Gear Indicator Faulty

[Jonath]

Hi, I have a 1978 GS550E, registered in US, imported to UK.  The gear indicator LED is faulty. I changed the Shift Indicator Switch, but it still doesn't work right.  It registers like this

First Gear shows a

Second Gear shows a

Third gear shows 8

Fourth gear shows 9

Fifth gear shows 8

Sixth gear shows 6.  So at least 6 is right!

Another strange thing is that since changing the Shift Indicator Switch, first gear initially shows "1", then changes to "a" when the engine is revved.  Other than that, the new Shift Indicator Switch did not make any difference.

I have looked at other forums and it seems the problem is in the LED display which needs replacing.  That is a challenge as I can't get one.  Any thoughts?

[wraith]

First, welcome to OSS.

As it's a aftermarket one it could be anything, if it one of the cheep Chinese ones probably the thing itself.

Pictures always help.

You can get all sorts of aftermarket clocks off eblag

[Gixer1460]

If it is an aftermarket one, fixing it will likely mean replacement! Honestly they are more for show than being useful - a few weeks riding and you get used to how bike sounds and feels and gears will become 2nd nature. As said a picture to confirm would help.

[Swiss Toni]

Welcome, Jonath!

[Dezza]

If it's an OEM gear indicator, there will be a cable connector block between the panel that goes over the neutral light switch/indicator pick-up on the case and the clocks. Maybe the terminals are corroded or there's a bad earth somewhere. Most of the OEM Suzuki indicators are for 5 speed boxes so if it's OEM you're going to have your work cut out finding a secondhand replacement LED compatible for a 6 speed indicator. Have you fitted a 5 speed switch by mistake?

[jensvonbustenskjold]

Welcome!

As Dezza says, look for corrosion. Revving = vibrations. Bad/loose connection can show.Try electronic cleaning connection blocks and then use battery pole grease

Edited April 22, 2022 by jensvonbustenskjold