Speedometer blank on startup

hey guys, Just wondering if anyone has had this problem or advice as every few days when I start up my '07 SD the gauge is blank with only the backlight illuminating. My heart drops and I utter a few curse words thinking how much it's going to cost me for a new speedo (I've read of a few guys on here who get water in them and they go kaput). But after a few minutes of riding it comes back to life with nothing amiss except for the clock resetting to 12:00.

I am thinking it may have gotten some moisture into it but it continues to happen even when there's no more rain. I've also got a crack down the front that formed by itself and can't seem to find anyone who has fixed this problem without replacing the whole thing. If anyone can help me to fix this problem I'd love to hear about it. Cheers

With or without the error code, I suspect that the solution to the problem will be one of them here - viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10424

Thanks 47, I saw that thread awhile ago but didn't think anything of it because I wasn't getting a code error but maybe you're right and they are related. I'll keep an eye out when it happens next. Cheers!!

Well it happened again, speedo blank , no lights or tach except for the backlight. Turned out to be the speedo unit itself they tell me. $450 Australian for a new one. From a dirtbike company, not impressed!!

Check the speedo unit power and earth wires and connections in the headlamp unit first.

Hi mate. Before opening your wallet check a few things.
First as suggested the battery, does the bike cranks up ok or is it struggling? I know we are in a warm climate so sometimes it is not that obvious but they do crap out.
If the voltage drops too low during crancking you get all sorts of funny things happening.
Also the dash doesn't like moisture. It doesn't need to be rain, condensation or washing is enough to spoil it.
The positive thing is that it still works fine after you run it for a bit so I guess it can be salvaged. If it is not the battery do as suggested, clean connectors and also dry it out on the inside in some way.
Hope this helps.

Hey guys, ive been following this on the site for 6 months. It would sometimes go dead but always came back within a day or two until last month. The day I went for a ride around the Wisemans Ferry loop North of Sydney and got a $370 ticket "did you know how cast you were going?" what a dick, rubbing it in my face...how did he know that I didn't know? Batt is 13 volts before start, goes down to 11.25 on start, 14 at idle, 13.5 or so when reving it up. Cant remember exact numbers but they were all within reason. I checked all contacts, dried with mask open for two days in the sun. I was convinced it was the rectifier from all of the comments here but had some recalls to do so asked the pros to have a gander. They say dash has malfunctioned. Ive been riding my pushbike to work 'cause I cant afford to pay for another policeman's bonus without knowing my speed or riding an illegal bik. Thanks boys, so frustrated right now...