Problem with digital gear indication

smokey · 05-05-2013, 05:24 PM

The digital gear indicator has started acting erratically, it will show 3rd when it is actually in 4th, when I go to 5th, it will show 5 and then go to 4th, now it is starting to show 1st when I am actually in 2nd. weird. transmission works fine, but I am of the mindset that if something is on the bike it should be working correctly, anyone else experienced this and how was it fixed, if it was in fact fixed? bike is under warranty until October but no way is it going in the shop with riding season finally upon us, unless of course they give me a loaner.

redjay · 05-05-2013, 06:30 PM

I think this is a known issue. My Voyager is doing the same thing.

blowndodge · 05-05-2013, 06:37 PM

And thats why the 1600 is so loved!

cactusjack · 05-05-2013, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

I think this is a known issue. My Voyager is doing the same thing.

Does Kaw have a fix for it?

smokey · 05-05-2013, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Does Kaw have a fix for it?

I will find out tomorrow when I take it in to let them know, my guess is the gear position switch will have to be replaced.

MASSEY7373 · 05-05-2013, 07:40 PM

Have the same issue from 150 miles . Asked the dealer and they said they never heard of it but many online have.

**ringadingh** · 05-05-2013, 08:32 PM

The gear indicator is something I wish the 1500's & 1600's would have had installed years ago. My 72 Suzuki had a gear indicator.
There are aftermarket ones available but I don't don't want to spend what their asking for them.

carhag2000 · 05-05-2013, 08:55 PM

So does Kawasaki have a fix? I am taking mine in for a service in 2 weeks. Also there is a fairing buzz/rattle upon hard acceleration. Any ideas on that?

gv550 · 05-05-2013, 10:20 PM

It's a well known issue, I've had 3 switches replaced so far. I've looked at the failed switches at the dealer and they all have been cracked somehow, and way discolored like it was overheated.
No part number change since 2009, they just keep putting the same one in so I guess we are on our own after warranty runs out.

BC RED VAQ · 05-05-2013, 10:20 PM

I heard of a guy that had his fixed mine is the same way and he said in three weeks it was doing it again. You can proble get kawasaki to replace the gear indicater switch but it will do the same thing in a short time. I fought for the intake air leak fix it was hard but got it done and its right this time some time you have to raise the roof to get things done. The squeekie wheel gets the grease.

Gonzo · 05-05-2013, 10:23 PM

I don't think my indicator has ever worked right. I don't even look at it anymore, I just count like I did on my 900. As far as the fairing rattle/buzz, the only sound like that I've had was the tank trim. Once I put on the tank bib it took care of the problem.

smokey · 05-06-2013, 06:33 PM

Took it to the dealer today, didn't even look at it, they knew what the problem was, parts on order and covered under warranty. I know some say why bother, the thing with me is that it is a part of the bike and is supposed to work properly. I also remember the days when we didn't have them, but hey, it is included and needs to work.

My dealer was great, no hassle, call me when the part is in, go have a 2 hour lunch and it will be fixed, the reason I will consider them for my next bike.

jp58 · 05-09-2013, 10:15 PM

Just had mine replaced. 2 days later was acting slow agian. They have to take the front pully off so they will tighten your belt to factory specs. Had to loosen mine agian.

smokey · 05-09-2013, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jp58

Just had mine replaced. 2 days later was acting slow agian. They have to take the front pully off so they will tighten your belt to factory specs. Had to loosen mine agian.

I have no problem with the drive belt pulley at factory specs. I would rather have it at specs than looser than spec, I would think that having it looser would contribute to flex which would shorten the life of the belt.

Not sure what you mean by slow, it is just the numbers not showing for the correct gear.

jp58 · 05-09-2013, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokey

I have no problem with the drive belt pulley at factory specs. I would rather have it at specs than looser than spec, I would think that having it looser would contribute to flex which would shorten the life of the belt.

Not sure what you mean by slow, it is just the numbers not showing for the correct gear.

Slow. The indicatar lags behind If your in 4th it will read 3rd. and the same downshifting. Does not always do it. Most times its ok.

The belt at factory specs. The belt whine will drive most of us nuts.

