VF500F Instrument Cluster Problems

First, the trip meter hasn't worked in years, no biggie. Second, the tachometer is jumping quite a bit, but only when winding it up, and bounces after upshifts. I do plan to do a run-up on the rectifier, to rule that out. Any advice? Thank you.

PS: I should add that the igniters are brand new, tach issues present before and after replacement.

 

100% of the time I've seen a jumpy tach on a 500, it has been the battery. Even one that can start the bike.

 

Thank you Captain. I will check that too.

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I put a meter on the rectifier, it checks OK as in no voltage spikes when RPM is increased. The battery I am not sure how to check, it is only a couple months old.

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How many volts at the battery at idle and at 4000 rpm or so?

 

The same, 14.89VDC

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Well, shit. I'd start looking at connections for tightness and corrosion. How many miles on bike again?


Wait... 14.89 at idle?

 

Ya at idle. 37,000 miles

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Problems before and after new battery? Did it go away at all right after the new battery?

 

Captain, the motorcycle was unused for 14 years, I'm sorry I honestly cannot recall. But, the tach has been a jumpin' ever since I put it back in service.

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OK, got it. That high at both idle and revs is odd. You normally should see a drop at idle. And that is an excessively good reading, high 13s to low/mid 14s is considered great. I think you are overcharging and it could be responsible for screwing with the tach and possibly cooking the battery.

Here's where I would swap a different reg/rect as a test, but I realize most people don't have that option handy. Keep an eye on your battery fluid levels, they may need topping off frequently.

Oh, and, I have seen MANY times rectifiers that tested as "bad" work perfect and rectifiers that test "good" simply not be the case.

 

Thank you Captain for your time and assistance! I have already been considering the purchase of a new rectifier, sounds as though I should go ahead with that. Will check the fluid levels later tonight. I really appreciate the help.

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You bet! This is what this place is all about. Cheers.

 

Does that apply to a 700?

 

You bet. Every time I have seen my tach jump around (has happened on my 500 and a couple 1000s) it has been a bad battery or a bad battery from a failing charging system. Told me it was time to get my ass home and not sit at lights with my brake light on (which can be as much of a draw as a headlight).

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voltage-Rec...ash=item41a5534490:g:9ZsAAOSwHxVW7QpR&vxp=mtr

Hey mind, from your past posts a few months ago, I remember thinking your voltage regulator could be toast. Glad you decided to change it out. I used one of these ebay cheapies for over a year, it worked great until I decided to buy a "decent" one which is probably the same damn thing inside just more expensive.

 

Yes thank you Jrodrims, your post is what pointed me in that direction. I appreciate your help.

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