Changing a speedo that zeros the mileage - any issue?

[Gixer968CS]

I have a non working speedo on my motorcycle. It's an integrated digital dash panel on a 20+ year old machine. I will look in to getting it tested and maybe repaired but I also happen to have a brand new replacement. Obviously if I use the new one it will start counting the miles from 0 again so I'd lose the bike's accumulated mileage. What's the deal with that - do you have to notify the DVLA or point it out at the MOT or anything? I don't really want to lose the mileage (it's very low) as it happens.

[Eyersey1234]

I'm sure there are mileage correction services available thar cab add the mileage on to the new speedo

[Dracoro]

Eyersey1234 said:

I'm sure there are mileage correction services available thar cab add the mileage on to the new speedo

They’ll probably think you are strange wanting to “add” miles to the speedo

[Olivergt]

OP, whatever you do, make sure you take lots of pictures and keep any documentation that you have, just in case. This will help when if/when you are selling the bike.

[oldagepensioner]

Gixer968CS said:

I have a non working speedo on my motorcycle. It's an integrated digital dash panel on a 20+ year old machine. I will look in to getting it tested and maybe repaired but I also happen to have a brand new replacement. Obviously if I use the new one it will start counting the miles from 0 again so I'd lose the bike's accumulated mileage. What's the deal with that - do you have to notify the DVLA or point it out at the MOT or anything? I don't really want to lose the mileage (it's very low) as it happens.

Don,t know about bikes but with cars and vans for several years now the instrument clusters have been programmable meaning you can transfer the vehicles specs including the mileage from the old unit to the new one but it does normally have to be done by a dealer and may be classified under theft related parts like keys and some ECUs.

[Olivergt]

I see you have a few bikes listed. And as others have said, it may be possible to re-program the new unit? Or it may simply be plug and play?

For example, many BMW cars from 25-30 years ago, the mileage was stored in a Dongle attached to the back of the instrument cluster, what this means is that if you change the Instrument cluster, as long as you keep your original dongle (which is simply plugged in), you keep your original mileage.

If you don't mind responding, what bike from your fleet is it? That might help others with responding.

[Gixer968CS]

Olivergt said:

I see you have a few bikes listed. And as others have said, it may be possible to re-program the new unit? Or it may simply be plug and play?

For example, many BMW cars from 25-30 years ago, the mileage was stored in a Dongle attached to the back of the instrument cluster, what this means is that if you change the Instrument cluster, as long as you keep your original dongle (which is simply plugged in), you keep your original mileage.

If you don't mind responding, what bike from your fleet is it? That might help others with responding.

It's my VTR1000SP2

[jeremyh1]

The MOT history will back up what you are saying about your bike

One of my vans on a 19 plate (Pug Boxer) had a speedo change at 180 K it has now done 300k . but reads around 118K ish .

There is no MOT record because it has only just had its first MOT its on it second engine and box but if you get them to call up the history at the main dealer things will then become obvious

[Inspire]

Perhaps another thing to bear in mind is that when/if your sell the bike (to the trade) you could be asked subsequently by the National Mileage Register to then confirm whether the speedo has ever been changed. I traded in a GS back in April and was asked to do this. I’m guessing it then shows up on on some sort of register if when/ potential buyers do an HPI check.

Thanks

Rob

[catso]

All 3 of my bikes have had the original speedos changed - 2 because I fitted digital dashes and the other because I imported it from Italy and wanted an MPH speedo.

I know what the previous mileages were for all and even have the old speedos for a couple but, realistically as they are 23, 24 and 43 years old I can't see the mileage being an issue if I ever sold them. By this time people would be buying on condition.

As for MOTs it wasn't a problem, they just write down the current mileage and don't care what it said last year, AFAIK it's only a legal problem if you're trying to pass it off as a lower mileage when selling.

[black-k1]

As long as you don't misrepresent the mileage when selling, there is no issue. There is no requirement to get the new speedo adjusted and I'd no bother with either the time, effort or cost involved. If you're worried about selling on take one picture of the old speedo with the mileage on it and the new speedo ready to fit, then take a new picture with the new speedo fitted and the old one beside it.