HD Speedo issues

[angelys]

Just curious as to how many people actually have/do have problems with their speedos. I have read many posts regarding issues and the suggestions/resolutions to solve ie: cleaning sensor (seems to be tops) is not the answer.

Interestingly enough, I have searched the web as well and there are plenty of posts with ppl having issues with their speedo. I sent an email to an HD Mechanic about it and he came back saying...sorry never heard of the problems...no problems here. WTF?? You are kidding me right? HD awhile back even admitted to having an issue when the new electronic speedos came out and it does not take much to go and see some people are having problems that are not readily resolved.

I then phoned my HD dealer here and spoke to a mechanic and he said pretty much the same the thing even after I gave him the info I had he basically shrugged his shoulders.

Here are some of the things I did find out and posted elsewhere:

Here are some other things I have searched out (over what is mentioned above) with others riding HD's who have had similiar issues so if nothing else it gives you something to look at: (note: I am just researching this, I am not technical on this matter)

1. voltage regulator - check your voltage(s) carefully, the 12 volt circuit may be putting out higher than normal voltage causing the speedo to burn out. Another possiblity is the alternator or regulator may be going bad and you have voltage that's more like AC (alternating current) instead of DC. Sometimes the regulator/alternator may work fine when you first start up, and the battery is getting charged as well, but after the battery charges up, then you get overvoltage/AC conditions occcuring that can fry other electronic items. (this is something to look at especially if you have gone through 2 or more speedos recently)

2. last few years been some tac and speedo problems with HD due to the wrong shut down and start up procedures. always best to use the kill switch and then turn ignition off. when starting, release (flip to run) the kill switch and then turn the ignition switch to on or run position. You also have to wait for the light to turn on (allow for needle to bounce below zero and back up) on the speedo (it needs to calibrate) before starting...if you do not do this it will not reset properly

3. Check sensor connector and clean and check that all connections in back of speedo are still tight. (remove back to do so)

4. Of course as Relic mentioned, you may have a short or ground issue...check all wiring.

Now I am not a technical wiz (at all!!!) here but just found this to be an interesting problem that I for one would like to know some answers too.

[speed]

I have seen two speedos go totally wonky on newer bikes. Both of them were replaced under warranty.

I have yet to see a Harley speedo that doesn't collect condensation inside the lens. Water and electronics don't mix and I think the condensation issue is partially to blame.

SM

[angelys]

Well that is the big thing - pushing for replacement. One thing to spend 50 bucks on a sensor...quite another to spend upwards of 500 on a new speedo but what is the fix ? In this day and age I find it hard to believe a solution can not be found for condensation.

[speed]

I put a Kuryakyn chrome shade on my speedo and it helps keep the sun off and the condensation down, but it's not a cure all.

SM