Motorcycle Repair: speedometer noise, v65 magna, pitched whine

Question
I have a V65 Magna. Some years ago I replaced the speedometer housing with a chrome one from a V45 (I think). A few months ago my speedo cable broke. I have replaced it 3 times. It develops a high-pitched whine and then breaks directly within a few days. I have been through 3 cables like this. I would be inclined to think that because the cable comes out of the housing at a slightly different angle on the V45 housing than an original, that perhaps that had some bearing, except I had the V45 housing on for a couple of years. Ahy ideas?

Answer
Hi Dennis.
 What lubricant are you using on the cable when you put the new one in?  Although the cable is (theoretically) pre-lubed, I always use a good silicon-based lube on the cable when I install a new one.  Just to be on the safe side.

As far as cable noise, I have an '84 V65 myself and have found that, when it's cold, I have a similar noise issue.  In my case, it goes away when the weather warms up.  I doubt that the cable mounting angle is the issue unless the cable is bent too sharply in any spots, but I suspect that your routing and cable position is within acceptable limits.

Now if there is something in the speedo that is sticking or not moving as freely as it should, it could be creating stress on the cable that it cannot handle for too long.

Outside of that, I do not know what could be causing the issue as, outside of the noise issue, I haven't heard of this kind of thing happening with properly lubed and installed cables.

Sorry that I cannot help further.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON