Speedo and Odo meters not working.. :-(

I have a 1985 VF500F. Went to ride it the other day and the Speedometer and odometer were not functioning. The light on the dash and Tach were still going though. im thinking speed sensor or speedo cable?! Not sure if the sensor is mechanical or digital on this year. Any help on troubleshooting, repair or general life advice is appreciated

 

It's mechanical. Check the cable at both ends. I would check the bottom first for damage/disconnection then the top. Turning the cable in the housing you should see the cable turning at the other end. The good news it that the cables are still available. If it's something mechanical in the speedo than that is more difficult. I never tore into one and I don't remember if you even can. I have an extra speedo/odo/tach unit if you need to buy one.

 

Michael...Im having trouble figuring out exactly whats up with it, the cable seems to be fine, no cuts, tears or anything noticable. Can you take a pic of the unit you have? how much would you sell for? Its the unit that goes at bottom of forks right? down at axel... Thanks. I also cant find anything on this in my Clymer manual for some reason

 

I don't have the 500 any more and I only have the instrument unit (the whole gauge unit). Does everything spin properly? Take the cable off the bottom and spin the front wheel. Does the piece where the cable engages turn? If yes, connect it back up at the bottom and disconnect it at the top. and spin the wheel again. Does the cable turn in the housing. If all that appears normal, it would be safe to suspect a problem with the gauge unit, IMO.