Motoscrubs.com

Hi All,
I've got two speedos. One works well, but the cosmetic condition is so-so. The other is cosmetically really nice, but the mechanism is tight and hard to spin. I can rotate it with a square drive bit and move the needle, so it works, but no way the cable could reasonably be expected to spin this thing. At least not long term.

The bike is will be mechanically sound, and I'm using the best parts wherever possible, but it is not intended to be a flawless restoration. I just want to ride like it is 1965

Is there anything (non-invasive) I can do with the better looking one to free it up? I'd like to use it if possible. If it means sending it to a gauge repair shop for $300, I'll pass. I've bodged too many delicate precision items in the past to think I could replace a bezel on my own. I'm starting to know my limits nowadays.



Thoughts?
Thanks as always everyone!
Jim

In the past I have "unfolded" bezels dismantled movements ,managed to smudge the dial ,crudely lubed bits that probably should not be,got it back together and it worked!. Not pretty though. Maybe you can do a deal with the "clock" man,,,Give him one if he fixes the other ,on the cheap!.

I had some gauges like that were so hopelessly inaccurate they might as well not have worked.
Just fit the nice looking one, without a cable inner?

The lubrication of the speedo head has either dried up or solidified, so in the first place you need to gently heat the whole instrument on say a domestic radiator for a few hours then spray some WD40 or similar into the drive end and gently work the square drive backwards and forwards it should then free up, squirt a small amount of light oil in next and it should be fine......however as all of the above comments they are cr*p instruments and really only for decoration
Cheers,
George

Good suggestions.

Luckily it is heating season! I just set it on the radiator with a small rag underneath. I'll check to see if it is any more free in a little while. Is the face of the gauge isolated from the mechanism? I'd hate to add WD40/oil and have it get into the needle area. Anyone know for sure? Not going to add much, but don't want to do something that makes things worse

Any recommendations for a repair place if I do decide to try to send both and just get one good one back?

Thanks!

No, the dial is not safe from the ingress of excess lubrication, just a little squirt of WD40 and just a little light oil, when the instrument is installed the bit you have lubricated is pointing downwards so oiling up the dial shouldn't happen and if storing keep it face up.
Cheers,
George

I don't think there is any damping fluid to worry about in those speedos.
The needles waver too unsteadlily.

It's sort of what I like about Ducati singles.
The same bike would have as standard, a "bobby dodger" cheap speedo to pass legal requirement, and a high quality tacho.
I think they got the priority right.

Yep, that radiator trick worked a charm! I've been warming it up on there and then working it back and forth. First manually, then with my cordless. I was a little surprised... I've had that Makita for close to ten years and it still goes 50mph

Each time in between working it, it gets a little tight again, but then loosens as soon as I start working it again. Getting better and better. I'm hoping the speedo won't freeze up if I let the bike sit during the cool weather, and then break the cable when I roll the bike

Thanks for the idea!