Replacing your gauge set on a VN1700

[andyvh1959]

Did some tests today on a Vaqeuro gauge set I bought on ebay for $95 (which was a steal). I plan to install this gauge set into the frame mounted Pacifico fairing on my VN1600 full dresser project. But this also confirms if your 1700 gauge set ever fails due to a crash or damage, you can find a replacement through ebay or other salvage sellers. Just make sure the miles on the salvage unit is LOWER than the miles on your bike. The Kawasaki VN1700 manual says the odometer cannot be reset to zero or to a lower value.

Using a $13 square wave DC signal generator I bought on Amazon, I'm able to test all the gauge functions on my bench, including confirming the speedo and odometers work. The gauge reads 60 mph at 877Hz as per the 1700 factory manual. Also, the manual says a gauge set cannot be reset to zero. My tests confirm the gauge set will count up the "miles" through the distance sensor built into the unit. On my bench it is counting up the miles from the 18,524 that was on the odometer when I fired it up. Now I have the "speed" set at 140 mph and the odometer is counting up the miles.

[smokier]

You just going to let it run 140 til she hits zero? ;)
Nice work testing all the gauges. Keep us posted on your progress!


Ride safe,
Smokier

[andyvh1959]

as of this morning my bench ride has covered over 1000 miles. Only 14,000 to go and the 1700 gauge set will match the 34,000 miles on my 1600.

[Kawi_addict]

That’s awesome man! Keep going

[andyvh1959]

My "bench ride" is done. My VN1700 speedo/odometer being driven on a 12v square wave signal generator started at 18524 miles and it just completed 34090 miles. Now it matches the odometer on my VN1600 classic by at most 0.9 mile error.

So that proves an inexpensive $13 square wave signal generator hooked up to a 12v source, and by accessing the right pins on the back of the gauge set you can add miles to a salvage VN1700 Voyager or Vaquero gauge set to match your bike. Just can't adjust the miles down per the Kawasaki factory manual.