Identify the instrument arrangement on your 1981 CB900C Custom before ordering cables or mounting pieces. This year’s speedometer cable is 42.5 inches long, while original-type gauge cushions and back plates have separate applications. A custom cockpit requires its own drive, bracket and wiring checks.
Replace your speedo / tach meter cushion with this Speedo / Tachometer Meter Cushion, replacing OEM #37235-323-700.Note: 2 used per bike, one for the...
Complete your blacked-out cockpit with this All-Black Deluxe Mini Custom MPH Speedometer. A 2.25" unit with an all-black body and face, LED illumination, and...
Keep things minimal and blacked-out with this All-Black Mini Custom Tachometer. A 2.25" mechanical-drive unit with an all-black body and face plate, LED-type illumination,...
Anchor a dark cockpit with this Deluxe Mini Custom Tachometer in chrome with a black face plate. A 2.25" mechanical-drive tach with LED illumination...
Upgrade or restore your classic Honda motorcycle with this Genuine Honda Tachometer Chrome Back Cover Plate — precision‑engineered and quality made in Japan. This...
Custom 4:1 Vintage Style Tachometer for custom or restoration work on classic Honda CB motorcycles. This is a universal/custom part, so confirm dimensions, it...
Upgrade or restore your classic Honda motorcycle with this Genuine Honda Speedometer Chrome Back Cover Plate — precision‑engineered and made in Japan. This authentic...
Replace your CB900C or CB650SC speedometer cable with this Speedometer Cable, replacing OEM #44830-461-770. Length 42.5". Made in Japan.Key Features• Speedometer cable• 42.5" length•...
Go full stealth with this All-Black Deluxe Mini Custom KPH Speedometer. At 2.25", this deluxe-spec unit swaps the chrome body for an all-black finish,...
Match your micro speedo with this Micro Custom Tachometer, a 1.9" chrome-body mechanical-drive tach with a white face plate. LED illumination, mounting plate included...
Match a white-face speedo with this Deluxe Mini Custom Tachometer, chrome body with a white face plate for a clean, vintage-inspired cockpit look. At...
Fit a compact blacked-out speedometer with this Micro Custom KPH Speedometer in chrome with a black face plate. At 1.9", it's the smallest speedometer...
1981 Honda CB900C Custom · Instrument Service Parts Buying guide
Use the later Custom cable and actual gauge arrangement
The selected cable has an explicit 1981–82 Custom application. Meter cushions and lower cover plates support original-housing repairs; they should not be transferred to custom instruments without checking their dimensions and attachments.
The original 1981 CB900C uses a cable-driven speedometer at the front wheel and a separate mechanical tachometer cable at the cylinder head. Identify whether the fault concerns road speed, engine speed or the instrument mounting before ordering. The featured speedometer cable does not serve the tachometer.
Inspect supports and trim before ordering
Two meter cushions are specified per motorcycle, and the linked cap nuts come in a four-piece set. The lower cover plates serve separate speedometer and tachometer housings. Inspect mounting points and the gauge condition instead of assuming new trim will resolve an internal instrument fault.
Buying questions
Will a new speedometer cable fix a dead tachometer?
No. Road speed comes from the front-wheel drive, while the tachometer has a separate mechanical cable at the engine. Diagnose the affected drive, cable and instrument before buying; this featured cable is for the speedometer.
Will new meter cushions cure a jumping speedometer needle?
They renew the meter’s mounting support. A jumping indication can involve the cable, drive or instrument, so inspect that path separately rather than treating a cushion or chrome back cover as an internal gauge repair.
Does a matching custom gauge face make a complete cockpit conversion?
Plan the gauge input, cable connection, mounting bracket and warning or indicator functions separately. A custom speedometer’s calibration and four indicator lamps do not establish compatibility with every original CB900C instrument connection.
Not sure which part you need?
Send your model and year, plus photos of your existing part and any changes to the original setup.