Speedometer Cable Installation

[landygrundy86]

I finally got a new speedo cable. It is the same length and size with the same ends as the stock one. The old one seemed to come out ok, but I am having one hell of a time getting the new one into the speedometer itself.

I've read the through forums here about some of the different things people do. But it just seems to big? to fit.. Am I missing something?

[doug of so fla]

It is kinda cramped in there and your biggest problem is the angle that it goes in at. Makes it difficult to see. It does not line up like your mind thinks it should!!!
Make sure you remove headlight to install.
Also if it is your first one, it may help you to remove the turn signal lite to see it better.
But the fine threads and the angle are the biggest problem. It helps to have the inner cable pushed down into the cable housing and then when you get the knurled nut up tight then you push inner cable gently into speedo, gently turning it until it finds its way in the square slot , then connect the bottom end into speedo wheel hsg. If you have wife with small hands also helps!!!
Just remember that the cable end has a bend in it and the speedo end comes straight out & by feel it just does no seem to line up, but it is metal and fine threads and MUST be Perfect to line up and screw in. Patients & BEER !!are your friend!! Hope this helps.... Ride Safe..

Tip: I used Marine grade Waterproof White Lithium Grease on the inner cable, even on a new cable!!, and I run the cable on the OUTSIDE of the shock which gives it less bends and a better angle entering the speedo hsg at the bottom. & always lock forks turned the way so it does not stretch the cable. & if you want put a small o-ring at the bottom around the inner cable to keep out the water. I have never replaced a cable after doing this to my XII's (3) all cables had over 100,000mi on them. I re grease them whenever I have front wheel off for a tire change or something else. ymmv...

[Mr Jensee]

One helpful hint that works is to not install the bottom first. Screw the top section on gently while twisting the inner core from the bottom end back and forth until the top core seats in the slot. Then it is a simple matter to screw on the bottom.