Hi, so I just bought my first 2000 Sportster 1200 custom a few days ago and am beginning to learn the ins and outs of the bike. One problem I have noticed I am having is my speedometer is coming in and out. So at idle or any time the clutch is suppressed it works, gives me a valid reading. But any time other than in neutral it dies. If I remember correctly the backlight does still stay on. I have read this could be 1 of 3 things. A bad speedo, faulty wiring, or the speed sensor itself is dirty and is Unable to get a reading while in gear. I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with an issue like this before and what the problem may be. I am going to start with cleaning or replacing the speed sensor first. Thank you! Hopefully I get some insight

 

Side note, I was also told my blinkers shut off by themselves after you turn, is this true ? Because at the moment they do not.

 

If your speedometer is not working, then the turn signals will not self cancel. Many times replacing the speed sensor fixes the problem with the speedometer. I've never heard anyone describe the problem the way you have. I mean that the speedometer works while the clutch is disengaged or in neutral. The odometer reading should be displayed anytime the bike is on. The actual mileage will not change with a bad speed sensor. You can try cleaning the speed sensor first to see if it fixes the problem.

 

I have an '06 1200 and have similar issues. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Mine generally will quit when I stop for a short break, and as mentioned, the blinkers no longer auto-shutoff. And then it eventually just starts working again.
I've been told it is likely an electrical ground. I've tried checking connections/grounds around the ignition and speedo head and sometimes if fixes it...or is it just coincidence that it starts working? I'm not sure.

I'll have to try cleaning the speed sensor.

Tom

 

Speed sensor or ignition switch....my switch has to be jiggled a bit before speedo resets and powers up.