Triumphrat

jeffz · 11-19-2009, 10:43 PM

So last night while out riding my speedometer started making a whining noise and the needle was shaking back and forth - I found when I got home that the cable was possibly a little loose where it connects at the back of the gauge. I re-lubricated the cable in case that was part of the problem and securely re-attached it.

Today, same deal. So I pulled the cable and the gauge to take a look, and saw that the area where cable fits into the gauge was worn - instead of looking square and ready to mate with the square end of the cable, it was all rounded off inside on the gauge end. And sure enough, despite getting it very securely tightened, I'm seeing slippage that causes the needle to bounce and a noise to come out of the gauge.

So, I think I need a new speedometer. I've seen numerous threads here about people planning speedo replacements, and I see options on the aftermarket (including the mini speedo/tach combo on New Bonneville's site which looks nice to me, being as I don't have a tach right now). My primary question is - can I just replace it? I'm unsure of the legal ramifications of replacing the official record of mileage accumulated on the bike. Can anyone comment on how this works? I live in Arizona if it makes a difference. Are all of you who've replaced speedos just planning on keeping your bikes forever or what?

Thanks in advance for replies,
Jeff

ohiorider · 11-20-2009, 02:20 PM

Several years ago, BMW was going thru Motometer Speedometers on their early K bikes so so often, my dealer said he felt like he'd become a speedometer replacement shop. Ironically, mine lasted until I sold the bike at 65000 miles.

The second K bike came with the speedo problem .... the needle would stay at zero, then jump up (sometimes) to indicate road speed. Seems to me when the speedo was replaced, the dealer placed a small sticker from BMW on the new speedo, indicating previous mileage, and also gave me a signed paper with the mileage info as well as the date the speedo was changed out.

Shouldn't be a big issue .... check with a shop.

Bob

Flaco · 11-20-2009, 03:46 PM

Jeff,
If you post an add for a used one or find one on eBay you can document the mileage difference through AZ DMV...
There are places that repair also...
Let me know how it goes...
Allin

jeffz · 11-20-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flaco

Jeff,
If you post an add for a used one or find one on eBay you can document the mileage difference through AZ DMV...
There are places that repair also...
Let me know how it goes...
Allin

Thanks - I'm leaning towards the mini speedo/tach gauge combo as sold by New Bonneville - pricey but I had been longing for a tach anyway and now seems like the optimal time to account for adding one.

I sent an email to the AZ MVD asking what the official procedure is. Is this something you'd done before, Allin? I'm wondering if I start off with a new one at 0 if having the old unit with the last established mileage on it is sufficient record.

Thanks,
Jeff

jeffz · 11-22-2009, 11:56 AM

I got this reply from the AZ MVD:

Quote:

If an odometer is repaired or replaced, the reading of the repaired or replaced odometer shall be set at the reading of the odometer repaired or replaced immediately prior to repair or replacement, except that when the repaired or replaced odometer is incapable of registering the same mileage as before such repair or replacement, the repaired or replaced odometer shall be adjusted to read zero and a notice in writing shall be attached to the frame of the motorcycle, by the owner or his or her agent specifying the mileage prior to repair or replacement of the odometer and the date on which it was repaired or replaced.

Seems easy enough!

beaman · 11-22-2009, 12:35 PM

Check out D9's setups!

Flaco · 11-22-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffz

I got this reply from the AZ MVD:

Seems easy enough!

Hope that works for you Jeff!
Allin