Whenever you drive your motorcycle, you’re always aware of the speed. But what happens if the speedometer on your motorcycle stops working? This is a problem that can pop up at any time, and it can be difficult to fix on your own.
I have faced this problem previously and I know the frustration. It isn’t so tough to fix a speedometer on a motorcycle on your own. You will need some common tools like a wrench, a screwdriver, and a proper guide to fix it.
Fortunately, I’ve got a quick guide that will show you how to fix a malfunctioning speedometer on a motorcycle. So, stay till the end to get rid of the problem.
4 Steps To Fix Your Speedometer On The Motorcycle: The Easiest Way To Do It
To fix a faulty speedometer, you have to know the exact process. If you start to fix a problem without following the perfect method, you may increase the issue rather than fix it. In this section, I will show you a process (step by step) to fix a faulty speedometer.
Step-1: Necessary Equipment
The first step in fixing a speedometer on a motorcycle is to prepare for the repair. You will need to remove the fairing or cover that surrounds the engine and speedometer, as well as any extra parts or accessories lying on top of them. Once you have cleared away all obstructions, it’s time to get started.
However, you will need a few tools for this process. Don’t worry. You may already have most of them like:
- Metric wrenches;
- Screwdriver;
- Pliers;
- Speedometer cable grease (you will find the grace in any hardware shop).
Step-2: Remove The Speedometer And It’s Cable
The speedometer cable is connected to the transmission on most motorcycles. To disconnect it, first identify the clip that holds it in position and pry it loose with a screwdriver. Once you’ve freed the cable, twist and pull until it comes out of the housing.
To remove the speedometer from your motorcycle, first, unplug the wire that connects it to the transmission. Next, remove the screws that hold down the cover plate and lift it off. Find and unhook the sensor wires, then pull out both sensors. Finally, replace all of the faulty parts and re-connect everything.
Step-3: Inspecting Several Parts Of the Speedometer
After the speedometer is free, it’s time to take a look at it. If there are any broken or damaged pieces, you’ll need to replace them before you can continue.
- Check The Cable
Check both ends of the cable. If the edges of the cable are rounded, you have to replace the cable. If the edges of the cable are broken, the hub will need some inspection. Because there must be some broken pieces in the hub.
Before reattaching the cable to the front wheel, put some speedometer cable grease on the cable. Now, tighten the cables with pliers.
- Check The Transmission Unit
To check whether or not there’s damage to the transmission unit, remove both front hubcaps and lift off both cover plates at the front of the bike. There should be a gear sensor and cable connected to the transmission unit. If there is any damage, you will need to replace both components.
- Check The Speedometer Sensor
The speedometer sensor is located in the Transmission Unit near the gear sensor above. To access it, remove two screws that hold down the cover plate and lift it off. Once you have removed it, you can see if the sensor is broken or just out of alignment. If it’s broken, you will need to replace the sensor.
- Check The Gears and Sensor Gear Tracking
Now, it’s time to take a look at the gears and see if anything is wrong with them. Remove each gear wheel by gently pressing down on one side (with your fingers) while rotating it anticlockwise. If anything feels off, replace that gear wheel immediately.
Once everything looks healthy, it’s time to connect the new speedometer cable and re-install your cover or fairing.
Step-4: Testing And Adjusting Speedometer
Once everything is reconnected and in working order, it’s time to test the speedometer. This means clicking the button on the regulator to set your motorcycle’s actual speed. Once it matches what you see on the screen, you’re ready to start adjusting speeds as needed.
If everything still doesn’t seem to be working the way it should, take your motorcycle in for professional repairs. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and fix any problem with your speedometer completely and without further complication.
5 Common Reasons Why A Motorcycle Speedometer Is Not Working: Symptoms & Fixes
Some people try to fix the speedometer and they mix up the process in a hurry. They start to try everything they can without knowing the right reason behind the issue. And most of the time, they mess it up.
That’s why it is important to identify the reason behind the problem. Here are five common reasons that may be causing the problem.
| Reasons For Not Working Motorcycle Speedometer | Symptoms |
| Faulty Sensor | Inaccurate readings in the display. |
| Wiring Issues | The speedometer will stop working. |
| Broken Gauge | The speedometer won’t receive the real velocity. |
| Faulty ECU | Everything will be shut down. |
| Broken Gear | The speedometer velocity will not match the real velocity. |
Continue reading to learn the explanations and fixes for the reasons that cause the motorcycle speedometer not to work properly.
