Opening my gauges

I have decided to open up my gauges, put in some new lights, and add my own background. But I Can't get the bloody things open.

They are not stock gauges, here is a picture I found of the bike, you can see the gauges pretty clearly.



Anyone know how to open them?

They don't seem to screw open, and removing all the screws on the back only removed it from the frame, and removed the speedometer cable. I feel like I am going to break or bend something; but there has to be an easier way... doesn't there?

 

They are likely not meant to be opened and are seam crimped or something similar. You would damage the casings in some form to get into them.

They look like nice gauges from the pic - why not leave them?

 

one of the bulbs is burned out in the Speedometer. How can I change the bulb?

I was going to change the faceplate while in there; but it's not necessary.

 

Hmm... those look like mikes XS mini gauges.
Most likely they aren't able to be opened without gutting / bending something.

You can pick up replacements at http://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-accessories.php?category_id=8.5 for a reasonable price (allbeit not as cheap as a bulb...)
I've been threatening getting them for a while. They look awesome.


BTW, your bike looks freakin sweet, hah, I'm notmally not a fan of the square headlight, but damn!

 

I second that "damn" on the bike. I really like that color on the bike. Did you do that? If so what is the paint and color?

 

Thanks on the compliments guys.

It's my first bike, I bought her last month. Sorry I don't know what the colour is. I'm itching to ride her, but If I get insurance on it now, I'll be stuck paying for it all winter. So to save some money I am keeping it uninsured until April. Without insurance, I can't get plates. So there is no insurance, and no plates on her yet

I'm planning on getting it a little bit customized over the winter.

So when a bulb goes.... you have to replace the whole speedometer? My Odometer is on there..... if I replace the whole thing, do I loose my mileage?

 

I hear what you're saying about the odometer... one of the reasons I haven't swapped mine just yet.
Remember, though, the odometer isn't showing your actual miles right now, since those are aftermarket gauges. Unless someone put the new speedo on a drill for a week or 2 before installing it... Or the manufacturer was able to set it for them.

I'm not 100% on not being able to replace the bulb... have you had a chance to take the gauge off and look at it up close?
If you're not gonna be riding the bike until next summer it's just as well you tear it off and investigate.

 

Remove the nuts that hold the gauge in the chrome housing.
Remove the speedo, tach cable.
Gently lift the gauge out it should have wires going to a rubber plug.
This is the bulb socket.
Pull it out.
I can't imagine anyone selling a gauge you can't replace the bulb on.