Hello - kinda an odd problem - picked up a 2001 dyna fxdxt a few weeks ago - bike is in great condition but has one annoying issue - somehow a spider climbed into the tach and then died in there it's dried out body now bounces around under the glass face and it is very distracting- any tips on disassembling the stock tach or is buying a used one my only choice I have done so early research and cannot find a straight answer.

thanks

 

I can relate. My '90 FXRS from Day 1 had a thumbprint on the inside face of the tach, only noticeable at a certain angle/light, but still bothersome. Finally after a couple of years living with it, I decided to take it apart and clean it, figuring the worst thing that could happen was I'd have to replace the whole tach.

If my memory serves me right, I was able to pry up on the "flange" that holds the glass in position all around the top edge of the gauge by using small flat blade screwdrivers (note: the flange is thin metal and distorts easily, so be gentle when prying). I then stuck a piece of tape onto the top face of the glass and pulled up, and out came the glass. I cleaned the glass and the dial face since it was exposed, then replaced the glass and carefully pressed and tapped the "flange" back into place with a plastic tool to secure the glass.

What I don't remember is if I used any sealant to weatherproof the gauge, but if you tend to ride in wet weather or wash your bike frequently you may want to run a thin silicone bead around the edge of the glass under the flange before buttoning it all back up.

After all was said and done, the thumbprint was eliminated and the gauge face appeared unmolested unless you looked real close, so it worked out well in my case. Obviously, this is not a repair for the faint of heart, and may not even be possible depending on the type of gauge that you have, but if done carefully can be the solution to the spider carcass you have bouncing around in your tach. Good luck.
~

 

Thanks watched a YouTube link showing how to do this doesn't appear that the tach ring is pliable anyone have experience with a black ring vs chrome?