1. Faulty Sensor
A speedometer uses a sensor to measure the speed of the motorcycle. This information is then sent to a display unit, which keeps track of the rider’s current and maximum speeds.
The most common reason that a speedometer might not work on a motorcycle is an incorrect or faulty sensor. If the sensor isn’t calibrated correctly, it won’t send accurate readings to the display.
Unfortunately, you can’t fix a faulty sensor. You have to replace the sensor. I recommend you take help from a professional mechanic for replacing it.
2. Wiring Issues
A speedometer is connected to the engine via wire. The wiring sends signals from the sensor to the display unit, telling you how fast you’re going. If there’s too much resistance in this wiring system, it can impact the accuracy of readings sent from the sensor to the display unit.
This may cause the speedometer to malfunction or stop working altogether.
Most of the time, the cable (which connects the speedometer to the front wheel) malfunctions. For that, you have to replace all the faulty wires and connect them properly. In most cases, a professional mechanic will need to take a look at your bike and fix these issues.
3. Broken Gauge
A speedometer measures the velocity of the motorcycle and sends this information to a display unit. The gauge also shows you how fast you’re going, while the gear system adjusts your speed so that it matches what’s happening on the road. If your speedometer is broken, chances are that the gauge itself is also damaged.
If you notice that one or more of the digits on the gauge have stopped working, talk to a professional to replace or fix the gauge.
4. Faulty Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit (ECU) is responsible for monitoring and controlling a variety of essential functions on your motorcycle. If the ECU detects an issue with the speedometer, it may disable or malfunction the speedometer to prevent major damage. In rare cases, the ECU may even cause the speedometer to stop working altogether.
If you experience any problems with the engine control unit, be sure to take it to a professional mechanic for a diagnosis and possible repair. Because it is a very sensitive part. If you do anything wrong, it will increase the problem.
5. Broken Gear
A gear system on a motorcycle allows you to adjust your speed so that it matches what’s happening on the road. If one or more of the gears is broken, it can impact the accuracy of readings sent from the sensor to the display unit. This may cause your speedometer to malfunction or stop working.
If you notice that your bike isn’t going as fast as it used to, and suspect that gear is broken, you will need to have a professional mechanic take a look. However, if the gear system on your bike is only malfunctioning, you may be able to fix it yourself by replacing the faulty gear with a new one.
5 Safety Tips To Follow While Fixing A Speedometer On A Motorcycle:
Safety is always important when working on any type of vehicle, and it’s especially important when repairing or adjusting a motorcycle speedometer. There are several dangers associated with trying to repair or adjust the speedometer on a motorcycle yourself. That’s why you have to follow some safety tips:
Tip-1:
Before starting, disconnect everything from the bike that you don’t need to remove to work on the speedometer. If something is connected, it can interfere with your ability to hear and see what you’re doing while working on the motorcycle.
Tip-2:
Disconnect electrical connections at both ends of the speedometer cable before beginning any repairs or adjustments. This will help prevent damage during your work if something goes wrong.
Tip-3:
Follow the assembly instructions exactly when installing or replacing any components on your motorcycle. Improperly installing or repairing parts can lead to further damage and even more headaches down the road.
Tip-4:
Test the speedometer before beginning any repairs or adjustments. This allows you to verify that everything is working properly and that there are no hidden problems with the sensor, wiring, or gauge.
Tip-5:
Always use a voltmeter (or similar tool) to check for voltage levels while working on your motorcycle. A low voltage could indicate that there’s something wrong with the electrical system connected to the speedometer, so it’s important to check every connection!
Related Questions:
Can A Speedometer Be Fixed?
Generally, a speedometer can be fixed. Depending on the severity of the defect, a speedometer may just need to be lubricated or had parts replaced. More serious issues may require the replacement of the entire instrument assembly.
If the defect is just a small amount of excessive wear on the internal components, lubricating them may be all that is necessary. If the speedometer needle isn’t moving smoothly or at all, it may need to be replaced.
Why Is Your Motorcycle Speedometer Acting Up?
