Hello everyone I have a 1998 Sportster 883. I went for my first ride of this season yesterday, and boy was it nice.
After I did my pre trip inspection everything check out and I was on my way. The adrenaline was pumping threw my veins like there was no tomorrow. I could finely break free form this beautiful winter wonderland here in northern Michigan. As I pulled out of my driveway that's when I noticed that my speedometer wasn't not working. Although It was lit up and the miles were displayed it was not tracking my Speed. I continued down the road for a few miles just to see if it would start working. "Which it did not" so my ride was over before it even started. When I got it back in the garage. I check my trip miles which I reset to zero before my ride and to my surprise it was still on zero.
Does anyone know what is going on here? I did some research and found out it could be one of two things. The Speed sensor or the speedometer.
I just want to confirm this befor I go out and spend over $400.00 on these parts. I also heard that you can take the Speed sensor out and clean it. I know where it is located but don't see how I can get it out. Your help is deeply appreciated. PLEASE HELP ME.

 

My guess is a bad speed sensor. I had one go bad on an 02 Electra Glide. I took it out and cleaned it but it only worked for a few miles. A new replacement worked for years until I traded the bike. Sorry I can't give you any tips on removing it on your bike.

 

I took the VSS out of my 95 883 a few days ago. All I can say is patience! You can loosen surrounding parts (muffler, oil line clamp, belt shield, ect.) to allow more room to work. I cut a cheap Allen wrench down in size to fit in a little nicer than a full size one. Remove the bolt and the sensor should slide out nicely!