Screech... (speedo?)

[VaSteve]

On occasion, the bike will emit a "screech".  Sounds mechanical (I used to think it was wind), usually lasts about second or so.  Only when in motion at a cruising speed.  No performance degradation..I've never been able to diagnose it.  

Today, it did it again.  As it was doing so, I looked at my gauges and the speedo seemed to jump (not the usual "shiver") about 5 mph (from ~50 to ~55) and then it stopped and didn't repeat.  I don't know where this is coming from but I suspect the speedo, sender or the cabling.  Anyone experience anything similar or know the cause?

[Bob_Roller]

Remove the speedometer drive cable from the indicator and put a light oil down the cable, and see if it helps at all. Probably hasn't been lubed in a while anyway.

[Justin B.]

There is also a little drive gear, that rides in a nylon bushing, that can also squeal.  This particular gear-set can be gotten to without having to un-crimp the speedo.  On our '80 moisture had caused the gear shaft to rust and the nylong bushing seized to the shaft, and then started spinning with the gear/shaft!

[VaSteve]

Bob/Justin

Where do I get to that cable?  From the back of the speedo?   I need to do the fork oil (ie. remove the dash) so I want to coordinate work if possible.

Thanks
Steve

[Bob_Roller]

There's a aluminum 'nut' that has serrations on it that is what you want to remove. Also, the brown plastic piece that it threads onto may try to turn as you try to loosen the nut, you may have to place a pair of pliers on this piece when you are trying to loosen the other part. You may want to apply penetrating oil to the area before you attempt to remove it. Remember it's plastic and old, I don't think it will like excessive force applied to it!