Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Broken Speedo, I Think. What To Do? Broken Speedo, I Think. What To Do?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By turboguzzi

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Aug 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
Broken Speedo, I Think. What To Do?
Hello - 1990 XT600E, just turned over 15,000 miles. Riding on the freeway today, I heard a very faint clicking sound and the speedometer went to zero. At low speeds, it will flutter around 5 mph (and, thus very slowly add mileage to the odometer), but above 10 mph or so it doesn't work at all.

I pulled the speedo cable and both ends look fine (the previous owner had replaced all the cables on the bike just before I bought it, so it should). So it's either the drive gear in the hub, or something internal inside the speedo itself. I lean toward the latter, because I heard the noise at freeway speed with earplugs in.

The speedo can't be disassembled. Replacements are unobtainium. I've had super good luck with Vapor Trail Tech in the past, but they don't seem to have one for a bike that old. Does anyone have an opinion on what to do?

The bike is worth next to nothing so I don 't want to put serious $ in it.

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
You could just put a bicycle speedo on it. They're all pretty accurate (if you put some effort into calibrating them) and some are dirt cheap. I've been using them for years and got them on three of my bikes atm.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Aug 2019
dzl dzl is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: South Australia
Posts: 85
Where abouts are you? These cheap replica replacement speedos available on ebay oz work great on XT600's. Have one on one of my XT's and is still working fine after 30k kms.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Aftermar...0AAOSwj9hcPBvo
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 610
there's little to break inside the speedo, i've been into a few of them....


most likely it's the gear dive or the interface with the cable ends gone round, either top or bottom...


nice find on the replica speedo, but check first where is the problem so you dont replace the wrong part.


cheap bicycle speedos can be fine, but i like analog!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Aug 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
Unfortunately, It Was The Speedo
The latest installment - the cable was brand new just before I bought the bike and it was in fine shape. Not frayed, and the ends weren't rounded off. I took the speedo off and shook it and could hear rattling noises inside.

The least expensive/easiest solution was to order a TrailTechVapor, which will let me have continuity on odometer, a tach, temperature, etc etc in addition to speedo. Although RevZilla etc don't list an application, I got in touch with TrailTech and they have a universal version that will work. I've used them before, know how they work and there's even a power source from the speedo backlight. The binnacle the speedo fits in will be the perfect holding spot, so it'll actually be pretty sweet. Will post pics when done.

In the meantime, what to do about the now-empty speedo drive on the hub? I need something to cover it up/plug it so it doesn't fill up with water, dust & crud. I am thinking of a larger version of those plastic things you put on bare wires. Before I start hitting AutoZone and Home Depot, does anybody have any ideas? (At worst, I can cut down the speedo cable housing and seal it with some epoxy but that might be a little funky looking.)

Thanks again!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Aug 2019
N67's Avatar
N67 N67 is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dusheti, Georgia
Posts: 201
maybe longer piece of cable? and making that seal somewhere up.
or using only cable's threaded mount with glued circular rubber inside (same diameter as of cable)..
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 610
you can simply remove the whole speedo drive and put instead a simple spacer made in aluminum or steel. Measure the how long it should be from the spacer you will see inside the speedo drive casing, it's a 10 min job for someone with a lathe.



thats what i do in all my race bikes where speedo is removed.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Sep 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 15
I can vouch for the durability of the following tach: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trail-Vapor.../dp/B079MGV83Q

Mine would be around 9 years old and the XT was neglected for a couple of years sitting outside with only a cover over it.....still works perfect
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Broken ribs help india1year West and South Asia 8 26 Jun 2019 23:37
Speedo. 2007 F650GS Scrabblebiker BMW Tech 0 6 Aug 2018 01:22
Japan to England - using a very broken KLR650 ... could've done with some snowchains Stronsky Ride Tales 2 9 Jul 2018 20:31
tt600r/re speedo drive gear? ssbon Yamaha Tech 0 27 Oct 2015 23:00
Broken Down in France GoExplore12 Light Overland Vehicle Tech 3 31 Aug 2012 00:17

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top