F650 Clock FAQ

compiled & edited by Kristian #562
Please read the Disclaimer before attempting any work in this FAQ.
Last updated: 15 April 2006, Winter #1935

• Clock Setting
• Crazy Clock Syndrome
• Replacing the Clock with a Temperature Gauge
• GS Clock Lost Power?
• GS Clock Continually Changes
• My GS/Dakar/CS Clock is Slow/Fast

by CG Members

Q. I've read the instructions in the manual but still can't figure this one out. Can someone shed some light on this for me?

A. If you are looking for information on why the clock keeps spinning around on its own, see the Crazy Clock Syndrome.

Otherwise here’s a few tips from various people: When they talk about the clock they mean UNDER the fairing, on the BACK face (end) of the clock, behind the dashboard.

• Turn on the ignition and push on the little plastic lever under the fairing on the right side of the clock. One push for one minute or keep it pushed to watch the hands spin. (Richard #230)
• There is (or should be) a metal lever on one side of the clock. It's hard to see. If you press the lever towards the clock, it hits a small switch that speeds the clock hands on their merry way toward the correct time. The ignition must be ON for the switch to function. (Harl #380)
• Setting the clock is very simple. Turn the bars to the right (where “Right” referenced looking forward, like when you are driving the bike). Turn on the ignition, slide your hand down into the space just to the right of the clock. With your finger tips feel for the side of the clock. There is a small lever which, when you press on it, causes the clock to fast forward. Thats it. Claude #312
• I don’t have a clock, I have a temperature gauge, because my bike is 1996 mode. If you want to replace your clock with a temperature gauge, Flash has written a FAQ for it.

8/22/99

Have you been riding in the rain for a while and looked down to see your clock whirling around? Or, have seen it go whirling around after you cleaned every square inch or millimeter of your F650. Well fear not, as soon as the water between the setting prong and the switch dries out, it will be okay. But if hasn't been wet and you see this happening, do see your dealer.

Raymo #1173, Chicago, 2001 F650GSA

Electronic clocks have a heartbeat called an oscillator. It's the electronic equivalent of the tic-toc sound from mechanical clocks.

Water can cause the oscillator to stop oscillating, which freeze a time for the clock. After the water evaporated, the clock restarts from where it left off. If power had been interrupted to the clock, it would have reset to 0:00 (remember VCRs flashing "12:00"?). Therefore, if it doesn't reset, the power has not been interrupted.

I had a similar experience with a handheld GPS. It was in the rain for a few hours. It started acting funky, then it just shutdown. (BTW, the manufacturer says it's waterproof. And it probably was until I opened it to explore!) Later it came back to life, but the internal clock was slow by a few hours.

I've had my bike in heavy rain many times without any clock problems. If it reoccurs it may be there's a seal or gasket that isn't doing it's job properly. If this happened on my bike, it wait to see if it happened again - then take it to the dealer.

If your clock has lost power (i.e. it resets to 0:00), check your fuses to ensure none are blown.

I tried to change the timesettings on the clock on my F650GS-03. (we just change from winter to summer time here in sweden now). With egnition off I pushed the adjusting knob (hour) with a pen..Nothing happened. I´d tried some more..same result. Then I gave up and switched the egnition on. WOW..the numbers showing the hours started spinning like crazy..!! And they never stopped while I drove for about 260km.. Did I really break something or is it possible to fix it myself? Jompa

• I would try pressing the clock re-set buttons again, but with the ignition ON (which is how it works). If that doesn't fix it, try disconnecting the battery for a minute, re-connect, and try again (with the ignition on). Hopefully that fixes it! Scott, ID #1244
• I actually got my whole unit replaced after I sent it to my BMW dealer because I could set the time. They replace the whole unit. I was told by someone that it can cost over $1000 for the speedo / tack unit! It was still on warranty at the time, otherwise I would have done without the clock. Jompa

For the first two years of ownership, the clock on my Dakar has run five minutes fast. Now it is running 12 minutes SLOW. echo

• Maybe you should set it. Flash 412 (CO)
• My clock (on the CS) actually gained 15 minutes in the last 4 months jo
• Mine runs a progressively faster, but I leave it--I might actually get to work on time that way. stoneroller #1517
• You are probably approaching the speed of light. Slow down, for safety's sake. Maybe this is why motorcycling keeps you young! Mike-GeekSupreme #1507