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Hi everyone! I have a 2016 Sportster that's experiencing the following issue. When I turn on the ignition, the speedometer needle starts to vibrate strangely and makes a clicking noise. Ive recorded a video of it, which Ill upload alongside this post.
When I ride, it doesnt show the speedit stays at 0 km/h the entire time. However, it does measure the distance traveled accurately. Everything else on the bike works perfectly (turn signals, lights, horn, etc.). The battery was drained, so I removed it, charged it, and the bike started up fine, but this issue persists. The needle ticks, clicks, and doesnt show the speed. About a year ago, it did the same thing, but back then, a bit of contact spray and warmer weather seemed to fix it. This time, Id like to figure out what might be causing the problem.
Thank you very much in advance for your help!
It could be that the Speed Sensor has gone bad, it is located on top of the transmission and is secured with a 1/4-20 socket cap head screw. The Sepeed Sensor is H-D part number 74492-05B.
I agree with Rob Roy, it sounds like a speed sensor issue. You can check it by pulling it out and cleaning the metal shavings off of it then reinstalling it. Sometimes that will cure the problem, but it may need to be replaced if its shot.
My guess is the drive stepper motor for speed indicator needle. If it recordings milage, it may not be pickup sensor. My Harley tac does it. Hit 40 degrees and it goes bumper crazy
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jan 13, 2025 at 08:07 AM.
Loath to suggest a failed VSS as the OP reports the odometer is still working.
It could be a failed speedo. I would like to think a dealer could do some testing by installing a test one to check but remove it before it becomes locked.
You report : "The needle ticks, clicks, and doesn’t show the speed. About a year ago, it did the same thing, but back then, a bit of contact spray and warmer weather seemed to fix it."
And "it doesn’t show the speed—it stays at 0 km/h the entire time. However, it does measure the distance traveled accurately."
You also report: "The battery was drained, so I removed it, charged it, and the bike started up fine, but this issue persists."
Why was battery drained? How old is the battery? Did you attempt a jump start and maybe introduced a voltage spike?
Was voltage measured at battery post at rest, while cranking and then at high idle?
Motorcycle voltage is important and electrical components can be damaged if vehicle is operated with a compromised charging system.
It reads like the problem is within speedometer itself since the distance is recorded correctly.
How did you use the contact spray?
No mention of geographic location.. how is this bike stored? Outside in the snow, outside next to the ocean? or in a covered area?
From a distance and based on the limited information it reads as noted earlier that steeper motor within speedometer is not operating correctly.
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Speedometer is not working fine, STRANGE:(
