I am writing this article in response to my original post where I initially lost my speedometer on the way to work.
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?132567-Speedometer-quit-working
I am also including links to other posts that may prove useful to the next member this may happen to.
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?126214-Speed-Sensor-Removal&p=1597276&viewfull=1#post1597276
I have included these to give credit where it is due, and to try and clear up any muddled or ambiguous data from the ST1300 Service Manual.
So let's begin.
Removal/Installation
As you can see on page 22-13 and 22-14 with the exception of removing the middle cowl, this should be a walk in the park 5 minute job.
Well with the exception of the last step of doing everything in reverse order, they have glossed over a very significant amount of the work required to do this job.
First I will start with the middle cowl or tupperware removed and the right side of the bike exposed. Note the air canister and crash bar assembly location, your "3 pin connector" is strategically tucked well behind here. The sensor is mounted on the bottom of the back crank case cover, close to where the centerstand mounts.
First remove the canister, I just let it hang from the bottom hoses out of the way.
Then remove the little box with the two vacuum lines attached to it.
Off with the stainless steel heat shield.
Next remove the black crash/tipover bar.
Last thing to remove is the triangle aluminum bracket. Also pull the rubber apron between the engine and the frame of the bike up and out of the way, and there it is, the famous 3 pin connector (black) flat pack.
at this point you need to put the bike on the side stand, if you haven't already. This is the only way I could get to the bolts holding the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) on the bike.
Here is a shot of the old sensors plug assembly.
From here on out, the pictures on page 22-14 are correct for removing the assembly, however... PUT AN OIL PAN UNDER THE SENSOR BEFORE REMOVING. There will be about an 8oz loss of oil when the sensor is removed.
Some people recommend using a piece of string tied to the old connector, then pulled down between the frame when the old part is removed then tie the line to the new part connector and pull it back through to the top.
I recommend that you replace the O-ring along with the new VSS. Here is a link to the part numbers you will need, a big thanks to Mellow for helping me find the part.
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/oemparts/a/hon/5053f1b8f870021c54be6705/rear-crankcase-cover
You should order #9 and #16. Also Cheap Cycle Parts has changed their website around, so Mellow's original link in one of my links will no longer work, so use this one above.
I do hope this article will help anyone here trying to do this job, I tried to make it as visual as I could to explain the process, since this is the way I learn best. Thanks for reading.
Jeff
