Hello from Down Under!

[MarkG]

Hi all,

I have just bought a 2000 VX1600 Road Star after 10 years without a bike (I've been keeping myself amused with my '77 GM Holden Torana muscle car and '19 Camaro 2SS). I have owned plenty of bikes over the years, mainly sports bikes but I had a Harley Sportster for a few years as well as a baby VX250 Virago! I bought this as a "project" so it is a bit rough around the edges. Main issues are non-functioning speedo and no brake light for front brake only. The tank pinstriping is slightly peeling in one area and half the bolts and fasteners have been lost/replaced over the years so lots of clean up work to do. I have already seen that the speed sensor is near-impossible to access/replace so I might be using my phone GPS until the engine needs to come out. The odometer is stuck on 55,000km (34,000miles) although I don't know how long the speedo hasn't been working so it may be only half the actual kms! My first job was a new rear tire as the previous one was down to the canvas. Anyway it is a project so I am not concerned. Something to keep me busy and out of trouble.

I am hoping this forum will be a great source of info from owners that have experienced all the issues that I am sure I will come across.

[roadiemort]

[brianmac]

speed sensor is a rare problem, the speedo acting up is way more common. the dials get stuck. but u have a digital display, hmmm curious? id most definitely make sure both harneses are hooked up, not corroded, or mice chewed.

[Mr. Miyagi]

From Texarkana, in the Arklatex.

[Brad_G]

from Solon IA USA

[davej]

[Engineman]

From UP yonder

[SbTx_Rider]

From Spring Branch, Texas

[Kevstephenson7]

From nairne SA
brian is right on speedo sticking Mine did but carefully used some dry lube spray and it’s all good a year on

[Sharpman66]

from Ontario, Canada. Remove the speedo bezel and check both connections and clean with an electrical cleaner spray and apply some dielectric grease. If that doesn't work there are alot of knowledgable folks here that can help you.

[129drifter]

From Pensacola FL USA

[Father Pobasturd]

Representing Scorpion Gulch, Arizona

[mlharper]

From Plano Texas.

[MarkG]

from Ontario, Canada. Remove the speedo bezel and check both connections and clean with an electrical cleaner spray and apply some dielectric grease. If that doesn't work there are alot of knowledgable folks here that can help you.

Thanks everyone for the welcome!

Regarding the speedo, the needle sweeps around when the ignition turns on and the previous owner confirmed that he had put a sleeve over the original resting pin to avoid it sticking. I have removed bezel and double checked all the loom connectors, including continuity on the speed sensor wiring, although I haven't tested the sensor for a pulse signal. I will need an extra pair of hands when I jack it up so I can spin the wheel while testing the output signal. I sincerely hope it is just a bad connection because the more I try to access the sensor, the less I see it happening without some major dismantling!

In Australia we now have a facility to verify the odometer reading for the last three annual vehicle inspections for registration renewal. I can see the current odometer reading hasn't changed for the last 12 months and prior to that there was only a couple hundred miles logged for the previous year. I can't help but think it is the sensor but the only way to confirm is by testing it.

As has been said, there is a wealth of information on this forum so i will be looking through as many relevant threads as i can to help resolve the issue.

Thanks again!

[Ahodge75]

From Oregon

[Benjy CCMC]

Welcome Bud. What part of God's land you from? I'm in Sydney. My old girl is in parts ATM, coz it needed a tiny dint fixed, so me and a Brother said "Stuff it, time for a respray!!!!"

[DEEPHATE]

From Northern Iowa

[MarkG]

Welcome Bud. What part of God's land you from? I'm in Sydney. My old girl is in parts ATM, coz it needed a tiny dint fixed, so me and a Brother said "Stuff it, time for a respray!!!!"

Thanks Benjy, I have just moved out of Sydney up to Maitland to enjoy a better life! I probably sold at the wrong time but a lot cheaper anywhere away from Sydney so I'm not complaining. I now have a big workshop for my cars and bikes so I am a very happy man.

[Duke]

From the Four Corners area in the USA, New Mexico northwest.
Lots of good people and information on this forum.
When you first turn the key to on, does the speedometer and fuel needle do a swing?

[MarkG]

From the Four Corners area in the USA, New Mexico northwest.
Lots of good people and information on this forum.
When you first turn the key to on, does the speedometer and fuel needle do a swing?

Yes it does the full sweep but then nothing after that and the odometer hasn't changed. The fuel gauge appears to be working OK.