Speedometer problems on an '06

[mindtrip]

Over the last 7-10 days, I have observed several times where the speedometer needle did not 'spin up' to the top of the speedometer and then back down when turning the key on. Sometimes it wouldn't respond at all, despite turning the key of and on several times, and other times it would 'flutter' around the 10mph mark and then drop to zero. Initially, once I started riding the bike the speedometer would work fine. Then on Friday I went to run some errands, and for the first ~0.1 miles the speedometer read '0' until I came to a stop sign; once I started up again the speedometer worked fine. Today I left for work and saw that the speedometer was not working, even after coming to a stop sign; on the interstate I was doing ~75mph (4k in 5th gear is ~75-80mph on this bike) and the speedo showed me doing 35 (btw, do you think that could be a defense against a ticket? "Really, officer, I thought I was only doing 35!!!" B) ) and slowing down to ~50mph the speedo would drop to zero. I hit the off-ramp and approached the red light at the bottom, and once I slowed down to about 20mph the speedometer needle flicked from 0 up to 20, and it worked fine after that. I called my local dealer who wants me to bring it in a leave it for "several days before we can even look at it, then a few more if it needs parts", but I'm having too much fun riding to leave it for a week. So I'm wondering, has anyone ever seen this before, and could it be something easy to find and fix (ie loose connection)? I'm really thinking it's either a computer error, or a poor connection (especially since it *did* work when I was really moving, but only showed 35mph) but am looking for other advice.

 

[SkooterG]

IMHO, this is not something simple. You have got some ECU problems most likely.

It's off the dealer for you.......

 

[twowheelnut]

Early GL1800's had the same problem. Some say that Skooter was running around spooging on the dashes, but it turned out to be an electrical hiccup in the instrument pod.

Is the tach working normally? If so, use that to judge speed until you get it repaired.

 

[radman]

Could be speedo, might be speed sensor. Might be you were dreaming of what you would see when your bike finally showed up, the most likely possibility.......

 

[mindtrip]

Early GL1800's had the same problem. Some say that Skooter was running around spooging on the dashes, but it turned out to be an electrical hiccup in the instrument pod.
Is the tach working normally? If so, use that to judge speed until you get it repaired.

Skooter, quit spooging on my bike!!! :blink: Maybe that's why he suggests looking at the ECU... hmmm, like he knows where he put it.... ewwwwwwwww <_<

Yeah, the tachy works just fine, and that's what I used today to gauge my speed. I'd *really* like to wait until they come out with the fix for the 17mpg instant-read problem, so as to not have to lose riding time twice! Guess I need to keep my Triumph for a while yet. Maybe that's why I should have two bikes; one to ride while the other gets fixed.

 

[chickey191]

perhaps you have the one that the instant gas mileage works though????

 

[mindtrip]

perhaps you have the one that the instant gas mileage works though????

Noooo, my instant MPG also shows 17, or I wouldn't be worrying about this fix..... :blink:

 

[Spedboy]

With the info that it's not doing it proper prefilight 'sweep', you can probably rule out the speed sensor. The speedo & tach are driven by stepper motors. Take it in. It's probably the stepper motor driver or the ECU.

 

[mindtrip]

With the info that it's not doing it proper prefilight 'sweep', you can probably rule out the speed sensor. The speedo & tach are driven by stepper motors. Take it in. It's probably the stepper motor driver or the ECU.

I think you're probably right. Unfortunately, it's not doing it consistently. Did it for two mornings in a row, though it would work in the afternoon after being at work all day, then it hasn't done it for 3 days. So I think I'm going to wait until one of 3 things happens: 1) The speedo stops responding at all, 2) other problems begin to develop, or 3) they come out with a fix for the instant MPG problem, so they can fix both at once. My fear is that if it's the ECU, and it isn't happening when I take it into the shop, they won't be able to find it (as of course, intermittent problems are a real ****** to track down). Until then I'll just use my GPS or the gear/tachy indicator to gauge my speed (4k in 1st is ~30mph, 4k in 2nd is ~40mph, 4k in 5th is ~80mph; I really need to pay attention in 3rd and 4th! ).