speedo problems
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
speedo problems
my 05 roadking has 47.000 miles on it. i road today for the first time in three weeks. i first noticed my speedo wasn't working a few miles from home. i first thought "cable", but remembered this speedo is electronic, and besides the odometer was working fine. it acted crazy all day, sometimes right, others going all the way around past 120 and stopping in about 6:00 position. it wouldn't go back to zero after cutting off the ignition. i could move the ign switch off/on/off/on/off and it would finally go back to zero. a friend suggested removing and cleaning the sensor on the tranny, but i fear i've got a bad speedo. if so, are these speedos repairable? are replacements available(at god awful h/d prices)? i repaired home appliances up until my retirement, and already had a very bad taste of electronic gadgets and computers. having a speedometer crap out an a fairly new h/d is not improving my opinion. i know the young think the world turns on the latest electronic toy, but us old farts remember when a good product would last for many years, and could be repaired to go on further. o.k. that is off my chest, any suggestion on the speewdo problem?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 654
Likes: 67
From: PacificNorthWest
Remove the dash and check connects.
I had one one that had several stages of problems on a softy..
Turned out to be verdigris on the copper contacts of the ignition switch from washing and rain AND the speed sensor on the tranny.
I had one one that had several stages of problems on a softy..
Turned out to be verdigris on the copper contacts of the ignition switch from washing and rain AND the speed sensor on the tranny.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,081
Likes: 1,127
From:
Just like home appliance repair...
One step at a time when trying to obtain a diagnosis.
The usual culprit is the vehicle speedometer sensor pick-up is either dirty or the sensor is bad.
The suggestion provided by your friend is a first step.
A common symptom is wild needle while the odometer looks OK but in fact is not recording distance correctly.
After cleaning the sensor, some are good to go for a long time while others have the problem return after a few rides.
If the problem goes away and returns then you can look at step #2 the sensor replacement.
Keep in mind that loose battery cable connections can present a similar symptom.
A brand new speedometer does cost between $250-$300 and i believe motorcycle after 2004 are unable to get a used one because of VIN error issues.
A replacement speedometer will not help if the problem is the sensor.
Here is a link for a parts finder.
It helps to locate parts, part numbers and identify cost.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.....asp?make=hdmc
One step at a time when trying to obtain a diagnosis.
The usual culprit is the vehicle speedometer sensor pick-up is either dirty or the sensor is bad.
The suggestion provided by your friend is a first step.
A common symptom is wild needle while the odometer looks OK but in fact is not recording distance correctly.
After cleaning the sensor, some are good to go for a long time while others have the problem return after a few rides.
If the problem goes away and returns then you can look at step #2 the sensor replacement.
Keep in mind that loose battery cable connections can present a similar symptom.
A brand new speedometer does cost between $250-$300 and i believe motorcycle after 2004 are unable to get a used one because of VIN error issues.
A replacement speedometer will not help if the problem is the sensor.
Here is a link for a parts finder.
It helps to locate parts, part numbers and identify cost.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.....asp?make=hdmc
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,751
Likes: 459
From: Here and now
I read the title of this thread and my first thought was that you were having problems with your swimsuit.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 439
Likes: 91
From: 44.4 North
^ Thanks. That's good info. It didn't register with me that the cancelling turn signals were tied to the speed sensor. Make sense tho, since they don't cancel when idling at a stop light.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 18
From: Belmont, MI
I had similar problem when my 05 was new. The dealer tried a couple of sensors and then a speedo, no success. I finally discovered the problem by accident when I pulled the inner fairing for paint. It was a loose ground on the top left side of the triple tree. I haven't had a problem since.
Rick
Rick
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post