Speedometer failed
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 38
From: NE Illinois
Speedometer failed
Greetings,
I have a '91 FXSTC which has the speedometer driven off of the front wheel. The speedometer needle has been shaking and today it shook worse and then dropped to zero. This also disabled the odometer which is how I time my fuel stops because there is no gas guage. I removed the speedometer and it does not appear to be serviceable. I also pushed the bike and I can see the input cable turning. Is my only option to replace the speedometer? Thank you for your input.
I have a '91 FXSTC which has the speedometer driven off of the front wheel. The speedometer needle has been shaking and today it shook worse and then dropped to zero. This also disabled the odometer which is how I time my fuel stops because there is no gas guage. I removed the speedometer and it does not appear to be serviceable. I also pushed the bike and I can see the input cable turning. Is my only option to replace the speedometer? Thank you for your input.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 122
From: Iowa
I don't know where you're located, but if you do a Google search for "Motorcycle speedometer repair" it will find many places that repair speedometers.
I've never used any of these, so I can't recommend one over any others. And I have no idea what they charge to repair a speedo.
It may turn out that buying a replacement will be the best option...
Good luck.
I've never used any of these, so I can't recommend one over any others. And I have no idea what they charge to repair a speedo.
It may turn out that buying a replacement will be the best option...
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,183
Likes: 2,131
From: W. Texas
Ya need to ck the cable. Have seen the cable turn as you have ck'd.
It can be turned with just enough friction between the ends of a broken cable while turning the front wheel
Pull the cable out and make sure it's OK.
WP
It can be turned with just enough friction between the ends of a broken cable while turning the front wheel
Pull the cable out and make sure it's OK.
WP
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 3,033
From: Brighton, MI
The speedo can be taken apart. It is time consuming and tedious prying the stainless trim ring off but it can be done. You need to go slow and be methodical. There are threads here on how to do it. Also do a google search and you will find some info also.
However, I agree with the others, totally remove your cable and inspect. Also remove the drive gear and try to find any problems with that. Do both of those first. If your drive gear and cable seem OK, then the easiest is to try and find a speedo used. You don't have much of a choice. I thought I saw a new repro a few years back. It was pretty close to original but did not have the harley name on it. Good luck.
Oh yeah, almost forgot, graphite powder is your friend when it's time to lube your inner cable. YD
However, I agree with the others, totally remove your cable and inspect. Also remove the drive gear and try to find any problems with that. Do both of those first. If your drive gear and cable seem OK, then the easiest is to try and find a speedo used. You don't have much of a choice. I thought I saw a new repro a few years back. It was pretty close to original but did not have the harley name on it. Good luck.
Oh yeah, almost forgot, graphite powder is your friend when it's time to lube your inner cable. YD
Last edited by Yankee Dog; May 16, 2020 at 07:19 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 6,063
From: Black Hills
If it is the drive, make sure you get the correct drive ratio. If you get OEM it should be correct, aftermarket double check.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
You speedo not working is a symptom - we need to find out what caused it before taking any action! Physically detach the speedo cable at both ends and carefully remove the inner. The most common fault is that the inner seizes inside the outer, through lack of lubrication plus ingress of water, then breaks. If your inner has broken, buy a complete new cable, inner and outer. Check the drive unit on the front axle for free movement, when turning the wheel over, as that can also suffer from water ingress. Only then can we check the speedo itself. I'm sure there are a few firms who can service and repair them, IIRC.
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