Erratic speedometer.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
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From: Middle of Kansas
Erratic speedometer.
I do not know if any of you have had this problem, but while riding my 99 Softail Custom the speedometer would go to zero for a few seconds, and then back to normal. My bike had also been turning over a little slower than usual. I did two things. I cleaned the metal fuzz of the speedometer sensor, and cleaned the battery terminals. Took it out for a ride this morning and all is well. First I noticed the bike started the second I hit the button. After about a 10 mile ride at speeds from 30 to 65 the speedometer worked fine. I am guessing it was the dirty battery terminals. The battery is just a little over a year old.
My thing is, always look for the simple things first when it comes to electrical problems. Not sure when Harley went to the electronic speedometer. The old ones were a simple replace the broken cable. I rode and 84 Iron Head Sportster for 23 years, and when the electronic ignition module shot craps, I changed the coil, and installed a breaker plate with points and condenser. Then I could fix it. I may do the same to my 99 if the module quits. Way cheaper than the electronic module, and if you carry a spare points and condenser you can fix it anywhere. The more complex they make these new bikes, the less chance the rider can fix anything. That is why I am still riding my 99. No fuel injection for me. Of course, I am 80 years old and the stock EVO has plenty of power for me. I started riding in 1955 on a 42 Flat Head "45". when I was 14. Should have kept it .
My thing is, always look for the simple things first when it comes to electrical problems. Not sure when Harley went to the electronic speedometer. The old ones were a simple replace the broken cable. I rode and 84 Iron Head Sportster for 23 years, and when the electronic ignition module shot craps, I changed the coil, and installed a breaker plate with points and condenser. Then I could fix it. I may do the same to my 99 if the module quits. Way cheaper than the electronic module, and if you carry a spare points and condenser you can fix it anywhere. The more complex they make these new bikes, the less chance the rider can fix anything. That is why I am still riding my 99. No fuel injection for me. Of course, I am 80 years old and the stock EVO has plenty of power for me. I started riding in 1955 on a 42 Flat Head "45". when I was 14. Should have kept it .
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