Gregory Bender
 

Gauge removal: Applicable to speedometers and tachometers

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

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Updated:

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How to remove the speedometer from a single gauge dash

To remove the speedometer from a single instrument dash, you need to:

  1. Remove the 4 allen head bolts that secure the dash to the top triple tree plate.
  2. Lift up the dash and take good photos and/or accurate notes on where all the wires are connected.
  3. Loosen and remove the nut that secures the speedometer cable to the speedometer.
  4. Remove all of the wiring that is connected to the dash (both the speedometer and the ignition switch).
    • Please note: One wire connected to the ignition switch is ALWAYS HOT. Be sure to insulate both red wires connected to the ignition switch.
    • Alternatively, disconnect the battery cables altogether.
  5. With the dash completely free of the motorcycle. Set it - face down - on a soft, protective surface, like a towel on top of a table. Take this step seriously. Most gauge damage happens when the gauge is not on the motorcycle.
  6. You will note two thumb nuts are securing the speedometer to the dash. Loosen and remove both of those thumb nuts.
  7. Carefully withdraw the speedometer from the dash.
    • Please note: There is an O-ring that is located between the dash and the speedometer. This can cause things to stick together. Take care when withdrawing the speedometer so that you don't accidentally drop the speedometer.

How to remove the tachometer and speedometer from a dual gauge dash

To remove the tachometer and speedometer from a dual instrument dash, you need to:

  1. Remove the 3 cap/acorn nuts that secure the dash to the top triple tree plate.
  2. Lift up the dash and take good photos and/or accurate notes on where all the wires are connected.
  3. Loosen and remove the nut that secures the speedometer cable to the speedometer.
  4. Remove all of the wiring that is connected to the dash (all of the bulbs, the tachometer, the speedometer, and the ignition switch).
    • Please note: One wire connected to the ignition switch is ALWAYS HOT. Be sure to insulate both red wires connected to the ignition switch.
    • Alternatively, disconnect the battery cables altogether.
  5. With the dash completely free of the motorcycle. Set it - face down - on a soft, protective surface, like a towel on top of a table. Take this step seriously. Most gauge damage happens when the gauge is not on the motorcycle.
  6. You will note two hex nuts are securing the tachometer to the dash. Loosen and remove both of those hex nuts.
  7. Carefully withdraw the tachometer from the dash.
    • Please note: There is an O-ring that is located between the dash and the tachometer/speedometer. This can cause things to stick together. Take care when withdrawing the tachometer/speedometer so that you don't accidentally drop the tachometer/speedometer.
  8. You will note two thumb nuts are securing the speedometer to the dash. Loosen and remove both of those thumb nuts.
  9. Carefully withdraw the speedometer from the dash.
    • Please note: There is an O-ring that is located between the dash and the tachometer/speedometer. This can cause things to stick together. Take care when withdrawing the tachometer/speedometer so that you don't accidentally drop the tachometer/speedometer.