speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck

Atlus · 02-08-2009, 08:44 PM

Hey everybody, the needle on my speedometer of my 2003 gz250 has recently froze and now simple bounces around in the 0-5mph range. This happened around last tuesday while I was driving to class. Basically when I started getting to around 15-20 mph the needle started twitching a dropping back down to zero. At first it would start up again when I started my bike but the same problem would repeat and now the needle is simply no longer moving. I know the cable is still good since I took it out and it still rotates when I push the bike and both the trip and total odometer seem to be working fine. Any suggestions on what the problem could be and how to fix it? Thanks!!! :??:
-Alex

Easy Rider · 02-08-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlus

I know the cable is still good since I took it out and it still rotates when I push the bike and both the trip and total odometer seem to be working fine.

You need to be SURE the odometer is actually working right, that is, is counting ALL the distance you are travelling. If it is not, then you probably have a cable problem; might have been loose and rounded off one end maybe.

If the odo really IS working right, then you have a broken speedo and probably need to visit a Zuki dealer........for a new or used speedo 'cause getting one fixed is almost impossible, in my experience.

Atlus · 02-08-2009, 09:39 PM

is there a way to test the cable completely? And the rounded off problem...can I just clip off a little of the top (so its square again) or should I just get a new cable?

Water Warrior 2 · 02-09-2009, 03:28 AM

I doubt shortening the speedo inner cable will help.

Sarris · 02-09-2009, 07:33 AM

Sorry to tell ya, but if the odo works and the needle bounces, you have a broken speedo. I'd pick up a used one (e-bay) and get a new cable at the same time. I had the same thing happen on my 1400 Intruder.

Sorry!

:curse:

Easy Rider · 02-09-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlus

is there a way to test the cable completely? And the rounded off problem...can I just clip off a little of the top (so its square again) or should I just get a new cable?

Yes. You drive a few miles and see if the ODO indicates the right distance. This tests the cable.

No, a damaged cable can not be fixed.

Atlus · 02-09-2009, 08:52 PM

the ODO is going too slow and not recording the right amount of miles (drove about 2 miles, only said about .7)
However I went over to my buddie's place (mechanic) and he checked both the cable end and the gear box and said they look fine and that its probably something in the speedo itself (stuck gear, etc.)
My question is, is it worth taking it apart and trying to fix it or should I just invest in a 3rd party speedo to replace it? Thanks guys!

Easy Rider · 02-09-2009, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlus

My question is, is it worth taking it apart and trying to fix it or should I just invest in a 3rd party speedo to replace it? Thanks guys!

It is broken already so you can't really do any more damage by looking inside (probably). If you do find the problem and need a part.....????

I think the "third party" idea is not good. It needs to look like the ODO is original equipment when it comes time to sell; othewise it will be obvious that the indicated mileage is not correct and the price will go (way) down.

I think the best approach, if you can't fix it, is to replace it with a genuine Suzuki one, either new or used.

Edit: I just looked and your bike is 5-6 years old. Before you go taking the speedo apart, which can be a frustrating experience, you might want to check the price of a new cable. If it is not that much, it might be prudent to try that first........despite your friends analysis.

Atlus · 02-10-2009, 12:24 AM

Are there any signs that would indicate a bad cable which I could check? Like I said, the metal bit rotates when I push the bike, but is there a way I can check if the end is rounded off? Im doing this all on quite the budget so investing 20 dollars in a new cable is 20 dollars away from a new speedo xP
-Alex

JWR · 02-10-2009, 12:33 AM

I just checked on CheapCycleParts.com and the price was $184.00.
I did not search ebay. Sometimes they have a few used parts.

If the cable turns the miles and not the mph, a good sign the cable is good.

Best of luck...

Jerry

02-08-2009, 08:44 PM	#1
Atlus Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 40	speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck Hey everybody, the needle on my speedometer of my 2003 gz250 has recently froze and now simple bounces around in the 0-5mph range. This happened around last tuesday while I was driving to class. Basically when I started getting to around 15-20 mph the needle started twitching a dropping back down to zero. At first it would start up again when I started my bike but the same problem would repeat and now the needle is simply no longer moving. I know the cable is still good since I took it out and it still rotates when I push the bike and both the trip and total odometer seem to be working fine. Any suggestions on what the problem could be and how to fix it? Thanks!!! :??: -Alex Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

02-08-2009, 09:39 PM	#3
Atlus Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 40	Re: speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck is there a way to test the cable completely? And the rounded off problem...can I just clip off a little of the top (so its square again) or should I just get a new cable? Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

02-09-2009, 03:28 AM	#4
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck I doubt shortening the speedo inner cable will help.
	0

02-09-2009, 07:33 AM	#5
Sarris Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New Port Richey, Florida USA Posts: 1,348	Re: speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck Sorry to tell ya, but if the odo works and the needle bounces, you have a broken speedo. I'd pick up a used one (e-bay) and get a new cable at the same time. I had the same thing happen on my 1400 Intruder. Sorry! :curse: __________________ Prudent riders live longer than moron riders. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

02-09-2009, 08:52 PM	#7
Atlus Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 40	Re: speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck the ODO is going too slow and not recording the right amount of miles (drove about 2 miles, only said about .7) However I went over to my buddie's place (mechanic) and he checked both the cable end and the gear box and said they look fine and that its probably something in the speedo itself (stuck gear, etc.) My question is, is it worth taking it apart and trying to fix it or should I just invest in a 3rd party speedo to replace it? Thanks guys!
	0

02-10-2009, 12:24 AM	#9
Atlus Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Santa Cruz Posts: 40	Re: speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck Are there any signs that would indicate a bad cable which I could check? Like I said, the metal bit rotates when I push the bike, but is there a way I can check if the end is rounded off? Im doing this all on quite the budget so investing 20 dollars in a new cable is 20 dollars away from a new speedo xP -Alex
	0

02-10-2009, 12:33 AM	#10
JWR Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville, TN Posts: 1,413	Re: speedometer needle (but not odometer!) stuck I just checked on CheapCycleParts.com and the price was $184.00. I did not search ebay. Sometimes they have a few used parts. If the cable turns the miles and not the mph, a good sign the cable is good. Best of luck... Jerry __________________ Jerry Truth is there are lots of great bikes available and not nearly as many good riders out there riding them... "A man's got to know his limitations..."
	0