Tachometer Needle Replacement
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tysonoak
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Tachometer Needle Replacement
All of the gauges and lights work on my 1VJ except the tachometer needle is broken off. Can that be easily opened up? Has anyone successfully repaired or replaced a tach needle on a Tenere?
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Scumfrog
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59x
43F - Previously Owned Bikes: quite a few off and on.
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Re: Tachometer Needle Replacement
They can be opened by cutting along the seam around the back panel. I have no recommendations as to how to do it, it's not easy and it can make a mess.
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scottieh
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1987 XT600Z 1VJ
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1989 Yamaha Virago 750
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1986 Honda Spree - Location: Salt Lake City
Re: Tachometer Needle Replacement
I vaguely remember an old forum post about cutting one of these open. Been trying to find it in the search but no luck yet.Basically the trick was to use a hot blade and cut along the seam. I suppose a sharp soldering blade would do the trick.Scumfrog wrote: Tue Oct 21, 2025 10:01 am They can be opened by cutting along the seam around the back panel. I have no recommendations as to how to do it, it's not easy and it can make a mess.
Most of those speedo housings were packed with a light grease on the plastic gears upon assembly, but after 30+ years and with no way to regrease them the gears dried out and often the teeth break. I've seen or personally broken something like six of those speedo/tacho needles.
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Barryn
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Re: Tachometer Needle Replacement
This is the way it was done by Dominique.
https://yamxt-forumpro-fr.translate.goo ... e_vignette
But you don’t have to cut the case off.
https://yamxt-forumpro-fr.translate.goo ... e_vignette
But you don’t have to cut the case off.
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tysonoak
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Re: Tachometer Needle Replacement
I sure appreciate the replies! I did manage to cut and separate the housing without too much damage only to find more damage than just the needle inside. The cable mount is broken from the bottom portion and the spring that goes around the needle shaft was broken and tangled as well. I guess I’ll be shopping for a replacement. It looks like the DT125 and XT350 might share a similar tach and those are both cheaper and more easily available here in the states so I might give one of those a shot. I’ll post my findings if I end up going that route.
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Barryn
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Re: Tachometer Needle Replacement
The bottom mount does come away (that’s what failed on mine)
The XT350 one works fine, only difference is the red line.
The XT350 one works fine, only difference is the red line.
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tysonoak
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Re: Tachometer Needle Replacement
Good to know about the XT350! I think I will keep an eye out for one of those.Barryn wrote: Wed Oct 22, 2025 2:50 pm The bottom mount does come away (that’s what failed on mine)
The XT350 one works fine, only difference is the red line.![]()

