I have an assignment, and I could use some help!

Party#1 stored motorcycle in friend's (party #2) garage. Party #1 kept it fully insured, went to pick it up after notifying friend, friend wasn't there, garage was locked. Party #2 claims it was a gift, went to Court, Judge ordered bike returned. Mileage on bike is exactly the same as it was when it was dropped off - photos at drop off and pick up.

Neighbors say #2 was riding. #2, of course, says he was not. No surprise there.

How difficult is it to turn back or disconnect odometer? It is simply impossible to believe the scenario (why wouldn't #2 return the bike?) unless #2 was riding -

Any thoughts?

It's a Goldwing, if that matters.

Odometers are turned back on cars all the time to falisfy mileage, I don't know why it could not be done on a motorcycle as well.

Edit: just checked with a friend and he said yes it can but the true mileage can also be accessed.

You still need one of our super experts on automobiles!

Year is going to matter.

On modern cars, and most bikes, it is impossible to turn back an odometer... on the analog style, they break. On the digital style, unless you have access to very expensive equipment to "flash" a new mileage reading, it's not going to happen... and even then it's doubtful.

Now... disconnecting a speedometer/odometer cable on a bike is fairly easy and there is probably where your answer is.

Odinn, I suspect it's a disconnect. Is there a way to tell?

Odinn, I suspect it's a disconnect. Is there a way to tell?

Unfortunately, on any bike I have ever seen, the cable just unscrews from the sending unit or the speedometer head. There is no fool proof way to know for sure that this was done if it is reconnected.

It would be much easier to disconnect cable and not add miles, than to turn back?

Absolutely - and a lot more difficult to prove.