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[jaffa90]

My 2003 535cc lightning model reg 2008 has a problem with the rev counter sometimes not working,i suspect the speed sensor may need cleaning but where is it?

[Barry_Q]

I had this problem on my 500 Lightning. It turned out to be grot in one of the connectors. Sadly, I can't remember which one, but there's one under the seat and another inside the headlamp. Look for the one that leads away from the coil and the one that leads to the rev counter. A squirt of WD40 in the connectors cured my problem. Being an electronic rev counter, there's no 'speed sensor' as such. Just a "Multiply by 2" circuit built into the rev counter (That's why you can't use a Boyer Bransden electronic ignition on a Lightning). The Twin Spark Thunderbird rev counters uses a "Divide by 2" circuit.

[jaffa90]

Thanks for the reply Barry Q,I removed the seat & battery checked all connections and found one coil wire loose,tightened up ok with half a turn and the other one flat.Took the headlight lense off and checked all connections and found one black wire next to another looped black one loose so i pinch the female a bit and pushed it back in.No corrosion at all.I`ll see how it goes when all the salt which has been plastered on the roads go.

[jaffa90]

Thanks again Barry_Q,the rev counter appears ok now after a few spin outs.

[Norm]

I believe the tacho is fed from one of the alternator wires?

[jaffa90]

I`ll remember that Norm if it acts daft again.

[Barry_Q]

Norm. You're thinking of the 350 Twinspark Thunderbird. It has the same ignition as the Electra X. The Lightning uses the standard iron barrel Bullet engine, complete with contact breakers.

[Norm]

Thanks Barry, there is still a pulse coil and crank magnet that is fitted to some bikes with electronic ignition and it is nothing like the Electra X setup. It has to be some home market bike. The Thunderbird motor I have seen is a 350 version of the Electra X