usually" neither one fails. The speedo drive is driven by the rotation of the front wheel via a pawl in the hub. The drive itself has two gears in it. Clean and add new grease to the drive and to the speedo cable.

It is necessary to remove the front wheel to do this and you should check the wheel bearings and seals while you are in there. Parts are readily available. This is an easy job to do.

Thanks for the info, searched YouTube and nothing there.

I'll attempt to fix mine soon.

[dolphans1]

Easy. just adjust the flux capacitor to infinite negative and disengage the warp drive so the antimatter isn't disrupted and step into the time space continuum and the bike will seem to be frozen in the worm hole and it'll be a snap.

Don't forget your dead blow hammer and rectangular drive screwdriver or you will have wasted someone elses time.

Here's How:

http://youtu.be/c5m4XszlGCU

[dolphans1]

Here's the verdict on my cable, it snapped toward the bottom. New cable is on the left, obviously.

[IMG][/IMG]

[SteveO]

Speedometer or Cable?

Hello. I've had my XS1100 Special since 1985, and i've been on this site for several years; but i've never posted before.

Was riding last week when the Speedometer started going crazy; needle flying all over the place. It hit the pin so many times that it broke off. I found a Speedometer on EBay and installed it. I also ordered a new cable, but got the wrong one, like someone else in a previous post; so no cable is attached. The other end is still attached to the hub, and when I pulled the cable from the jacket, it did not look broken or twisted.

I'm not sure if the original problem was the Speedometer itself or the cable; and I don't do most repairs myself anymore (just getting too old). I am thinking that replacing the cable (or a new one of the same size) in the jacket, and manage to get threaded, that the replacement Speed-oh will work. Any thoughts?

I'm amazed to see that there are still XS11's on the road becides mine!!!

[BA80]

Your old speedometer probably broke inside and caused what your experiencing. I've gone through probably 6 or 8 of them in the last 5 years or so.

If both square drive ends are still on the cable and it turns freely it's probably OK to use.

What year is your Special?

[SteveO]

Speedometer or Cable?

Hi Greg,

It's a 1979. Completely stock, except for the optional Queen-Seat with the high sissy-bar. Had the carbs re-build a couple of times over the years, but otherwise it's never been apart.

I'm going to try to re-thread the cable and spin the front wheel to see if it turns. IF so, i'll hook it up and hope for the best.

Thanks,
Steve