Speedo working, then not, then working???

So I spent all weekend tightening the bike up, oil changes etc.

Got on it this morning and as I approach the first GATSO of the day I glanced down to check I was well under the speed limit and found to my astonishment that I was in fact doing '0' miles an hour..............

Next Gatso, the same speed.

Down Maze Hill and to my amazement I was doing 24 Mph.

I'm happy it is working again, but any ideas? The clock and temp continued working throughout.

Have you had the front wheel off? Classic is the speedo mech getting broken.

Failing that, wiring rubbing causing a bad earth is a possibility.

Watch the rev counter too, if that jumps around and speedo plays up, that's indicative of the charging circuit (typically the first sign that the alternator is on it's way out).

No front wheel off, too technical for me. I felt a real sense of achievement doing the oil change.

I will keep an eye on it. Just typical though I do all this stuff on the weekend to try and keep it in tip-top nick and this is how it repays me!!!

Remember that if you ride a pointy, you need the charging circuit to work, otherwise you have no FI.

The law of SOD clearly states that it'll wait until your most important trip, and leave you stranded where a recovery truck has no hope of finding you.

If you own a multimeter, put it across the +ve & -ve of the battery terminals with the engine off. Roughly 13v. Engine on and you should be around 15.5v. That's a very basic check of your charging system.

[quote=Baph;1485055]otherwise you have no FI.[quote]

FI = F*cking Idea, then I really do have no FI! What is FI really?

Seriously though I don't have a multi-meter, how much would a new alternator set me back.

This motorbike malarkey is getting expensive..........more so since Is started attempting doing it myself.

Originally Posted by krhall

FI = F*cking Idea, then I really do have no FI! What is FI really?

Fuel Injection. If you ride a pointy, you have FI (either that, or you're pushing).

Originally Posted by krhall

Seriously though I don't have a multi-meter, how much would a new alternator set me back.

This motorbike malarkey is getting expensive..........more so since Is started attempting doing it myself.

A multimeter can be bought for as little as ?5, and will help in future fault finding on the bike, therefore saving you money.

As for the alternator, no idea, I haven't had to buy one (yet). It's also worth noting that a few other makes/models of bikes have an alternator that can be butchered to suit (and are actually better alternators).

Right Baph, I'm multi-meter hunting as of now.

Thanks for the advice (again).

Kev

Originally Posted by krhall

Right Baph, I'm multi-meter hunting as of now.

Your local Maplin will supply happily. Ask any member of staff for their most reliable multi-meter capable of DC up to 12v 30A and AC 500V 30A.

If they shove something under your nose that looks like it prints graphs and costs £75, give them a slap.

If they give you something under £10, your call, but consider a kiss.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/s...duct&R=2539291

This any good?

That's a bit more than I'd pay, and it's analog.

I personally prefer digital, but if you're happy with that multi-meter, buy it, it'll do the job.