Speedometer Gauge goes on and off while riding

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  • jboge123
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Speedometer Gauge goes on and off while riding

    1980 GS 550 L

    Hi guys,

    The speedometer, trip counter, and mileage go in and out while riding.

    Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. Was riding in totally dry conditions the other day and this kept happening.

    Anyone know what is the culprit?

    Thanks
    Andrew
  • Big T
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    Super Site Supporter
    • Mar 2005
    • 12388
    • West Slope, OR

    #2
    First thing to check is the cable.
    Undo it at the bottom and pull out the overflow inner. See if it is still in one piece
    1978 GS 1000 (since new)
    1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
    1978 GS 1000 (parts)
    1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
    1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
    1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
    2007 DRz 400S
    1999 ATK 490ES
    1994 DR 350SES

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    • TxGSrider
      Forum Sage
      Past Site Supporter
      • Aug 2015
      • 1015
      • Flower Mound, TX

      #3
      When it stops working, are you moving? lol
      1982 GS1100E "Jolene"

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      • Redman
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        • Mar 2004
        • 13716
        • Michigan, west Michigan

        #4
        You can undo the cable at the bottom, then pull the inner cable out of the sheath to inspect (as mentioned above).

        or

        You can undo the cable from back of the speedo, then spin the wheel and see if the inner cable is spinning, if you see it spinning that doesnt mean all is okay, hold it lightly with your fingers and see if that stopps it, if that doesnt stop it then hold a a little bit harder to stop it. If you feel pressure building, then it is good and better not hold too hard long. THe inner cable can be broke, but the frayed ends are grabbing some.

        SOmetimes the cable breaks from usage and not being lubed, then it breaks somewhere in the bend of the cable.
        Sometimes the cable is broke near the/at the lower drive because someone didnt know how to assemble the tab A into the slot A when put it together and then jammed over the end.

        .
        Last edited by Redman; 12-10-2018, 05:07 PM.
        http://webpages.charter.net/ddvrnr/GS850_1100_Emblems.jpg
        Had 850G for 14 years. Now have GK since 2005.
        GK at IndyMotoGP Suzuki Display... ... GK on GSResources Page ... ... Euro Trash Ego Machine .. ..3 mo'cykls.... update 2 mocykl


        https://imgur.com/YTMtgq4

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        • jboge123

          #5
          Yup - Inner cable was broken. Thanks for the advice

          Comment

          • Redman
            Forum LongTimer
            Past Site Supporter
            • Mar 2004
            • 13716
            • Michigan, west Michigan

            #6
            Originally posted by jboge123
            Yup - Inner cable was broken. Thanks for the advice
            Want any advise on how to reinstall the new one....?
            http://webpages.charter.net/ddvrnr/GS850_1100_Emblems.jpg
            Had 850G for 14 years. Now have GK since 2005.
            GK at IndyMotoGP Suzuki Display... ... GK on GSResources Page ... ... Euro Trash Ego Machine .. ..3 mo'cykls.... update 2 mocykl


            https://imgur.com/YTMtgq4

            Comment

            • jboge123

              #7
              I was able to figure it out

              Merry Christmas

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