Speedos

[Minto]

Speedos. No, not a picture of me in my budgie smugglers!
I was out yesterday for a proper ride for the first time since I got the bike, did about 80 or 90 miles I reckon. The bike ran lovely and really is a joy. The only fault that occurred was on my way home, the speedo started acting up. I'm used to the needle moving in 5mph increments and understand that's how these chronometrics operate, but for about 1/2 mile the needle was jumping between 30 to 60 mph, then it stopped and behaved itself for the rest of the journey, another 6 or so miles. Is this a sign of it needing attention or just a Smiths foible?
What a cracking day. Had so much fun I forgot to take any pictures. Doh!
Thanks all
Jase

[Triton Thrasher]

A kink or a sticky bit in the cable?

[lawnmowerman]

Speedo may need a strip and clean - possibly a dead spider in there. My speedo used to go slowly up to maximum and then back to zero when stationary. A clean and lube by a local expert at the bike club fixed it.

Jim

[Bsareg]

Sounds like either the little clutch inside is slipping or the escapment wheel is sticking. Old oil causes both.

[Rex]

I wish I knew what bits to clean (or avoid!) to remedy this age-old Chrono problem.

[Worty]

Greetings.  I had mine refurbed by that nice man in Northants (forgot his name again).  It works great except for the trip meter which occasionally decides to turn the x10 wheel x2 times (if you see what I mean) - so 19 miles suddenly turns over to 40 miles instead of 20.  Not too worried as the odometer is correct.  As for jumping, mine goes up a little jerkily up to about 65 then decides that it's reluctant to move any further.  A quick blip of the throttle will see it jump from 65 to 75 then it gets nervous and retreats again.  Vagaries of old Smiths equipment I suppose.

[UncleD]

I wish I knew what bits to clean (or avoid!) to remedy this age-old Chrono problem.

There is an excellent Smiths Chronometric Facebook page with plenty of info and helpful people. 

It's not difficult to strip and clean the mechanism...you just have to get over the fear of opening it up!  Basically remove the mechanism and soak in kero or alcohol...and then a very light oil of moving parts.

[ellis]

Hi

The man you need is

Mr Russell Smalley of Chronometric Instrument Services in Nottingham.
Unit 21b
The Sherbrook Business Centre
Sherbrook Road,
Daybrook,
Nottingham
NG5 6AT
Tel +44 (0) 115 9206156
www.chronometrics.co.uk

He will give you the best service at a very reasonable rate.

ELLIS

[Worty]

Sorry, Notts not Northants, apologies Russell.  I opened one up once to strip and clean, screwed the whole thing up.  Guess if you have the time and are patient, it's ok, otherwise just pay Russell.