Speedometer not working

[landygrundy86]

I've read a few posts about the speedometer cable breaking. I'm assuming this is a fairly common issue?

When I bought the bike, the speedometer didn't work, he said the odometer did work though... but it doesn't. So I'm hoping it is just the cable. But has anybody had issues with the actual speedometer failing(not just the cable).

As it seems like a bit of a involved job, I would like to limit wasting my time if there are known issues I'm unaware about.

[misft]

Probably just a broken speedometer cable. After having a couple of them break for me I found using grease (instead of oil) on the inner cable helps keep moisture out and they will then last for years.

[Lucasind]

Same here, have replaced my cable twice.....so with the one that came on the bike when I bought it,that makes 3.
I disassemble and inspect everything... use plenty of lubrication,but still break cables ,and it always seems to happen on long road trips,when the bike is rode as many as 400 miles per day.
Replacing the cable is a quick easy fix,and no big deal to do, ... a small price to pay as this is the only thing that has ever failed on this bike ! Having a spare cable to keep in the saddlebag is a good idea, cause if it happens to you when out touring,you loose functions of the bike , the big one for me,is loosing the cruise control.
Some guys have had to replace the speedo drive on the front wheel as they have found that worn and causing issues.

[mikey]

mine cable keep coming loose from in behind the head light.till i put tape on it to hold it from coming loose...you might want to check there also

[voyager55]

Replaced mine once in 11 years. If you're in the rain a lot, just keep it lubed well. Simple & cheap to replace if needed

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

I have replaced the cable on mine when it broke (soaked the new one in a bath of oil for 30 minutes prior to installation). Hasn't failed since. BUT..... I have since then replaced the speedometer drive unit with a rebuilt one from Carl Leo a few years ago. Then last year the speedo drive "gear" got chewed up a bit. Got a replacement from Kevin [A.K.A.- chevyman1], replaced it and everything is working perfect!

[cushman eagle]

I have gotten in the habit of greasing my drive unit with a grease needle when I have the front wheel off for a new tire.I had to replace my drive unit shortly after I bought the VXII,and have about 33000 miles on it since.The gears still looked good at the last front tire change,about 5000 miles ago. With the needle,I can fill the drive without disassembling it.

[usmalenurse]

Thanks to this post I finally ordered a spare cable to keep in the saddlebag. Mine broke during the rally in Logan a few years back and fortunately someone at the rally had a spare. Don't mind being without the speedometer but the cruise control comes in handy on long rides back home. Still need to oil/grease my old one before I head out to Hurley...

[kelharmassi]

Hi

I uncounted the speedometer cable, cleaned it and greased it well but it still doesn’t work. Any help is much appreciated

Thank you

[kelharmassi]

Hi

I unmounted the speedometer cable, cleaned it and greased it well but it still doesn’t work. Any help is much appreciated

Thank you

[triton28]

Google any of the online Kawasaki parts suppliers such as bike bandit, dennis kirk etc. and look up the parts illustration for Front Hub or as the later ones call it: Front Wheel. Here you can see the speedo drive and receiver, parts of which may be your problem.

[GrandpaDenny]

Most likely the receiver. Fortunately they're cheap, readily available, and easy to replace. Three things that definitely do not always apply to our bikes LOL

[kelharmassi]

Thank you gentlemen for your replies. I ordered the receiver. It’s around 11 bucks. Seems like I have to take the wheel off for the job. Am I wrong?

[triton28]

You are correct, the wheel does need to be removed.
While the wheel is off take the time and insert the new receiver into the tangs of the speedo drive hub, hub assembly in your hand of course, and while turning the receiver by hand verify the gears inside the hub are indeed operating as designed by looking into the area where the speedo cable screws into the hub. the cable drive spindle will be seen to rotate when you are turning the new receiver.
If good then repack the hub assembly with clean grease, install the components and you should be good to go.
Just an aside, others have posted about removing an inch or two from the outer covering/sheath of the speedo cable, said outer covering/sheath is on the bottom of the cable and is a chafe protection against the metal cable guides. Apparently the cable covering/sheath, if at full uncut length, directs water into the cable end of the hub assembly. Something to consider I would think if one occasionally gets caught in the rain. Myself I can neither confirm nor deny the effectiveness of this as I have not done it but others have posted as to the effectiveness.
Overall not a big nor hard job, just be sure the speedo external locating tab goes where it is supposed to as per section 9, pps. 9-4 and 9-5 of the service manual.

[kelharmassi]

Thank you for the tips.

[GrandpaDenny]

Also, apparently our steeds are less tolerant of wear of the speedo receiver than some others. At least that what I keep telling myself rather than just saying that my (ex-) mechanic is an idiot (I asked him to check it, and he said, "yeah, it's worn some, but they get that way" - and that was exactly why my speedo wasn't working)

[kelharmassi]

Hi gentlemen

It's been a month and a half since I ordered the following parts from Bike Bandit:
RECEIVER,SPEEDOMETER
PINION,SPEEDOMETER,9T
SEAL-OIL,BJN30427-C3

Do you know where I can find them?

Many thanks

Khalid

[GrandpaDenny]

It is taking a very long time to get anything from anywhere, especially if it's coming from out of country. It's not Bike Bandit's fault (or Partzilla's, or anyone's). Between shipping restrictions between countries, and huge loads on shipping countries, and the shenanigans at the Post Office, it's a nightmare. No choice but to be patient. Well, actually, you don't have to be patient, but you do have to wait.

[kelharmassi]

Thanks Dennis. Was just checking if there is a better way. Guess you don't know any. And that's ok. Thank you again!

[GrandpaDenny]

No, unfortunately not. We've all been going through that this summer. One thing to note, though - both Partzilla and Bike Bandit will hold an order waiting for all of the items to arrive to them - they won't ship separately normally. When I asked Partzilla to make separate shipments, they did. So not all parts take forever to arrive. Consult with the vendor, be willing to pay for separate shipments (I did not have to), negotiate in other words, and it may work out better for you. Of course, if you're only ordering one part, then this obviously doesn't apply.

A few of the guys keep spare speedometer cables handy, and sometimes other parts as well, so as to avoid long shipping times and/or the unobtanium issue.