Fixing/servicing a DOHC speedometer

Posted by seestheday on Apr 06, 2012; 11:49pm
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Fixing-servicing-a-DOHC-speedometer-tp3891671.html

If your speedometer isn't working, there are three culprits.  Not sure if this applies to the SOHC's.

1. The unit (the part that displays the speed) is broken - I don't think that this is serviceable - ebay has lots

2. The cable is bent/broken/kinked/binding - check the path for binding, and either pull the sleeve off for inspection or disconnect from the unit and lay as flat as possible on the ground and spin the wheel.  If it flops around a significant amount it's probably kinked and you need to replace it.  You should also make sure that the cable is well lubed.

3. The part attached to the front tire needs servicing.  Detailed instructions below.

First you'll need to put the bike on the centre stand, slightly loosen the nuts that attach the front tire, and lift the front tire.  If you can't jack it up because of your exhaust (I can't), and easy way to lift it is to use a ratchet strap connected to a sturdy rafter.


Finish removing the nuts and take the front tire off.  Unscrew the phillips head screw and disconnect the speedo cable.  Remove the axle.  I needed a 16mm and a 22mm wrench (or I would have if this wasn't so loose that the speedometer gear was unseated, which was causing my speedometer to not work at all).





Pull out the axle, nut and speedo.



Now clean the old grease out portion attached to the wheel


And the speedo


I also used this opportunity to give the speedo a good cleaning.  The outside of it was caked in old grease.


Repack new grease in the speedo


And the wheel


Reassemble the wheel.

Ensure that the speedometer seats correctly.  If it does, the flat piece you can see in the end should spin when you move it.  See the video below for a demonstration.


Put the wheel back on the bike and you're good to go.