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Speedo howl or just plan vibration?

Started by Aeroaddict, February 28, 2014, 06:10:44 PM

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Aeroaddict

New FJ1200 owner here. Have been reading the forums for a while. Last Summer I found a totally stock 86 FJ1200 in pretty nice shape. 1986 is when I graduated from college and Yami came out with the 1200, I fell in love but was dead broke.

Anyhow, I was reading about the dreaded speedo howl and would like to know if the speedo will howl at all speeds or just certain speeds. I have a strange howl or noise between 3500 rpm to about 4500 rpm. I beginning to think it is just vibration but would like to rule out the speedo. If it is the speedo I would like to try something preventive before it gets worst. Also, how do you hear a speedo howl? I wear a helmet and would think it would be difficult to hear a speedo howl.

Joe Sull

I think it need to be defibrillated :shok:

Welcome!
You Keep What you kill

Pat Conlon

Yes, it starts intermittently, then gets worse.

Disconnect the speedo cable at the front wheel. Pull the inner cable out. Coil it and put in a Baggie. Clean your fingers. Reconnect the outer cable.

Go for a ride.

Notice: Did the howl go away?    Yes? Then It's the speedo...... No? Then It's something else.

Check the Maintence Files. There is a post about the Death Howl and a shop in San Diego that fixes them.

Welcome to the campfire. What's your name?  Do you fly?  Cheers Pat
1) Free Owners Manual download: https://tinyurl.com/fmsz7hk9
2) Don't store your FJ with E10 fuel https://tinyurl.com/3cjrfct5
3) Replace your old stock rubber brake lines.
4) Important items for the '84-87 FJ's:
Safety wire: https://tinyurl.com/99zp8ufh
Fuel line: https://tinyurl.com/bdff9bf3

FJmonkey

The glass is not half full, it was engineered with a 2X safety factor.

'86 Ambulance - Bent frame, cracked case, due for an overhaul
'89 Stormy Blue - Suits my Dark Side

movenon

Welcome aboard ! What part of the world are you in ? 
George
Life isn't about having the best, but about making the best of what you have...

1990 FJ 1200

Aeroaddict

Thanks all. Yes I do fly, planes and motorcycles have been a consistent passion in my life. Currently residing in Idaho.

Good one on the "defibrillation"! But I don't think the FJ develops enough jewels for an adequate depolarization.

Good suggestion on removing the inner cable and yes I did see the recent thread on the speedo, hence my question as I learn about this bike. I also saw the fix it from Randy so might try that also.

Cheers,
Dan

movenon

Quote from: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 09:51:37 PM
Thanks all. Yes I do fly, planes and motorcycles have been a consistent passion in my life. Currently residing in Idaho.

Good one on the "defibrillation"! But I don't think the FJ develops enough jewels for an adequate depolarization.

Good suggestion on removing the inner cable and yes I did see the recent thread on the speedo, hence my question as I learn about this bike. I also saw the fix it from Randy so might try that also.

Cheers,
Dan

OK Dan, There are 3 FJ riders here in Meridian, Boise area.  Good to have another Idaho member.  One more and we will have half the population  :rofl: :rofl:
George
Life isn't about having the best, but about making the best of what you have...

1990 FJ 1200

red

Quote from: Aeroaddict on February 28, 2014, 09:51:37 PMThanks all.  Yes I do fly, planes and motorcycles
Good suggestion on removing the inner cable and yes I did see the recent thread on the speedo, hence my question as I learn about this bike. I also saw the fix it from Randy so might try that also.  Cheers,
Dan
Dan,

Welcome to the fray.  I fly too.  Find yourself a wingman, and dive in.    :biggrin:   
This worked for me:
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=10874.msg106517#msg106517

Cheers,
Red
Cheers,
Red

P.S. Life is too short, and health is too valuable, to ride on cheap parade-duty tires.

Aeroaddict

Oops, yup that was the fix I saw, thanks Red, thought it was Randy.

Aeroaddict

Well I went for a ride without the speedo cable before the rain set in. No howl/vibration (other than normal). Re-installed and rode again, howl/vibration returned. The original speedo cable and housing were not in the best of shape so I ordered a new one. Maybe I'll get lucky and it will just be the cable. When it warms up, I'll start the maintenance that Red suggested.