Speedo cable

What failed with the cable?.  There can be an issue with the inner cable projection  which is different  between chronos and magnetics . I guess a short one will chew up the ends and a long one will seize in the outer and damage the speedo.. I didn't like the cheap  look of replacements, so I found an orriginal outer with the long heavy steel sheilding at the top with a short nut fitting  and ordered a couple of new inners from a specialist .made to my measurements  Fitted fine  works well. I have a spare and it cost less. And looks a  proper.job. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile even if its a headache.

The lower frame route was the Norton way,  I think the upper frame route was the AMC  way.

The Speedo cable problem with them breaking was because they were routed along the lower frame rails, or under the engine. The factory changed this to the cable running over the top of the engine, and this stopped the speedo cables from breaking. I have always done this on all my bikes, and i have not had a speedo cable break. 

I've always routed my cables under the  engine as the suspension movement then has less effect. The only time I had an issue was when I was being too clever with my routing and managed to get the cable trapped by the centre stand. Could that by your issue, Paul?

Hi Paul,

May I suggest that you give JJ Cables, Warminster a try? They make their own stuff, even bespoke cables.

Have used their stuff on several bikes and it just fits and works.

Only cable I have had from Venhill was a clutch cable kit that I used to make my own cable up with, so that one was ok. Venhill seem to have a mixed reputation - either total satisfaction or peed off customers with incorrect fitting cables being supplied. 

Good luck,

George 

PS: I use the 'up and over' route on my 650 and it works OK, but I agree the lower route would appear to be better for the cable.

 I have used JJ  for cables too.   Check that the inner cable protrusion is the right one for your speedo head and that you have the short nut  detail at the head end . Cable length changes with clock  mounting position. If your bike really IS standard 55  featherbed then the spec will be known. Avoid E_Bay sellers  and Chinese crap.

I have used JJ Cables for a number of years. I normally send them the old ones as patterns and have never had a problem. Today I sent them 4 cables for the Manx following my off. The gentleman looks at them and then rings me with a price.  He also made a set for my Aermacchi. 

FYI he is no longer at Warminster but has moved to Fir Tree Farm,  Warmington, Banbury, OX17 1JL and his contact number is 01295 971170.

He always seem happy to discuss your requirements.

I have no connection with the company but am a very satisfied customer.

To see what a cable should look like   WWW. Vintage British Cables    Item DF1110/22 . You need to specify length  if JJ  does not know.

Always use a light oil, too much drag with grease

I got JJ to make me 2 new inners to my dimensions, Might be you have damage to the speedo head.

Be happy that by the time you have got it sorted you will be almost  an expert  on the subject  and  well able to pass on valuable info  to newcomers !!.     PS, the outer needs to be the short nut type. 

You blokes will probably think of me as a terrible bodger by now, especially after this post.

I have had quite a bit of success brazing the broken inner cables back together. 

The last, on my ES2 broke where the square bit becomes the round bit where it connects to the speedo drive. It's worked for the last 300 km or so...

Just as well we dont know where you live ,  or you would have  a  heavy  mob of  Norton guys  turn up----------    with   hands full of metal  wanting  something  brazed !!.