When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I used a pin vice when drilling mine, greatly reduces the potential for the bit to plough on though the board
This. When I said drill holes in the back I didnt mean grab the power drill and go to town. I think I recommended the pin vise route as you can feel your way. The plastic is very soft and drills easily.
Just wanted to report that I took on the condensation problem with my speedo this year (18 FLDE). I did the modifications late Feb and have ridden about 2,000 miles in temps ranging from 45° to 90° (its early May now). Now, I havent ridden in any 100° hot & humid days, but MY condensation problem was not a seasonal thing. I think Im ready to call this a WIN.
Im not going to suggest that anyone do this unless you are prepared to take a chance on ruining your instrument. I drilled the holes on a drill press (where I could control the depth of cut) and used a vacuum cleaner to remove the chips while the holes were being cut. Here are a few pics from the mod:
That's roughly what I usually experience. About an hour or so ride on a sunny day and the fog cooks off. That's why I've never been that motivated to do something about it.
If I where to attempt drilling holes... I might take a look at this video...
I'm guessing it might be better to attempt to put a pin sized hole in the side of the speedo's outer case instead of drilling a hole in the bottom. That way if you go a tad too deep you only encounter the outer plastic shell of the inner assembly (vs. the PCB, electronic components etc.). If one's theory is that getting the thing to breath is the answer, then it seems you would only need to break the seal to achieve that. Maybe around this location...
Alternatively, maybe anywhere around the 3 or 4 O'clock position might work equally as well. Or maybe 8 or 9 O'clock.
Of course this all assumes that breathing is the answer. Going by other's post alone, seems like it might be dubious.
Anyway... My 2 cents.
I wonder if you drill into the side of the speedo , looks like there is a safe place there ..
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
