Crazy thinking about my 1983 GS850GL

[Wingsconsin]

It runs great after many hours and lots of dollars invested -
I like everything about it - riding is fun -
I would love to change the Speedo and Tach to something NOT dependent on cables -

Like an electrical GPS Speedo (no hall effect stuff) and an electric TACH driven off the coils I think ?

I would like to eliminate the drive cables and their incessant whine (and coming loose [tach])

Anyone have any specific experience doing this ?

If you can point me to the solutions with examples of reasonably priced parts I would be very grateful

It's kinda a pipe dream now -- but this is how these things happen --

Might be just not worthwhile as well...but practicality and motorcycling rarely survive in the same place.

 

[Rob S.]

I would like to eliminate the drive cables and their incessant whine (and coming loose [tach]).

Except for the digital tach on my Sportster, all of the main gauges on the four bikes I've owned have been cable-driven, and I've never experienced any loosening or noise. Is this a characteristic of your model?

 

[Burque73]

Man, I'd love to get rid of the cable driven gauges. No more bouncy needles or leaking seals. I'll be following your pipe dream to see if it comes true.

 

[Grimly]

I bought a KUS tacho last year and will be following it up with a GPS speedo of the same size. The pair of them will fit the existing instrument bezel quite nicely and look reasonably period. In the meantime I'm persevering with the cable drive crap until I get them sorted out and fitted into a spare cluster so it will be a straight swap.

 

[limeex2]

Bouncy needles? ALL cables need periodic lubrication.

 

[Wingsconsin]

For me - I have two problems --

Speedo is always bouncy even in spite of my efforts (new cable, lubrication, cleaning the wheel head and lubricating, and more)

Tach - the cable is coming loose from the place where it goes into the engine - Again - new cable, cleaned, rebuilt with new o-ring, etc.

SO -- A FUN PROJECT and a little upside would be GPS Speedo and E-Tach to eliminate this .

I know I will be throwing money down a rat hole -- but I am so upside down on this bike -- who cares ?? -

it's my hobby; and my destiny to continually improve "Kaizen"

Research is currently ongoing

 

[93Bandit]

I bought a KUS tacho last year and will be following it up with a GPS speedo of the same size. The pair of them will fit the existing instrument bezel quite nicely and look reasonably period. In the meantime I'm persevering with the cable drive crap until I get them sorted out and fitted into a spare cluster so it will be a straight swap.

Can you link the the KUS Tach you bought? I can only find an 8k rpm version.

 

[rphillips]

I'm surprised, I've rarely had problems with cable driven instruments. Had to replace the speedo on my CB1100F after 57,000 mi. Other a couple of cables & oil seals, within the past 42 yrs. all has been well. Problems, from what I see here, are a lot more common than I would have thought.

 

[Wingsconsin]

From what I have seen thus far ---

SPEEDO's are all available with up to 80 MPH and Some up to 120MPH -

Finding one with an easily re-set able TRIP ODO is a challenge

Tachs - SO far this seems easier but the 8K limit seems to be a challenge as well - I have seen a few to 12K -

But $$ is also a bit of a consideration --

SpeedHut has some but spendy --- I have to decide on how much of a problem this really is...

$150 problem ?.... $300 problem ?.... More ...?

 

[Grimly]

Can you link the the KUS Tach you bought? I can only find an 8k rpm version.

That's the one. I reasoned that 8K was enough for me and a 40 year old engine.

 

[Grimly]

Finding one with an easily re-set able TRIP ODO is a challenge

I found one, but lost it again.

 

[93Bandit]

That's the one. I reasoned that 8K was enough for me and a 40 year old engine.

hmm... Bummer. I try to redline the 850 at least once every time I ride it. Not having a tach go to 10k would be a bit nerve wrecking for me. Oh well.

 

[Rob S.]

I try to redline the 850 at least once every time I ride it.

Yes! Yes! I try to tell people, but they just don't understand. Same thing with the buck.

 

[Wingsconsin]

I found one, but lost it again.

Keep Looking !

 

[93Bandit]

Yes! Yes! I try to tell people, but they just don't understand. Same thing with the buck.

A redline a day keeps the carbon away! I live by that. Everything I've ever owned with an engine has seen redline on multiple occasions. Some more than others.

 

[Burque73]

Everything I've ever owned with an engine has seen redline on multiple occasions. Some more than others.

You must have the most bada$$ lawn mower on the block!

 

[Wingsconsin]

Research leads me to this so far ---

Research leads me to this so far ---


This one looks to be the best option for Speedo --

85 mm (3-3/8") to fit the existing can already-

Digital speed via GPS
odometer
Trip meter resettable by pressing the enclosed remote access button -
Variable colors backlight --

Not a Bank Breaker --

https://www.amazon.com/ELING-Digita...dp/B07KP7HGJ4/ref=psdc_15729781_t3_B07KNR7NR7


I have exchanged emails with the manufacturer of this product looking for a TACH that would be up to 10K (or 12K) for our bikes that would match
So far I am still waiting for this information..




For a certain match and good products -- (Buy American made in USA)
Although I will state that the persona I spoke with on the phone was not a good representation of a proper customer service attitude --
I may have connected to the wrong department or they are just not working well right now ---- :abnormal:Intellitronix of oHIo is making a nice speedo with gps input capability and a digital Tach -- 2 weeks lead time

$30 per each unit waterproofs them and puts the reset button for the TRIP meter on the front of the unit outside the can

tach --> https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/mult-function-programmable-tachomter-in-chrome-bezel
Speedo --> https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/digital-speedometer-3-3-8-w-chrome-bezel
GPS sending unit -->> https://www.intellitronix.com/product-page/gps-sending-unit


But to buy them and have them waterproof increases the cost such that a set-up for Speedo and tach would exceed $400 :hypnotysed:

Not sure this is $400+ problem -- Might be a $250 problem --


Although seriously -- once I decide what I want to do the extra money either way isn't going to stop me -- :bull_head:

 

[Gorminrider]

I'm no expert on these newer clocks but I think I'd prefer a speedometer that didn't rely on a gps...I'd consider the calculations to be delayed versus a magnet sensor on the wheel. I use gps in boats, cars and motorcycles and that's my impression. Yes, it's pretty quick and quick enough in a pinch but not immediate, IMO.

 

[Wingsconsin]

Here is the link to the Tachometer -
Good to 12,000 RPMs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0881SGTHT/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2O1CPEO24AY51&psc=1

Now I have to figure out where to move the OIL light , HIGH BEAM light and the side stand light --

Create a warning light panel of some sorts....

 

[fbody_mike]

Nothing but problems with 81 GS450L's cables and meters. Broken gauges, broken cables, leaks, no matter the replacement, it would always come back. My 85 GS550, well I guess they worked out the bugs, because no problems there. Electric has is own problem though, even if its a movement or stepper motor. Pick your poison.