Flashing Speedo Display on '09 RSTD

[PhantomStar]

Hello all, new to forum, didn't seem to be a thread that quite answered this situation, so I'm entering a new one. I was checking out a 2009 RSTD at Stubbs Cycles in Houston yesterday. It's a good looking bike with only 13K on it. The first thing I notice about this bike is that it's been wired for trailer lights by previous owner. For some reason, although there are wires wrapped in a bundle near the trailer hitch there is no plug at the end of the wires, it's just electrical taped at the end. Hhhhmmm. When I ask to start it, it has a dead battery. They bring out a jumpbox of some type and the bike starts right up and sounds great at idle. However, the speedo display keeps flashing all "needles" of the display, effectively blacking out the screen. The odometer was flashing along with it. The mechanic said the battery was trying to "catch up", I assume he meant the battery had to have a minimal voltage to display the speedo properly. That seems possible, but what's also possible is that the trailer wiring was done wrong and that's whats screwing up the display. I used to own a '05 RSTD and I THINK I remember something like that happening when the battery died once on me...but that's been a long time ago. Does anyone have a more recent experience with something like this? Thanks

[RSTDdog]

I would have dealer investigate (i.e remove) the trailer wiring.Likely suspect. Bad or improper aftermarket wiring attempts can cause ground loops and other issues that can affect the electrical system. If someone cut into the factory harness, I would want that section of the harness replaced.

 

Battery really shouldn't be "That dead" unless its been sitting a long time. Mine could sit two months without being too dead to start it. Other issues could be loose battery cables.

 

A 2009 still should have at least 1 year of warranty left, maybe more depending when it was first sold. Botched wiring by others won't be warranty or the stuff it damaged , so make them fix that before you you even begin to deal. Fix first then buy. Don't buy on the promise they will fix it.

[PhantomStar]

OK, yeah, good words...thanks!

[dacheedah]

ask them to slap a new battery in her, you can then get a look at the wiring job. The trailer wiring should be done using an isolater. If that was done correctly you would see it there, if they want to move her and have good customer service this should be a no brainer.

[Mike G in SC]

Got worried about the flashing speedo!

My uncle got arrested for that in Myrtle Beach. Had a harder time splaining to the wife.

 

 

Mike G.

 

(sorry,,, had to.)