I have almost finished re-commissioning my Lightning and needed to change the speedo cable as the outer cable is frayed and worn so bought a replacement months ago. Came to fit it today and it is over 5 foot long whereas my current one is 41 inches. Now, after a little research I realise that a bike of this age has a rear wheel drive speedo whereas mine is driven from the gearbox. I have always known the bike was first sold in January 1966 but that the engine was changed in the mid 1990's. I assumed it was replaced with something similar but the DVLA records don't indicate why the engine was changed, just that it was. I have just looked at the dating certificate that I got from Steve Foden back when I got the bike and he advises on it that the engine is that of a 1964 Spitfire. Now, what I can't work out is if this engine has a gear driven speedo which I presume it is as that is what I have but what part number do I need for a replacement cable. Does anyone have any ideas?
The A65 up to and including the 1965 bikes had a speedo driven from the gearbox layshaft and coming out of the inner timing cover.
The 1966 season bikes had a rear wheel driven speedo gearbox and longer cable.
Draganfly should be able to supply correct one.
Hi,
Give this guy a call, the best cables on the market, probably:
http://www.chronometrics.co.uk/html/cables.html
Best wishes...
Many thanks. You have confirmed what I thought. Will source a new cable next week.
Pm me
I may have a spare new one.
Quote from: JulianS on 06 Feb, 2021, 14:32
The A65 up to and including the 1965 bikes had a speedo driven from the gearbox layshaft and coming out of the inner timing cover.
The 1966 season bikes had a rear wheel driven speedo gearbox and longer cable.
My 65 Lightning has the speedo driven from the rear wheel; the tachometer is driven through the inner timing cover from the oil pump.
I did try the site you suggested Bess, so thank you for that, Russell said that unfortunately they don't stock the Magnetic instrument cables, but he referred me to his Bro who does... and who has them in stock... £44.85 for two cables including P&P.....
This raised a couple of questions:
what is meant by magnetic instrument cables (possibly a drag cup driving the needle as it whizzes round,...)
Does the price seem reasonable... (everything seems expensive to me, but that's probably 'cos I'm just a mean old bugger....)
Thanks,.
Dave
Hi Dave,
The instrument end connectors are different, worth a look here for a image showing the difference:
http://www.chronometrics.co.uk/html/cables.html
I always buy cables from them after I had a speedo refurbished as I have had bad experiences with cheaper cables. I usually trace the route with a piece of wire and give them a call and buy on their advice. I feel the price is reasonable.
Best wishes...
Thanks very much Bess.
I've placed an order with them....
Best regards,
Dave