1978 Puch Maxi Luxe Speedometer??

Herman Kantz /

hermankantz

Oct 15, 2021 07:10PM

I was given a 1978 Puch Maxi Luxe a few months ago that had sat for well over 20 years.

I finally got around to getting it running and cleaned up.

The first few times I rode it the speedometer was working fine.

However, now it doesn't drop back to zero when I stop, usually stopping about 5 MPH.

It will usually eventually drop back to zero after I shut off the bike.

I'm thinking it's the speedometer mechanism sticking and not the cable as once the bike stops the cable is not turning.

I'm not opposed to disassembling it and I see there's a YouTube on disassembly and repair.

Just wondered if anyone else had experienced a similar issue with their Puch speedometer.

Thanks in advance

H K

Re: 1978 Puch Maxi Luxe Speedometer??

roots to wings /

massboy

Oct 15, 2021 07:14PM

Lube it and check to see that there is no kink anywhere in the housing. Replace if so

Re: 1978 Puch Maxi Luxe Speedometer??

Thomas Peffer /

thomaspeffer

Oct 15, 2021 07:57PM

Congratulations Herman. You have just stumbled across the infamous Puch VDO speedometer flaw that affects most Puch mopeds still on the road that are equipped with the OG speedometer. The needle warps upward until it starts sticking to the glass thereby hanging up usually around 5-10 mph. Being left out in the sun over time does this. The only two ways to remedy this are: 1) buy an aftermarket speedo on treats or 2) do what I did and carefully use a magnifying glass back and forth across the middle of the needle on a sunny day placing the dot to warm the needle. As soon as it starts to drop withdraw the magnifying glass immediately or else your needle will melt right off and be ruined. A third option is buy a good clean used VDO speedometer from Sunday Morning Motors (which is what I did on my current bike as my bike only came with a 30 mph dial and Sunday Morning Motors offers 40 mph ones) the needles on their speedos that they sell are all tested and good (edited)

Re: 1978 Puch Maxi Luxe Speedometer??

Thomas Peffer /

thomaspeffer

Oct 15, 2021 08:05PM

Also if you do end up getting one from Sunday Morning Motors show that VDO dial some love, will ya? After each ride if parked outside I always place a WHITE plastic shopping bag over the dial (the white color reflects back most of the sunlight) I've been doing this all year and my needle still does not hang up. If you fail to do this even one time your needle WILL start to warp upwards and you'll have ruined your newly purchased dial. All in all its really no big deal its just mopeds and I really don't pay much attention to how fast I'm going seeing that my bike tops out at 41 mph and most roads where I'm at are 25-35 mph anyway

Re: 1978 Puch Maxi Luxe Speedometer??

Herman Kantz /

hermankantz OP

Oct 15, 2021 08:46PM

Thanks for the input.

I was pretty sure it wasn't the drive or cable and you guys have confirmed that.

I didn't mention it, and should have it the needle is curved now.

Strange since I know it's not set outside in the last 21+ years.

Cheers

H K

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