98 R1 electrical issues

[macattacks2000]

I have a 1998 R1 with @15,000 miles on it. I have recently started experiencing a short in my speedometer when I hit the front brakes or switch from high beam to low beam, and also when i use my signals. HELP!!!! I've had my entire electrical system replaced and bought a new speedometer cluster...new battery also...what can be causing the problem?

[macattacks2000]

CORRECTION!!! I did not have the electrical system replaced...I had it checked by a technician, and they found no problems...

[TechTMW]

If a technician found no problems, with the bike right there in front of him, it's doubtful we are going to be able to help you.

If the problem happens -Every Time- you do one of the above actions, there is a definite problem that can be solved by a competant technician with good electrical theory. Many techs don't have this, and it's hard to find one that does.

[macattacks2000]

Thanks, but what can be causing the problem, any trouble shooting tips to start with? I'm thinking that I may have a pinched wire or something.

[TechTMW]

Pinched wire is a possiblity, but you need to do more diagnosing.

Try recreating the problem under various circumstances ... figure out exactly what triggers the event. If it only happens when you use an electrical component and is occuring both the right and the left handle bar, I think it might be more of an electronic problem as opposed to an electrical problem.

In other words (i don't have the digram for the 98 r1) there is a possiblity that there is some kind of corruption in the sending unit wiring - you might be getting some kind of electronic surging or interference or something which is causing the speedo to blip.

[macattacks2000]

Thanks again, man, it occurs when i use anything associated with the front ex. front brakes, signals, horn, high beams...the speedometer will blink off and on almost like it's trying to re-set itself, i'm frustrated because i just spend @$700 (this including new tires and a battery) and this guy can't solve the problem...i actually bought a new speedometer, another $160 and still doing the same thing...supposed to pick her up Tue. but don't even want to do that until the problem is fixed, paid a lot of money for nothing...

[niterider]

Check the grounds that go to the front end instumentation. I have noticed on cars that when the lights ( turn signals etc.) have a bad ground that the lights work all crazy.