Author Topic: (broken) tacho needles  (Read 87 times)

Steve Lake

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(broken) tacho needles
« on: July 24, 2026, 02:46:01 PM »
i now have 2 SRX tacho's with broken needles!

does anyone know of a repairer of such things?

iansoady

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #1 on: July 25, 2026, 08:47:54 AM »
I made a needle out of a coffee stirrer for my CB250RS! A bit agricultural but worked for me. I just stuck it on to the remains of the original with super glue if I remember correctly.

Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki-Steib S501 (the B'Zuki)
2016 Herald Classic 250

Ian

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #2 on: July 25, 2026, 11:46:09 AM »
Try these Steve.

https://www.guagerepairs.com/

Cheers Ian
1 New SRX & 1 ADV350

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2026, 08:47:54 AM »
thanks Ian, looks promising... will call him monday morning

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2026, 08:50:39 AM »
like your repair ian, i'm a big fan of upcycling.... my problem is, i cant see a way of removing the bezel without wrecking it.

iansoady

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2026, 08:59:57 AM »
If the bezel is crimped on as most are you can sometimes get them off with end cutters used carefully although I always manage to mangle them. The Honda was easy as it didn't have a bezel as such, everything came out from underneath.
Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki-Steib S501 (the B'Zuki)
2016 Herald Classic 250

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2026, 11:07:24 AM »
hi Ian, sent Guageman pics, he's replied almost instantly... £145

going to have to raid the piggybank, or try to do it myself

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2026, 11:09:45 AM »
offending article

Ian

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2026, 03:38:30 PM »
Flippin heck Steve.....that's harsh. Although it will be a very good job. Have you tried fleabay or Jauce in Japan?

Addendum .....how about DK Motorcycles in Newcastle under Lyme?
« Last Edit: July 26, 2026, 09:36:02 PM by Ian »
1 New SRX & 1 ADV350

iansoady

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #9 on: July 27, 2026, 08:55:22 AM »
I have a spare tacho from the instrument panel I fitted to the B'Zuki if it's any use to you - yours for the price of postage and a pint. Let me see if I can find a pic.

Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki-Steib S501 (the B'Zuki)
2016 Herald Classic 250

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2026, 06:49:37 AM »
that's bloody good of you Ian.... is it the same dia &  depth as the srx model? i.e. would it be a direct swop or require some 'modification'?

let me have a go at opening this one up (i have 2 with broken needles, so i can afford one cockup) will let you know how it goes

cheers

iansoady

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2026, 08:54:38 AM »
I'll check the diameter and depth for you today. As far as I know it's on working condition - it was sold to me as such but all I needed was the mounting panel so it's surplus to requirements. I have the matching speedo as well I think.
Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki-Steib S501 (the B'Zuki)
2016 Herald Classic 250

iansoady

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2026, 09:25:28 AM »
Both instruments are 82mm body diameter - 92mm over the bezel. They're 54mm deep below the bezel not counting connectors etc. The speedo has a right angle gearbox.
Ian.
1964 Norton Electra
1969 BSA-Suzuki-Steib S501 (the B'Zuki)
2016 Herald Classic 250

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #13 on: July 28, 2026, 01:30:53 PM »
thanks for the info Ian .... will be checking out all the options later

Steve Lake

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Re: (broken) tacho needles
« Reply #14 on: July 28, 2026, 09:46:56 PM »
it's amazing how a rather expensive quote for a repair concentrates your mind....

i woke early this morning (too bloody hot in bed)... and lay there thinking about maybe fixing the tacho myself. as i have 2, both with the same problem, i figured if i bu55ered it up i still had one i could get fixed professionally.

so, i formulated a plan.... plan A, (there was no plan B)

i'd grind off the lip at the back of the bezel then i could pull the whole lot apart, make a new needle, clean everything fit the needle reassemble and glue it all back together.

amazingly plan A worked a dream... made a needle from a bit of a coke can, painted with red hammerite glued on with a spot of araldite, sprayed various bits with matt black, glued it all back together with clear sticks like sh*t.

hey presto ... £145 quid i can spend up the pub :-)

2 hours start to finish.  now, maybe i'll fix the other one, and make a smaller needle. then flog one of them, 'cos i was looking on fleabay and they're listed at £100 + .... more pub money :-)
« Last Edit: July 28, 2026, 09:59:41 PM by Steve Lake »