97 XL1200 Speedometer

Hi all,
I have a strange problem. When I first start out on my sporty, the speedometer reads 30 - 35 and stays there regardless of what speed I'm driving, and even stays there at a stop. Somewhere between 5 and 15 minutes (sometimes longer) of riding it will start registering the correct speed. Any ideas? Trans fluid is fresh (Amsoil) and it WAS doing this previously with the fossil trans fluid also.
TIA,
Steve

Gotta wait a few seconds after turning the key to the on position for the speedo to go thru it's little diagnostic routine. Watch it as you turn the key on - the needle will bounce a little bit. Just a few seconds is all that's necessary, but if you turn the key & start the bike immediately, the speedo will do just as you describe.

Thanks Art,
I'll give that a try!

Post if that takes care of it - my '95 did the same thing & I was scratching my head until someone told me to wait a few seconds after turning the key, let the speedo needle bounce, the digital odometer come on & then start. Bikes I'd owned previously didn't require that.

The '00 bike will do the same thing too if you don't wait a few seconds after turning the key. Oh, the wonders of modern technology :roflmao:

I tried that, I DID notice the needle bounce but it still exhibited the same symptoms. I think when it is due a trans fluid change, I'll clean the transducer. I don't want to do it right now since it is fresh fluid (about 500 miles) and I don't want to "waste" it. I can put up with it for a while since it does start working eventually.

Might be the sending unit & you don't have to drain the fluid to change it - check your service manual for the procedure. If you don't have the H-D manual, get one - worth every penny & if you buy online (I don't), I'm told places like Chicago H-D & Zannotti's sell @ a discount.

And the speedometer unit itself can go bad - the odometer on my '95 went goofy, racking up miles as if I was going 200 mph, even though the speed was showing correctly. I don't know the electronics in those gizmos so I just got another one.

Well, doh! Why didn't I think of checking the service manual to check the procedure? I'm sure it will tell me if I need to drain the fluid.

I know, when in doubt read the book! I'll look it up and pull it. I have read posts on other forums that say sometimes the sending unit just needs to be cleaned? Not sure what they are talking about, but by looking in the book and locating the sending unit I can at least look over the wiring for any obvious problems.

Yep, sometimes it is that simple. Hopefully it will be in your situation.

Mine Would Do The Same Thing Brand New, Asked The Dealer About It One Time And They Told Me, That By Turning The Bike Off With The Off Switch, Not The Key, Should Stop The Problem, Has Worked So Far For Me, Can't Remember The Last Time It Did That Since I've Been Doing This.

So turn it off with the Off Switch THEN the key? And turn on the key THEN the OFF Switch to start it?
I'll give it a try and post the results. Thanks!

RE - 97 XL1200 Speedometer

I have been trying to remember to turn the bike off with the off switch, and that seems to help. It still happens sometimes, but not as often as it used to. Perhaps I am starting it too soon after turning the key; I'll try to remember to wait longer.

Thanks to all who replied.
Steve