Odometer/Tripometer starting to fail

[clouseau]

I know this is a VERY common issue. Of the other 2 R65 owners I have personally met, neither of theirs work correctly.
Mine always had until recently where it now has spells of failure.  The trip will not turn which directly affects the odometer. If I reset the trip, it will kick it back into shape. At least for now. My speedo has always been bouncy.  Related?  Is the speedo cable an issue? Should that be replaced?
A non-functional odometer REALLY bugs me.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Inspector, I feel your pain.  Unfortunately, it's a recurring issue with the mechanical instruments.  You can try a new cable, but the issue is usually the gears inside the speedo proper.  Try this first, disconnect the cable at the speedo, and with the bike in gear as the back wheel rotates the cable should also turn.  If it does turn, then it isn't the cable.  Kind of like having a watch that doesn't work, but you wouldn't replace the strap.

Best solution I've seen is the Vapor digital speedo/tach/tripmeter/clock.  For all I know it also works as a microwave for your popcorn too, but it's a great little device and at around US $130 much cheaper than having the old speedo repaired.  I know that if I ever have to replace/repair a speedo again that's what I'll do.

[Bob_Roller]

We've had a few members open up the speedometer, and repair the odometer, it all comes down to gears not secured to a common shaft, a dab or two of adhesive usually cures the problem .

The bouncing speedometer needle, is caused by a 'dry' drive cable, try putting a light oil down the cable, from the speedometer end, and see if it cures the problem .

Worse case scenario, you need to replace it .

I've been cleaning and lubing mine for about the last 25 years .

I make cleaning and lubing the drive cable, part of the yearly maintenance that gets done in November, when it's safe to go into the garage, without fear of heatstroke .

[Yikes]

Recently, my speedo was showing speeds suspiciously lower than I knew I was going and started to develop pronounced bouncing.  Following Bob Roller's advice I unscrewed the cable from the speedo, sent a few drops of Marvel Mystery oil down in and it works fine now - steady and on the mark.  

I may still attempt to pull it apart on an off day this winter, just to clean the face plate under the glass.