Ariel Arrow Speedometer

[john W]

Hi has anyone had problems with speedometers I have had two within the last month the first one kept going from 0-100 replaced with another second-hand one ok for two weeks now this is stuck at 100mph the mileage is still clocking up as normal any advise will be gratefully received

[Roger James]

Hi John, I've had problems with Arrow speedometers in recent years, an erratic needle was down to the inner speedo cable running dry so lucbricated it resolving that issue. On another speedo it appeared to be working correctly up to 60mph but couldnt get it above that reading despite testing it going downhill with wind behind me and head down so I knew I was going faster than 60mph, investigation found that the reproduction cable was the problem, the squared end of the inner cable that goes into the speedo unit was too short and eventually spinning within the speedo housing, there was nothing wrong with the speedo, both times it was the cable. Took the cable back to the manufacturer and they made a new one with longer end to fully engage into the speedo unit. I had a similar problem to the last one on another Arrow but got around the problem by removing the inner cable and threading on a very small fibre washer along it to the top stop, in effect moving the cable up towards the speedo this in itself resolved the problem on that particular speedo.
I dont know what the problem might be with your speedometers but if not cable related they could just need a good clean, on the side of the Arrow speedo there is a cutaway that should have a clear plastic strip over it to allow light to enter for night riding, this plastic strip very often gets broken off and allows dirt to enter, or in one case on a restoration project Arrow purchased a few months ago, a large Spider took up residence, see photo..... if the plastic strip is missing off mine I use sellotape back to back just to provide some protection and allow some light for night riding. Unfortunately the chrome bezel on the Arrow type speedometers are rolled off and on with a machine, you cannot unscrew the bezel like on the Leader speedometer, you might prise the bezel off but ruin it in the process so you would probably need to send it away to have it professionally looked at, someone who has the facility to roll on a new bezel they keep in stock. I use a firm in Nottingham and they've never been particularly expensive for a clean and on occasions re-calibrated when I've started to use different sized rear sprockets altering the gearing.
Roger

[john W]

Thanks Roger for the information I will give them a try and let you know what happens John