Motorcycle Repair: Speedometer Issues ..., shadow vt1100c, speedo cable

Question
I have an '86 Honda Shadow VT1100C ... the speedometer quit working in the middle of an 800 mile trip, so I figured it may be the speedo cable due to age and/or lack of lubrication issues. I replaced the cable with a new OEM cable and the speedo still doesn't work. What is my next move? Should I have the speedo rebuilt or is it more likely to be on the other end at the cables front wheel connection???

Answer
One of the common problems with cable driven speedos is that the gears inside the meter are plastic and basically molded on to the shafts that hold them in place. After time they spin on the shafts and no longer read correctly or at all. I would first get the front end of the bike off the ground and remove the cable from the front wheel. Look inside the drive housing be sure sure the socket for the cable is rotating. If it is then you have a problem with speedo itself. If not then you will have to remove the front wheel and replace the drive itself. Let me know what ya come up with. Good Luck.