just wondering if anyone could post a quick how to on installing my speedo cable on my 69 xlh. i am waiting for my repair manual to come in the mail, and of course the speedo cable got herebefore it did. this is the mechanical speedo cable that runs into the transmission, not the wheel.

thanks!!
-wes

 

Wes....
Don't wait for the manual because it has very little info in it about the speedometer.
Each end of the inner cable has a square end on it. If your cable has a brass lug on one end, place this up top at the speedometer.
First.... lightly grease the cable with graphfite grease and insert into the housing.
Insert the cable into the housing putting the square end into the transmission and fasten on the nut.
Next install the upper square end into the speedo head and tighten that nut. You are set........pg

 

ahh. its that easy. i havent been home since the part was dropped at the door. i didnt realize it was going to have a lug cap on both ends. so basically it mounts the same on both ends? that makes things easy. besides for getting under the bike and cleaning all the road dirt/greasecake off of there.

and a dumb question im sure, what is graphite grease?

thanks pinion. if i ever make it to your area, im gonna buy you a dozen beverages of your choice!

 

Graphite grease is what is used for speedo cables. You can get it at an auto parts.
You can also use powered graphite, which is ground up pencil lead and available in a squeeze tube, but it is messy. I'd try to get the grease. Don't use regular grease because it may work it's way up into the speedo head.
For drinks, all I need is a pot of coffee, thank you.......pg

 

cool. thanks pg. im anti starbucks though...

 

just a quick follow up. would i use graphite grease on the tach cable as well?

 

Yessir, that is correct.......pg

 

I have a 1970 ironhead and there is no where to hook up a speedometer cable what do I need and where does it go

 

1972 and earlier the speedo cable hooks up to the transmission on the right side of the engine case. It is a weak spot and on many bikes has been welded over. There is a drive unit threaded into the case that looks similar to the drive unit for the tach. It interfaces to the countershaft low gear.