whining noise over 30 mph

[nhpony]

So, I'm getting a whining noise when I get over about 30 mph with my '85 650.  It sounds like it's coming from the front, and only road speed seems to matter.  It stays the same no matter what the engine RPMs are and no matter what gear I'm in, clutch engaged or disengaged.

So, I'm thinking it must be the speedometer cable or something like that?  Perhaps I need to lube it.  Has anyone had this issue, and if so, what do I lube the cable with?

[Brittles]

Best to pull the cable all the way out, clean and replace.

I use 3M oil on mine.

[nhpony]

Inded, it was the cable.  I pulled it out the bottom the other day and greased, put back in, and had the same whining.  Tonight I pulled the headlamp forward and loosened the cable from the top and sprayed some silicone lube up into the speedo fitting and down into the cable again, put back together, and now it works great -- no more noise!

[ariwhiteboy]

Isn't it great solving these little problems!

[nhpony]

Isn't it great solving these little problems!

You bet!  This morning I'm taking my needle and thread out because I have a little loose stitching on the seat, but no rips or anything.  I think I should be able to solve it with some stitching, at least until I'm really ready to upgrade my seat!  TLC goes a long way with these bikes!

[gammer]

I had a whining noise on my NH at low speeds. I thought it was the cable...greased and lubed it till I was blue in the face (avatar blue). Anyway, turned out it was a worn plastic gear on my speedo. So I swapped out my speedo for one with less millage on it and all fixed.
Just wanted to point this out in case someone else is trying to diagnose the same issue down the line.

[ExTex]

I also have had noises that arose from the speedometers, not the cables. 
A little spray lube into the speedometer at the cable connection
or a lot of spray lube  into the body of the speedometer will quieten it.

Ride safely