Bouncy Tachometer;

[JungleJustice]

On the 1980 1100 E - What would be the reason for the bouncy tachometer...?

Is there some internal problem to the tachometer itself?

Is it the cable? Lube? Replace? Available.

 

[ChicagoBob]

Most likely an unlubed, worn or too-tightly bent cable, but it could also be an internal problem with the tach.

 

[jbs80106]

Lube that bad boy, both down the cable and up into the tach gauge...

 

[Guest]

My '82 GS1100E tach didn't bounce but the needle did. What cured mine was adjusting the carbs where it idled smoother. Until it smoothed out like it did, I just thought they all bounced.

 

[81ZUKI75]

Bouncy Tach Needle

Bouncy Tach Needle

If it turns out to NOT be the cable, it's a pretty easy chore to clean the internals on the blockhead bike's gauge pods. I had this issue on my 1981 750E which has a similar pod to yours. These units are "eddy current" devices having a magnet, spun by the cable, inside an aluminum "speedcup" which is connected to a calibrated coil spring that turns the needle. When I opened mine up, there was a "residue" between the magnet and the speedcup that was causing friction between the two (bad). Cleaned that gunk out and all was good.

Having this issue on my T model too but not looking forward to opening that one up.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

If it turns out to NOT be the cable, it's a pretty easy chore to clean the internals on the blockhead bike's gauge pods. I had this issue on my 1981 750E which has a similar pod to yours. These units are "eddy current" devices having a magnet, spun by the cable, inside an aluminum "speedcup" which is connected to a calibrated coil spring that turns the needle. When I opened mine up, there was a "residue" between the magnet and the speedcup that was causing friction between the two (bad). Cleaned that gunk out and all was good.

An excellent description! Here's a picture of my busted gauge:

On my bike the speedo and tach use the same mechanical principle. After removing the gauge from the cluster, you can gently pry off the bezel using a small flat screwdriver and a good pair of needle nose pliers.

After it's all cleaned up and lubed, use a small punch and hammer to carefully bend the bezel back in place.

There's also a guide that shows you how to saw your gauges in half, then glue them back together. It's in the "Garage" section off the homepage. Here's the direct link: How to get inside your gauges

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[JungleJustice]

Thanks guys!