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‘55 ES2 Chrono Speedo Cable

Submitted by dan_field on Thu, 04/04/2024
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My ‘55 parts book lists the speedo cable as B2/552, I need one so ordered one from the club listed as B2/552 4’6”  but I can’t see any route that makes the cable long enough to reach the speedo, what route is it supposed to take and any idea how long it should be if not 4’6”! 

Cheers

Dan 

Submitted by jonathan_newton on Fri, 05/04/2024

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But the 54” cable runs up from the rear wheel under the seat, tank and out between the forks. Not sure if it is right but it fits.

J

Submitted by philip_ham on Fri, 05/04/2024

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Dan,

It should be 5ft 7in long.  I have recently bought one from Venhills.  Nice cable but crimped at both  ends so that you can't withdraw the cable to lubricate it.  It states that the cable is pre-lubed, but I don't trust this and like to make sure there's light grease in there, except the top 6 inches.

The route follows the frame tube below the gearbox and engine then up to the headstock so that there a smooth line up to the speedo.  Make sure that the cable does not get trapped in the steering lock stops.

Philip.

Submitted by dan_field on Sat, 06/04/2024

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Hi Philip,

I think this is a much debated point!  The Part number is correct and is 4’6” - from looking at loads of photos it seems that the route for that cable is up behind the oil tank, under the petrol tank and out to the speedo. My guess is it’s the same route that the rigids/plungers used so it would have followed the top frame rail. But as you say the most common route is under the engine. I’ll use what I have and report how it works. If it doesn’t fit comfortably I’ll go your route. 

Thanks

Dan 

Submitted by philip_ham on Mon, 08/04/2024

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Dan,

I've tried both routes and reasoned that with the swinging arm frame it was better to run the cable parallel to the swinging arm, which minimizes any movement of the cable and rubbing the top of the oil tank.

I can't see how a 4ft 6in cable would be anywhere near long enough!  Report back when you've tried.

Philip

Submitted by dan_field on Thu, 11/04/2024

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Ok so, surprisingly the 4'6" cable fits pretty well, I think I prefer this route to the one under the engine and up the frame tube. 

Speedo 2

Speedo cable route

 

Submitted by philip_ham on Thu, 11/04/2024

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Dan,
Seems to work for the trials set up, although the bend by the headstock looks a bit tight.

Just out of curiosity, which bit is 1955?!
I always wondered if an AMC gearbox would fit in this frame and you've demonstrated that it does.  It gives more room for the oil pipes to connect onto the engine.
Philip

Submitted by dan_field on Sat, 13/04/2024

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Philip, well the tank, seat, tool box and oil tank are 55 style the engine is 57 (not sure about the gearbox) and the frame is 53 as I recall! Wheels are later full width - so a real bitsa!  I took it for a test ride today with its new gearing and its much nicer to ride with comfortable 70mph cruising. The speedo works fine, sadly I seem to have developed a rather large oil leak at the base of the barrel, so I have another job to do having fixed the clutch! Still it will give me an opportunity to fit the rack I'd bought at Shelton mallet. The AMC box fits right in there, although I think I needed a spacer for the lower mounting. 
Dan 

Submitted by dan_field on Sat, 13/04/2024

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@ Paul, there's only one bend! Same as going under the engine although the radius may be a little sharper.
Dan 

 



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