How to remove the whole cluster of guages

I have a 1981 XJ 750 and the needle for the speedometer broke and the tach has stopped working. I am trying to figure out how to remove the whole cluster to buy a replacement. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Remove the headlight bucket. Under the upper triple clamp you'll see a pair of 10mm nuts that are on what appear to be short studs. Remove those nuts and the entire gauge cluster will lift off. Don't forget to unhook the wiring and the speedometer cable.

Once the cluster is off you will remove the back cover (JIS head screws there), to reveal the mounting bracket (removes with 4 10mm nuts). Once the bracket is off you can get to the JIS head screws that holds the cluster together. With the screws out the cluster pops apart fairly easily (there is a gasket at the front that can stick a bit).

 

Thank You. I will give it a shot!!

 

One other question. I see some people buying aftermarket gauges. How hard would it be for a very unmechanical person to hook one of these gauges up? and could anyone suggest a guage that would be best for this application? Thanks.

 

Only one set of gauges are designed, built and tested for your bike. They will bolt straight on without any issues and history proves they are good for 33 years. Originals.

 

Thanks. That's what I was thinking as well. Now the challenge is finding a full cluster that works.

 

I just found two complete clusters in the US on ebay for fair prices.

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw ... s&_sacat=0

 

I bought a speedo and tacho for my xj550 from Dime City Cycles.
1.9" chrome mini with blackface
you need to pay attention to the tacho ratio (mine was 1:5)

you may want to make a little bracket for them, or get some instruments off ebay, but dont be shy in swapping out parts.

You dont need to be mechanically minded, you're just screwing in bolts etc.
there are details to consider like ratios (as mentioned) and the size of the thread at the bottom of the instrument, but is possible the thread is standard (and you can always get adaptors)

also, there are analog/mechanical instruments and digital/electronic instruments. people have made electronic devices to enable you to use digital stuff on old bikes (search hackaday.com), but its easier to just stick with the old style.

 

Firstly, you will need either 750 Seca, or 750 Maxim gauges if you want it to be a bolt-on operation (all other gauges require some re-wiring, or the clever relocation of the systems monitor, to get the bike to run).

Secondly, the gauge needles can be glued back in place and repainted.

Thirdly, the tachometer my only need cleaned, lubed, and the solder joints reflowed. It may even just be a simple break in a wire, or a corroded connector.

Don't grab a used cluster just yet, unless the seller guarantees that it is in working condition.