[ketchboy]

For some reason, the tachometer on my 40 year old gs1000 started squealing. :surprise:

After taking the thing apart, I noticed everything was clean and serviceable. It just lacked some lubrication. Since the one thing I'm good at is being lazy, I didn't want to take it apart again to service or replace it. So, I drilled a hole thru the plastic and metal housing, inserted a small piece of vacuum line into the hole, and positioned it over the tach shaft bushing. I have NOT finished putting it back together yet, but I can see that it will work. Now as part of my annual maintenance, I simply have to pull the plug on the vacuum line, shoot a couple of drops of that wonderful Marvel Mystery Oil into the line and let it drop onto the shaft and bushing. Problem solved. :grin:

Yes I know, the bushing is probably worn out. But I'm also a COB (cheap old B######) along with being lazy.

If you're like me and would rather fix than replace, it might be worth looking into.

 

[ketchboy]

Other than the fact that I have no idea how to post a picture, the bike isn't worth a picture yet. The poor old thing was rode hard and put away wet, when I got it in exchange for some labor. As money permits (I'm retired), I've slowly been getting it back in shape. Wore out neck bearings, missing motor mount bolts, bad carbs, rebuild both front forks, tires, things like that. I finally have the bike running and handling like I want it and should be able to start on the cosmetics this winter.

HOWEVER, when it's done, not restored just done and looking like it's not abandon, I'll send a 'shout out' and see if a member will post some pictures for me.

BWB, I've always been a Honda man, with some other bikes thrown in over the years. This is my first Suzuki road bike. And you are right...it's an amazing machine. The more I 'tune' it to the way I want it, the more I'm lovin it.

 

[ketchboy]

I think taking an old bike and making it a rideable machine again is great! Hopefully it won't take you too long to get it where you'll want to post photos of it.

In the interest of full disclosure RG, I wouldn't even know where to begin with these newer bikes. FI, sensors, and computers, is way beyond my pay grade and I have no interest in working on them. I like the older bikes because they're simple, reliable, and fairly easy to work on. To me, there is a certain beauty in the older bikes with the exposed engine and parts. Obviously the older bikes will never be a challenge for the modern day rides, but there is enough power and performance to get yourself into plenty of trouble. Even after I can no longer ride, I'll still be in the garage tinkering, changing, modifying, and trying to improve my rides. I haven't done it yet, because of my age and the need of a back tire, but I know the Suzy will grind a foot peg or two in the corners when it's done. Who could ask for anything more?

Well, it's out to the garage to see if I can make my silly idea work. :grin:

 

[ketchboy]

IT WORKS!! Sweet! And it only cost me two drops of Mystery Oil, a small piece of vacuum line, and a band aid. I did crack the plastic bezel, but I think I'll blame it on the PO.

 

[ketchboy]

Mine is a couple of years newer than yours, OldVet. The insides are metal. The cable fits into a shaft. The shaft goes thru a bushing inside of the tach. The shaft continues up to a 'bell' type thingy that is surrounded by another metal bell. On the outside 'bell', there is a small coil spring that somehow activates the tach needle. Supposed to be some sort of magnetic setup. I've never seen a setup like this, as I'm used to the old gear type system. The good thing is, I will never have to worry about a dried up system again.

 

[ketchboy]

OldVet66......PM sent.