Author Topic: CB550 tach and speedo cables  (Read 835 times)

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Offline valleycb

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CB550 tach and speedo cables
« on: June 06, 2018, 04:09:33 PM »
Recently rebuilt my CB550.  I used the stock tach and speedo cables but replaced the tach and speedo themselves with small, cheap chrome ones off ebay.  I wanted to keep using cable-actuated gauges because I figured they'd be more accurate and reliable.  Only 200km on the bike so far.  But the tach needle has been erratic and eventually flat lined after about 160km.  Found the inner cable broken a couple inches away from the gauge.  I replaced it but it's still erratic with the new cable, especially at higher rpms. 

The speedo has been smooth and reliable...until today!  Now it's bouncing around also and it's not reading accurately. 

Has anyone else experienced this?  I would have thought these cables would work really well.

Offline valleycb

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Re: CB550 tach and speedo cables
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2018, 04:44:28 PM »
Just noticed there was just recently a similar post.  Looks like I should lubricate the inner flexshafts.  Any other wisdom out there?

Offline MetroRedneck

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Re: CB550 tach and speedo cables
« Reply #2 on: June 07, 2018, 01:57:46 PM »
How tight of a radius do you have now? 

The aftermarket mini gauges that are prolific on amazon/ebay/DCC are prone to dying young.  I've had to replace at 200 miles or so.

Offline valleycb

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Re: CB550 tach and speedo cables
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2018, 12:20:03 PM »
All of the cable radii are gentle.  I lubricated both cables.  Both are gauges are still behaving erratically and reading lower than the actual value.  Both are the correct ratio and were working for the first couple hundred kms.  So I'm guessing it's just that the cheap ebay gauges have failed or are failing.  Has anyone had any really good luck with aftermarket speedo and tach gauges or a combination speedo/tach?  Any suggestions for a gauge that's reliable, looks good and doesn't cost a fortune?  I suppose there's always the stock gauges.