Has anybody converted to aftermarket tach and speedo?

[Guest]

1982 GS1100GL.

Good factory gauges seem to be hard to find, so if I don't get my factory gauges straightened out, I will consider changing to aftermarket gauges--if I can find something traditional enough.

First, it is necessary to build a housing to hold the new instruments. That's well within my skill set.

Each instrument presents its own challenges.

The tach itself is easy enough to replace and provide with a signal, and I can work around the oil and high beam lights. (Maybe install an oil pressure gauge...)

The speedo is more of a concern. Is there any electronic speed sender out there that is a direct fit to our bikes? If GPS speed sensing is necessary, can I buy a GPS sender and make it work with any electronic speedo, or do I need to shop for a GPS speedo package?

The shopping itself is a challenge. The last thing in the world I would want is one of those digital all-in-one type gauges, but 10KRPM analog tachometers are very hard to find without being large and drag-racy. My favorite gauges are VDO Cockpit and Vision styles, but I can't find a tach that reads past 8KRPM.

 

[Guest]

Check out the options from Koso. https://kosonorthamerica.com/

 

[Guest]

Check out the options from Koso. https://kosonorthamerica.com/

Thank you. I really want to keep the most traditional possible look, with two separate, purely analog gauges. But I will keep this in mind if all else fails.

 

[wymple]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/85mm-Black...052966?hash=item212b75aca6:g:19cAAOSw4lte0xC5

My son just bought me this for my old 84 Moto Guzzi, and I couldn't be happier. 70 bucks. Lights up red at night. Only 3 wires, 12v to run it, tie the light wire to the same 12v as you really only need 2 wires total, and a ground. That's it except for your ability to mount it to suit you. You do have to mount the pickup, the cord is very long. I just bundled it up and mounted it right by the speedo.

 

[Guest]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/85mm-Black...052966?hash=item212b75aca6:g:19cAAOSw4lte0xC5

My son just bought me this for my old 84 Moto Guzzi, and I couldn't be happier. 70 bucks. Lights up red at night. Only 3 wires, 12v to run it, tie the light wire to the same 12v as you really only need 2 wires total, and a ground. That's it except for your ability to mount it to suit you. You do have to mount the pickup, the cord is very long. I just bundled it up and mounted it right by the speedo.

They've got one with a black ring too, making it a convincing facsimile of the VDO Vision style, which is the gauge I would go with. :-k

Do you ever ride into a remote area and lose GPS signal for the speedo? I wonder about that. I have family in WV where I lose GPS when I go to visit.

 

[chris]

1982 GS1100GL.

Good factory gauges seem to be hard to find, so if I don't get my factory gauges straightened out, I will consider changing to aftermarket gauges--if I can find something traditional enough.

First, it is necessary to build a housing to hold the new instruments. That's well within my skill set.

Each instrument presents its own challenges.

The tach itself is easy enough to replace and provide with a signal, and I can work around the oil and high beam lights. (Maybe install an oil pressure gauge...)

The speedo is more of a concern. Is there any electronic speed sender out there that is a direct fit to our bikes? If GPS speed sensing is necessary, can I buy a GPS sender and make it work with any electronic speedo, or do I need to shop for a GPS speedo package?

The shopping itself is a challenge. The last thing in the world I would want is one of those digital all-in-one type gauges, but 10KRPM analog tachometers are very hard to find without being large and drag-racy. My favorite gauges are VDO Cockpit and Vision styles, but I can't find a tach that reads past 8KRPM.

I think you are on the right path, I personally would not mess with old gauges, there are too many cool options out there. I am very happy with my motoscope pro, everything you need in a compact package, plus the digital volt meter is nice. It is also nice to get rid of the tack and speedo cables. I have no experience with GPS speedo but putting a sensor on your front wheel is easy. I drilled a small pocket for a tiny magnet in one of the rotor mounting bolts to trigger the sensor then you input your front tire size into the speedo. My speedo reads identical to the digital waring signs. I know you are looking for the more traditional analog gauges, I think you can find something nice, there were so many options when I was in shopping mode. I love shopping for bike parts , just ask my wife.

 

[Guest]

Traditional looking analog gauges are hard to find. I almost wish I had modern tastes. Not only would it make my car and bike life so much easier, but it would also make home ownership and restoration easier and cheaper. My tastes were not made for the world we live in today.

The tach I want to use will require a shift light also, as it reads to only 8KRPM and my bike redlines at 9K. Now, I rarely take it to 9K, but I want to be covered.

I also noticed that our stock gauges have domed lenses, presumably to reduce glare. I'm going to lose that if I switch to automotive gauges.

 

[Guest]

Web Bike Japan has some traditional looking gauges: https://japan.webike.net/bm/top/Gauges+Indicators/1200/

 

[Agemax]

I am currently in the process of retro fitting a set of Koso clocks into an original 78 GS1000 meter casing. Its a tricky job to get them to fit but its taking shape.
A 140mph speedo and a 10k tacho with shift light. I will be keeping the original idiot lights in the middle section.