05-05-2013, 05:24 PM	#1
smokey Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Orleans, ON, Canada Posts: 1,162	Problem with digital gear indication The digital gear indicator has started acting erratically, it will show 3rd when it is actually in 4th, when I go to 5th, it will show 5 and then go to 4th, now it is starting to show 1st when I am actually in 2nd. weird. transmission works fine, but I am of the mindset that if something is on the bike it should be working correctly, anyone else experienced this and how was it fixed, if it was in fact fixed? bike is under warranty until October but no way is it going in the shop with riding season finally upon us, unless of course they give me a loaner. __________________ Smokey Capt(retd) Canadian Forces National President CVFR (Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders) 2010 VN1700 Voyager, ABS www.cvfr.ca VBA #02220 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-05-2013, 06:37 PM	#3
blowndodge Sr. Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Washington City, Utah Posts: 16,474	And thats why the 1600 is so loved! __________________ I love my Victory Cross Country Tour 106. Smells like Victory! Ultra's are Limited There are two types of Harley riders. Those that trailer them and those that push them. The most Interesting Man in the World "Find the things in life you don't do well and don't do those things" Member # 0005
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05-05-2013, 07:40 PM	#6
MASSEY7373 Jr. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Upstate NY USA Posts: 38	Have the same issue from 150 miles . Asked the dealer and they said they never heard of it but many online have. __________________ Dan Massey 2012 Voyager 1700 Alpine White/Beige VBA# 01997
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05-05-2013, 08:32 PM	#7
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	The gear indicator is something I wish the 1500's & 1600's would have had installed years ago. My 72 Suzuki had a gear indicator. There are aftermarket ones available but I don't don't want to spend what their asking for them. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
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05-05-2013, 08:55 PM	#8
carhag2000 Jr. Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 20	So does Kawasaki have a fix? I am taking mine in for a service in 2 weeks. Also there is a fairing buzz/rattle upon hard acceleration. Any ideas on that? __________________ 2003 Vulcan Nomad...retired. 2011 1700 Vaquero, Black! " Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!" VROC# 21372 " Kickstand" VBA #02119 "carhag2000"
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05-05-2013, 06:30 PM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,930	I think this is a known issue. My Voyager is doing the same thing.
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05-05-2013, 10:20 PM	#9
gv550 Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Listowel, Ontario Posts: 642	It's a well known issue, I've had 3 switches replaced so far. I've looked at the failed switches at the dealer and they all have been cracked somehow, and way discolored like it was overheated. No part number change since 2009, they just keep putting the same one in so I guess we are on our own after warranty runs out. __________________ Garry 2009 1700 Voyager KACT, sold at 679,465 kms 2011 1700 Nomad Improve handling, suspension and tire life with Garry's Fork Brace. PM for details. Last edited by gv550; 05-05-2013 at 10:22 PM.
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05-05-2013, 10:20 PM	#10
BC RED VAQ Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Beecher City IL 62414 Posts: 320	I heard of a guy that had his fixed mine is the same way and he said in three weeks it was doing it again. You can proble get kawasaki to replace the gear indicater switch but it will do the same thing in a short time. I fought for the intake air leak fix it was hard but got it done and its right this time some time you have to raise the roof to get things done. The squeekie wheel gets the grease. __________________ Only a motorcycle rider knows why a dog sticks he head out the car window. Enjoy life.
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05-05-2013, 10:23 PM	#11
Gonzo Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 101	I don't think my indicator has ever worked right. I don't even look at it anymore, I just count like I did on my 900. As far as the fairing rattle/buzz, the only sound like that I've had was the tank trim. Once I put on the tank bib it took care of the problem. __________________ "Gonzo"
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05-06-2013, 06:33 PM	#12
smokey Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Orleans, ON, Canada Posts: 1,162	Took it to the dealer today, didn't even look at it, they knew what the problem was, parts on order and covered under warranty. I know some say why bother, the thing with me is that it is a part of the bike and is supposed to work properly. I also remember the days when we didn't have them, but hey, it is included and needs to work. My dealer was great, no hassle, call me when the part is in, go have a 2 hour lunch and it will be fixed, the reason I will consider them for my next bike. __________________ Smokey Capt(retd) Canadian Forces National President CVFR (Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders) 2010 VN1700 Voyager, ABS www.cvfr.ca VBA #02220
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05-09-2013, 10:15 PM	#13
jp58 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Columbus, WI. Posts: 312	Just had mine replaced. 2 days later was acting slow agian. They have to take the front pully off so they will tighten your belt to factory specs. Had to loosen mine agian. __________________ 2011 Nomad
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