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My speedometer isn't keeping up accurately. Fuel gauge is not working

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  • My speedometer isn't keeping up accurately. Fuel gauge is not working

    My speedometer is working but not accurate so much. It's about 5mph slow around 40mph. 60-65 might be something around 50mph on the gauge. Found new speedometer cables on eBay and was curious as to whether this is the quick fix for my problem.

    What are my options to remedy the non working fuel gauge?
    Last edited by Shocker; 10-01-2022, 01:41 PM.
    79 Yamaha XS1100 F Standard
    13 Triumph Thunderbird Storm
    01 Kawasaki ZRX 1200R

  • #2
    Fuel gauge-Is the wiring going to the gauge connected? Do you see a red light in the housing showing its on? My 80 SG has a red fuel light and if I'm low the light illuminates red. The tank has a metal plate the wires go to. Look to see and get back to us.
    1980 XS1100 SG
    Inline fuel filters
    New wires in old coils-outer spark plugs
    160 mph speedometer mod
    Kerker Exhaust
    xschop K & N air filter setup
    Dynojet Recalibration kit
    1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
    1997 Jeep Cherokee 4.5"lift installed

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Shocker View Post
      My speedometer is working but not accurate so much. It's about 5mph slow around 40mph. 60-65 might be something around 50mph on the gauge. Found new speedometer cables on eBay and was curious as to whether this is the quick fix for my problem.

      What are my options to remedy the non working fuel gauge?
      Identify your bike. Do you have a special or a standard. What year.
      2 - 80 LGs bought one new
      81 LH
      02 FXSTB Nighttrain
      22 FLTRK Road Glide Limited
      Jim

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by Shocker View Post
        My speedometer is working but not accurate so much. It's about 5mph slow around 40mph. 60-65 might be something around 50mph on the gauge. Found new speedometer cables on eBay and was curious as to whether this is the quick fix for my problem.

        What are my options to remedy the non working fuel gauge?
        First, what is the size of your front tire.
        Marty (in Mississippi)
        XS1100SG
        XS650SK
        XS650SH
        XS650G
        XS6502F
        XS650E

        Comment


        • #5
          I don't believe a new cable will solve your speedometer problem.

          The cable is turned by a gear that is driven by the front wheel.

          Since the cable driven by a gear, it can't lose RPM unless the gear is stripped.

          Seems the problem is (a) modified wheel/tire size (Jetmechmarty) or (b) the speedometer itself.

          I have an XS750 speedometer with old stiff grease and wouldn't keep up with the actual speed. It recovered with some lubrication and exercise.
          Last edited by Radioguylogs; 10-01-2022, 07:45 PM.
          -Mike
          _________
          '79 XS1100SF 20k miles
          '80 XS1100SG 44k miles
          '81 XS1100H Venturer 35k miles
          '79 XS750SF 17k miles
          '85 Honda V65 Magna ~7k miles
          '84 Honda V65 Magna 48k miles (parts bike)
          '86 Yamaha VMAX 9k miles

          Previous: '68 Motoguzzi 600cc + '79 XS750SF 22k miles +'84 Honda V65

          Comment


          • #6
            What are my options to remedy the non working fuel gauge?
            I would start by reading page 6-15 of the FSM, it gives a step by step troubleshooting sequence for fuel gauge malfunction.

            I read your profile and it looks like you have a 79 Standard.


            Click image for larger version  Name:	Screenshot_20221002-074057.png Views:	0 Size:	523.2 KB ID:	870632
            2H7 (79)
            3H3

            "If it ain't broke, modify it"

            Comment


            • #7
              duplicate post

              Last edited by bikerphil; 10-02-2022, 10:27 AM.
              2H7 (79)
              3H3

              "If it ain't broke, modify it"

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by jetmechmarty View Post

                First, what is the size of your front tire.
                Front tire size is 100/90 -19

                I have a 79 1100 F Standard

                I appreciate the help guys. You've given me a good place to start.

                Coincidentally the Clymer Service Manual I found on eBay arrived yesterday evening

                79 Yamaha XS1100 F Standard
                13 Triumph Thunderbird Storm
                01 Kawasaki ZRX 1200R

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Shocker View Post

                  Front tire size is 100/90 -19

                  I have a 79 1100 F Standard
                  I think your issue is going to be the clock itself. Examine both ends of the cable for evidence of slipping or not square to rule out the drive and cable. An oversize tire is ruled out.

                  Marty (in Mississippi)
                  XS1100SG
                  XS650SK
                  XS650SH
                  XS650G
                  XS6502F
                  XS650E

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    On a couple of the Standards I've owned, I needed to free up the grease in the speedo. I had one that snapped a new cable, it was so bad. I used a little WD40 to clean, a small squirt with the gauge upside down, wait about 10 seconds and flip over to drain. Repeat about two more times, then use a good silicone lube spray and leave it upside down for about two minutes. Worked for me.
                    Ray Matteis
                    KE6NHG
                    XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
                    XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Also had a dead fuel gauge on my 80G and after all the test procedures (as per bikerphil's post) narrowed it down to the regulator (2H7-85755-00-00). Seen some posts regarding making one of these based on what it's supposed to do, but I'm no electronics wiz and didn't want to risk my tach bursting into flames in front of me while driving down the highway. It's a part no longer that easy to find but my fuel gauge works like new . (PS - that's a cooked one in the picture -
                      bought a used, untested unit the first time and got my money back)

                      1980 XS1100G (one owner-me)
                      1983 Kawasaki GPZ750 (Frankenbike)
                      Owned - 1976 XS750D
                      Owned - 1972 Honda CB750
                      Owned - (unknown year) XS650
                      (+ too many Yammies/Hondas to mention)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Yep Len, the regulator is usually the culprit. I have 6 or 7 bad ones here, some read 10 volts, the others zero.

                        Shocker, if the regulator is your problem, I can make you one for about $2. With inflation it may be closer to 3.
                        Last edited by bikerphil; 10-02-2022, 07:21 PM.
                        2H7 (79)
                        3H3

                        "If it ain't broke, modify it"

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by DiverRay View Post
                          On a couple of the Standards I've owned, I needed to free up the grease in the speedo. I had one that snapped a new cable, it was so bad. I used a little WD40 to clean, a small squirt with the gauge upside down, wait about 10 seconds and flip over to drain. Repeat about two more times, then use a good silicone lube spray and leave it upside down for about two minutes. Worked for me.
                          This is likely necessary, but careful not get oil on the inside surface of the glass.
                          -Mike
                          _________
                          '79 XS1100SF 20k miles
                          '80 XS1100SG 44k miles
                          '81 XS1100H Venturer 35k miles
                          '79 XS750SF 17k miles
                          '85 Honda V65 Magna ~7k miles
                          '84 Honda V65 Magna 48k miles (parts bike)
                          '86 Yamaha VMAX 9k miles

                          Previous: '68 Motoguzzi 600cc + '79 XS750SF 22k miles +'84 Honda V65

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I've seen WD-40 wash the black right off the speedo face. After that happened I've always sprayed it in with the face pointing upwards so it couldn't work it's way down there
                            1980 XS1100G

                            These aren't my words, I just arrange them

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Here's a pic of the tach harness with the new regulator installed. It's not plug and play, it needs to be soldered in.

                              The new regulator is the small one on top, the old one cut off and directly below.



                              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_20221001_221149.jpg Views:	0 Size:	131.3 KB ID:	870658​​​​​
                              Last edited by bikerphil; 10-03-2022, 07:56 PM.
                              2H7 (79)
                              3H3

                              "If it ain't broke, modify it"

                              Comment

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