K11 Owners Group

exavid · Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2014 9:30 pm Post subject: Sticking tach

Had an odd occurrence today. I was scooting down the road and noticed my tach apparently was stuck at 3100. I kicked in the clutch and revved the engine up and down a bit but the tach needle was immobile at 3100. After a few minutes it went back to work reading normally. I tapped on the gauge when it was stuck but that didn't make any difference.
The only thing I can think of was that it was warm, about 79F and the sun was at my back shining directly on the instrument cluster. Perhaps something overheated inside and bound up the tach needle. My 2001 Goldwing's speedo used to bind up when the sun heated up the speedometer needle but I could see that, the needle and dial face would bind up.
Anyone ever have such a thing?
_________________
Paul W.
2013 C650GT
1995 K1100LT

Molon Labe

Inge K. · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 6:18 am Post subject:

Happens to me every time it's hot outside and the sun shines directly on the instrument dials.
Sooner or later the driving direction changes so the sun comes from a different angle, and the tacho is back to normal.
1994 K1100LTSE.

N41EF · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 10:59 am Post subject:

Mine acts flakey sometimes. When I took the cluster off and took it apart to clean contact, I noticed that the black face on the tach had bubbled or come loose. Its on my winter list to pull it apart again then either remove it and stick it back down or something.

I just pressed it down last time and it worked great for a few days then started sticking.
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2014 R1200RT Water Cooled
2001 R1100S Light
1993 K1100LT. Nissan Ice Blue.(Gone)

exavid · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 8:16 pm Post subject:

Thanks guys, that's pretty much what I thought, same as my GW1800. One of these days I'll take that cluster apart and take a look at the dial face to see where the binding is occurring. But not for a while since it won't be hot for a few months.
_________________
Paul W.
2013 C650GT
1995 K1100LT

Molon Labe

Inge K. · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2014 9:06 pm Post subject:

I would just mention that on my bike it's not the dial face that is the problem.

I did tought so the first time it happen, so second or third time I stopped
the bike to have a closer look...just to find out I was wrong.

Jim · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 12:37 am Post subject:

Paul - the speedo and tach faces do warp in direct sun. One of the guys on here took his apart and re glued it. If you go that route - be very, very careful with the needle/indicator.

exavid · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2014 12:44 am Post subject:

Yes indeed, I agree heartily with that advice. I used to do a little clock repair now and then but age hasn't helped with working with the small stuff.
_________________
Paul W.
2013 C650GT
1995 K1100LT

Molon Labe