There are a few potential reasons why your motorcycle speedometer may be malfunctioning. One reason is- if excessive dirt or grime is building up in the Speedometer Sensor. This can prevent the sensor from accurately detecting the bike’s speed, which will cause it to give inaccurate readings.
Another reason can be a faulty cable, which can cause the speedometer to be non-operative or inaccurate. In this case, it may be necessary to replace the cable.
Why Is Your Speedometer Slow?
If your motorcycle’s speedometer is consistently giving inaccurate readings, there may be a problem with the Speedometer Sensor. This can be caused by the building up of dirt or grime in the sensor, as well as faulty wiring. If this is the case, it may be necessary to replace the sensor.
However, if the speedometer is just slow to respond, there may be a simpler solution available. If the bike’s speedometer has an analog dial, you may need to adjust its gearing to make it work more accurately.
How Do You Diagnose A Speedometer Problem?
If you’re having trouble getting your motorcycle’s speedometer to work properly, the first step is to check for any physical damage or obstruction. If there is nothing wrong with the instrument itself, next inspect the wiring and connections closely for signs of wear or damage.
If everything looks okay, you can try resetting or troubleshooting the speedometer sensor by adjusting its gearing. If nothing appears to be causing the issue, you may need to take your motorcycle in for repairs.
How Do You Check Your Speedometer Is Correct?
If you suspect that your motorcycle’s speedometer is giving inaccurate readings, the first step is to check its accuracy. To do this, ride the bike at a consistent speed and use a device like a stopwatch or a chronograph to time.
Then, compare how long it takes for the indicator on the speedometer to reach the number that’s shown on the instrument. If it takes longer than normal, there may be an issue with the sensor.
What Can Be Readouts From A Speedometer?
A motorcycle speedometer uses several readouts to give the rider an idea of how fast they are traveling. The most important readout is the mph (miles per hour) display, which tells the rider how many miles they have traveled in one hour. Other readouts include:
- The top speed indicator shows what speed the bike is currently traveling at.
- The odometer shows how many miles have been traveled since the bike was last started.
- The clock shows the time in hours, minutes, and seconds.
How Do You Grease A Speedometer Cable?
To lubricate and protect the speedometer cable, you will need to purchase quality grease. The best option is lithium-based grease that can resist temperature extremes and corrosion. You will also need to apply the grease using a spray bottle or applicator tube.
Make sure to apply enough pressure so that the grease reaches all of the cable’s moving parts. Allow the greased assembly to sit for a few minutes before reassembling your bike.
How Do You Fix A Malfunctioning Speedometer?
To repair a malfunctioning speedometer on a motorcycle, the first step is to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated inside the instrument. Next, use a small Phillips head screwdriver to loosen and remove any screws that secure the speedometer assembly in place.
Once all of the screws are removed, gently pull out the speedometer assembly and clean it thoroughly. Replace all the broken or faulty parts and reattach the speedometer assembly to the motorcycle frame using new screws.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Speedometer On A Motorcycle?
You may need approximately 40 USD to fix the speedometer on your motorcycle. The cost of repairing or adjusting a motorcycle speedometer will vary depending on the severity of the issue, the tools and parts that are required, and any other necessary labor costs. For a speedometer cable, you will need up to 10 dollars. And a speedometer gear may cost you 30 dollars.
Can You Fix A Speedometer On A Motorcycle On Your Own?
It is possible to repair a speedometer on your own, but it is not always easy. If the speedometer has broken or stopped working altogether, you will need to disassemble the unit to get at and replace the internal parts.
After repairing or replacing the necessary components, you may need to reattach the speedo cable. If the speedometer is just not reading correctly, you may be able to fix it by adjusting the cable or fasteners. However, if the speedometer has stopped working altogether, you will need to replace it.
Conclusion
A motorcycle speedometer is an essential part of your motorcycle engine timing system. If it is not functioning properly, you may not be aware of your current speed which could lead to dangerous riding accidents. If you face this issue, you need to take action as fast as you can.
At this point of this post, you should know how to fix a speedometer on a motorcycle. And I hope you can fix the speedometer on your own.
You might be interested in:
How To Replace Your Motorcycle Air Filter? (4 Simple Steps)
