Tachometer or Speedometer needle replacement, GS400

[Mat]

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I last visited the forum! Hope you're all doing well.

It’s unusually warm in Qu?bec City for this time of year, which got me in the mood to start prepping my bike for next summer. Mechanically, everything is in great shape—huge thanks to all the help I've received from this community!

During a long trip last season, my tachometer needle unexpectedly broke—it just snapped while I was riding (went crazy, my cable was worn). As a temporary fix, I glued an orange paper clip in its place on the old dial, and while it does the job, I’d love to find a proper replacement.

Ideally, I’d like one that matches the speedometer needle. I assume the needles are the same across all GS models, but please correct me if I’m wrong. I’ve seen some on eBay, but the prices were just ridiculous.

Has anyone found a good alternative from other brands that would fit properly? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
​

 

[dgates1]

I've seen white needles, orange, and white with orange tip. Not really sure on the compatibility of them. I ordered a whole cluster from eBay to get a tach and it works but I missed the different needle, so they don't match now. Hard to notice, but I do.

 

[Mat]

Thanks for the info! I don’t mind the color too much, but the issue I’ve run into is fitment. I’ve ordered some needles from eBay and AliExpress, but none of them were made for the tach shaft—they were either too loose or the wrong size altogether.

Did the cluster you got from eBay come with the correct needle size, or did you have to modify anything to make it fit?
​

 

[dgates1]

No I replaced the whole tach. The one I had was sticking, was not the cable or gear. Could probably take it apart and get it working or steal the needle maybe.

I ordered a used cluster that looked exactly like mine (except the needles that I missed) from a different model and it worked. Was so long ago I don't remember the model and can't find the old order.

 

[Mat]

100 bucks for the cheapest tach I can get.

​That paperclip is staying where it is.

 

[jdub6092]

I replaced my speedometer needle after trying to clean it up. Broke like a matchstick. Yes, I got a pair from China. All white, but also bought a small bottle of Tester's flourescent orange paint and carefully painted the tip. I did not repalace the tach needle and you can see the difference. It didn't fit perfectly into the hub holes, but it was easy to trim and then glue down.
If interested, I can find the sources and post here.

 

[Mat]

Very clean job you did!

If you did order from aliexpress or similar I would be much interested in specifics

 

[jdub6092]

I got the needles at Amazon

Needles:
https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Speedometer-Motorbike-Accessories-Kawasaki/dp/B0BVXYF8QX/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=A3TIUU2LY90Y&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9. O9johhkk6-m4h3w6MsfWO-rs9KUfleFhseb87vLqfD74ClGmuxvuPV-s_jlWMRWqWJp_TtNJu4gFDUJtrpiOb_ggg4vaOoNaOQ61niibZ e1fugZ660psEqKq9y5II0YHqinaP-FT8DwPrtiSBb3g2un-EDZki8odYGhp6foub2JDZDMCKNT8wu4mfBEfL2LqZDVLiSbBu3 LopY_zlZAdUA.aaK7lXlJeOV-Ga2Twe83Q-O6d0J4oXvMMijEL-_7PdE&dib_tag=se&keywords=motorcycle+speedometer+n eedle&qid=1741008976&sprefix=%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-6

Orange paint:
This is the paint I used. A little expensive here. Could be cheaper at a local craft store or on ebay.
https://www.amazon.com/Testors-Enamel-Paint-25oz-Orange-Fluorescent/dp/B007KMUM9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=326V7ON136R7I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9 .BIaZWhDAjQpJMt-LeAa4dvVXYLXGg8M0Z6eDu2iH-yXSNlahWyi0W9HW4aiCR5msUIoJRBYC2vmPKDLziHwylXf17I8 SUA0HJ9L4W4CIAIFChNZwM6BL0TIJnh0y9bDJNojmCzrN2dWqK 9nhTxm7cUelS9oqY3khJlEob-aQUko_zzKnxuAEqyC-f8KKnLdOPE2PQN7BU4iHCuBxXvp1xA.lRA99mqiSR-Q2FAv5uh2LQtbqTWb-Wr2eHjRDEbBZJw&dib_tag=se&keywords=testors+fluores cent+orange+paint&qid=1741009322&sprefix=testor+fl our%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1

 

[Mat]

Thank you very much! I just ordered the needles and they should be home in a week I will probably get the paint local.


This is funny how you just reminded me how I enjoyed doing army model craft being a kid (almost 40 years ago).

 

[jdub6092]

I think I used the original circular hub instead of the one provided with the needle as it has an offset from center.
had to shave the pegs down a little to make it fit and used super glue to secure. Whatever is your preference.