Author Topic: Tacho bug  (Read 234 times)

Offline Athame57

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Tacho bug
« on: October 01, 2026, 08:08:41 PM »
I've had a wasp in my helmet a few times and a spate of grasshoppers hitching a ride all summer once, but now  a new one.
I have a Ladybird residing in my tachometer, I'll try to get a pic. It keeps crawling around the face of it while under way, the needle passes over it so it isn't getting hurt but it is a damn distraction!  :o I thought these things were supposed to be sealed units? Anyone got a suggestion, please don't mention insecticide!
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 named Elen.

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2026, 08:40:18 AM »
I suspect the bulb holder is the easy way in, especially if the boot has deteriorated.
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
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Offline K2-K6

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2026, 11:04:51 AM »
You're going to need a spider, JIS standard too :)

Could trun into a "I knew an old lady that swallowed a fly" fable though.

Offline exvalvesetdabbler

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2026, 01:01:19 PM »
No spiders, I had one set up home in my Speedo when it was off the bike.

How about a match stick, a couple of inches of thread with a couple of greenfly on the end. Then dangle it near the hole and wait.

Best outcome is if it expires, falls to the bottom and gets captured by some stray grease.

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Dave


Offline Athame57

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2026, 02:49:07 PM »
Thanks for the advice guys, I'll consider my options,  ;)  here is  the prisoner in the clock!  :o
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 named Elen.

Offline Rayzerman

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2026, 03:27:02 PM »
Maybe try a vacuum via the bulb port??
'72 CB350F, 2010 CBF1000FA

Offline Athame57

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #6 on: October 02, 2026, 04:48:38 PM »
Maybe try a vacuum via the bulb port??

Now THAT sucks!  ;D   I'd have to hunt through the hoover bag to confirm, and bring my bike upstairs to have the hoover reach it!  :o
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 named Elen.

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #7 on: October 02, 2026, 05:59:53 PM »
Presumably the Ladybird has started to go into it's winter dormant stage.
When it wakes it will either find it's way out or perish. The remains will fall to bits, unlikely to damage anything.



Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline Athame57

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #8 on: October 02, 2026, 07:26:45 PM »
The remains will fall to bits, unlikely to damage anything.

Well, for the time being lets see the bright side, she is colour matched to the bike!  ;D
« Last Edit: October 02, 2026, 07:34:50 PM by Athame57 »
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 named Elen.

Offline Johnny4428

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #9 on: Today at 09:28:50 AM »
Definitely caught the “bug”! You’re going to be limited to 5k or she’s going to have to hang on. Of course it might move. You wouldn’t want it jammed up in the intricate workings of the gauge, don’t know if that’s possible haven’t studied inside of these.
1952 Cymoto on Triumph bicycle.
1961 Matchless G3
1974 Honda CB550K1
1978 Honda CB550K3
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1975,1984,1986 Honda C90’s
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Offline Athame57

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Re: Tacho bug
« Reply #10 on: Today at 09:46:29 AM »
Definitely caught the “bug”! You’re going to be limited to 5k or she’s going to have to hang on. Of course it might move. You wouldn’t want it jammed up in the intricate workings of the gauge, don’t know if that’s possible haven’t studied inside of these.

Your concern is misplaced Johnny, the needle clears her head, neck and shell. She will not be pushed around  the clock nor will she do an Anne Boleyn!  ;D
I brake for animals!
1978 CB400F2 named Elen.