New Speedometer for a 1979 GS850 - Any Tips?

[natejelovich]

Hello all

I'm looking to replace my speedo and tachometer on my 1979 GS850 but don't exactly know where to start. Hoping someone here might have some helpful insights.

Two main reasons for the replacement:

1. My current speedo is broken (or, at least damaged) and doesn't read correctly
2. I'm not a big fan of the massive box on top and want to go with something more streamlined.

Current:


So, my questions...

1. Any good places to buy speedo and tach set?
2. OEM only or is aftermarket ok?
3. What should I look for when shopping around?
4. Not much of a mechanic, and even less of a machinist, so preferably, the simpler to install the better... any tips?

Anyway, as always, thanks a TON for all your guys' help!

Nate

p.s. I did some searching on the forums for these questions and topics, but didn't have much luck. If there's a better thread I should look at with answers, I'm more than happy to start there.

[ndimitri48]

Hey did you ever find a solution? I'm looking to do the same thing.

[natejelovich]

nope, sorry! Actually looking to sell the bike. Got something new. I think there's probably other places to look for tutorials. Just didn't get around to it.

[growler]

You want to get a speedo with a ratio of 2240:60. I picked up mine here, but you can find them on eBay as well.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-chrome-speedo-speedometer-15-0030b.html

For the tach you want to get a ratio of 1:4. Also available at many online shops, Dime City, and eBay.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts-mini-chrome-tach-tachometer-15-0033b.html

They are also available with black face and black body. Very easy to install. I'm putting mine in this weekend, so I can take some photos.

I found success searching the forum for "aftermarket speedometer" or "new speedo," "replace tach."

[growler]

There are many other options out there as well if you don't mind spending some cash. Acewell and Motogadget make some nice gauges, but I'm happy with the basics.

It's easy to take the OEM gauges off. Save them or sell them though - someone will want them, or parts of them. Label all wires while disconnecting, and it should be easy to wire up the new ones.

[Wingsconsin]

Interesting ...

Growler -
What are you doing with the various lights that go into the Speedo & Tach when you replace the old ones..?
Sidestand light on the speedo and Oil & High Beam on the tach ...?
Are you going to add a light bar or something else to the dash area?
Curious how you are handling this as my speedo and Tach are suspect at best and I was thinking to buy new ones in the future too..

[growler]

I bought these:

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts-mini-black-tach-tachometer-25-7033b.html

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-black-face-led-speedo-speedometer-25-7032b.html

If I am figuring correctly, I will lose the side stand, fuel gauge, and gear indicator lights. I can live with that. I'm just going to shrink/tape those wires in case I want to go back to stock. Maybe I can fabricate something for them, but that is a project for when it gets cold again.

Growler -
What are you doing with the various lights that go into the Speedo & Tach when you replace the old ones..?
Sidestand light on the speedo and Oil & High Beam on the tach ...?
Are you going to add a light bar or something else to the dash area?
Curious how you are handling this as my speedo and Tach are suspect at best and I was thinking to buy new ones in the future too..

[Wingsconsin]

After looking at your photo album I can see the "G" gauges and lights are set up very different from my 'L' gauges ...

That explains my question having no meaning for you as it does not apply...

Learning something new every day around here...

G dashboard



L Dashboard