650 Instrument Cluster installation question

[Guest]

Hey everyone,
Thanks for reading.
I have what is probably a really dumb question (do we have a "small questions that don't require their own thread" thread here?). I am reassembling my GS from a literal box, and can't quite figure out how the whole gauge cluster mounts. I think I've got it, but it seems "loose" and I don't know if it is supposed to be that way. I've got the Suzuki service manual, but either the pics aren't clear enough or I'm an idiot (probably the latter). The main thing is that the center multifunction meter is very very loose, so I'm sure I didn't get that part right. Any pics or help out there?

Thanks!

[cowboyup3371]

Can you post up a picture of the cluster so we can see what's going on? The center piece should be secured to the cluster by the screws through the back cover then the whole cluster secured to the triple trees.

[tom203]

A gs650 in boxes- what fun! Anyways here's a pic of backside of a 80 gauge setup - your mounting should be similar. Note that cluster is mounted in rubber and secured by 4 screws that squeeze the front and back together.

[Maxdpower]

Thanks guys, and yeah, putting it back together from a box hasn't been what I'd call "fun!"

Here are some pictures and a video:

I think the parts I circled in red should line up, but even still, there isn't a nice snug grip.

And this is how it's mounted to the tree:


This video shows how much it wiggles. Maybe it's normal?

[Macgyver]

Greetings Maxdpower,
Tom 203 has it spot on, there are supposed to be small rubber grommets which the bolts feed through to rubber mount the cluster to dampen the vibration. My 650G's cluster was missing them, so I went to the local canadian tire and picked up a pack of assorted grommets to replace the missing ones.

The assembly will not be rock solid when tightened down with the grommets, there will be a little bit of resistance to movement because the rubber grommets will have a little give to them. We are not looking for "floppy", just "snug".

I am sure you can find a pack of assorted ones at your local hardware store, or barring that, the local auto parts store should have/be able to get them for you. Just make sure they are not the hard plastic grommets, they will not dampen the vibration enough.

Also, just a tip, put the grommets in the holders and feed the bolts down through the grommets when assembling since it is a bear to try and get the grommets to line up right if they are on the bolts first.

Cheers
Mac

[Maxdpower]

Thanks for the feedback. It is definitely looser than I think it should be. The main grommets that hold the the gauge bracket to the tree are there, so I think that part is correct at least. There are grommets in other places as well, so it all seems like it is correct. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but it doesn't feel right to me...

[Gorminrider]

aren't there supposed to be lockwashers under those acorns? That might stiffen it up....because the threaded part is limited I recall. Oh... and be careful threading into that center portion. I recall there are posts or something easy to break. They don't strip so easily but break off with a portion of the plastic. argh.

[Maxdpower]

The acorns that attach the gauges to the bracket? There very well should be but mine doesn't have them... But it is the bracket itself that is so loose - as in the whole dang thing moves as one unit.