speedometer needle

I’m familiar with removing the instrument cluster and opening up the housing- 1984 Airhead. But, I have never removed the speedo needle. I see instructions that say just use a needle nose pliers and pull straight up. Is this right? What is holding the needle on? Anyone have a photo of this...

2007 K1200GT w/ABS. Recently the brake failure light flashes while riding. I braked hard a couple of times when I saw it and there doesn't appear to be any brake issues. The speedometer needle dropped to zero several times on my last ride. Could this be a sensor, wiring harness or connector...