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Message started by Gargoyle on 09/02/04 at 13:28:27

Title: changing speedometer???
Post by Gargoyle on 09/02/04 at 13:28:27

There have been discussions in the past about changing the speedometer to a handlebar mounted one. Has anyone done this and if so where did you get it and which one? Plus how did you resolve the cable issue? I am thinking of putting coffin tank on my Savage chopper but would still like to have a speedometer.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Jon on 09/02/04 at 14:14:13

Another question on the same subject...
I've been told that one of the new 'wireless' bicycle speedometers (computer) might work, has anyone tinkered with this idea?

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Susan on 09/02/04 at 15:11:43

Jon wrote:

Another question on the same subject...
I've been told that one of the new 'wireless' bicycle speedometers (computer) might work, has anyone tinkered with this idea?

I know Kropatchek uses a bike speedometer/trip meter but if I recall correctly, his is wired.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Honda_fan on 09/02/04 at 17:24:57

I took the easy way out and mounted my GPS on the handlebars. The bike computer worked but I did not find a good way to mount the magnet that I liked. It was a wired model. A wireless would be easier since I think it would be easy to glue the magnet to the rear pulley verus the front disc or rim. I tried this but cable was too short to reach the bars.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Kropatchek on 09/03/04 at 09:59:49

Susan wrote:

I know Kropatchek uses a bike speedometer/trip meter but if I recall correctly, his is wired.

That's correct. After reading in another forum that the wireless don't work.
The magnet I used is a strong magnetic washer stuck to the brakedisk. The pick-up is mounted underneathe the brake caliper. Works fine for me. See picture:
http://img67.exs.cx/img67/1451/TachSav2.th.jpg (http://img67.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img67&image=TachSav2.jpg)

Greetz
Kropatchek

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/03/04 at 13:13:21

You know me....sometimes, I just gotta stir the pot.

Why does anyone want to change the speedometer when having it tank mounted cleans up the handlbar area so nicely? What's the big deal? That's one thing that I liked about the bike when I first saw it.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by jendesigner on 09/03/04 at 13:42:41

I hate having to look down to check how much I'm speeding :) I know I'm over but I have to take my eyes off the road to see by how much.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Jon on 09/03/04 at 13:53:43

Greg asked, stirringly:
> Why does anyone want to change the speedometer
> when having it tank mounted cleans up the handlbar?

-- It would make using a tankbag a lot easier.
-- Looking down at the tank with a full-face helmet is a hassle.

If Suzuki ever moved the speedo behind the headlight where it belongs, it would really clean up the tank.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Kropatchek on 09/03/04 at 16:14:01

Amen :D

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Honda_fan on 09/03/04 at 18:35:53

Yes it is nice to have the bars clear, but I have to literally drop my head down to see the speedo. I wear a full face helmet and it is a pain. All my other bikes have them placed where all I have to do is drop my eyes to see and that is what I was looking for.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/04/04 at 03:02:52

Okay. I guess I got my answer. I guess that I must be the only one that likes the speedo. I wear a full face helmet too.

"Speedo behind the headlight where it belongs"? That's subjective, I think. Why then would there be other cruisers with the speedo on the tank? And Jon, you are on your 3rd "Boulevard", too.

"I hate having to look down to check how much I'm speeding :)" ? Really? I know that I am usually doing 45-50 where ever I am ::)

I wonder how many people wanting to change the speedo also have flat drag bars.

Okay, I'll go away now............

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by klx650sm2002 on 09/04/04 at 05:35:21

The lack of speedo on the bars is one of the appealing things about the Savage for me, but then again i don't have one.

Clive W :D

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Jon on 09/04/04 at 10:56:40

> >"Speedo behind the headlight where it belongs"?
>
> That's subjective, I think. Why then would there be
> other cruisers with the speedo on the tank?

Because it's the current styling trend and Lemmings follow. Ergonomics dictate that the gauges be in front of the bars in your line of sight. I'll change my opinion when sport and standard designs get the speedo and tach in the tank, or we evolve with eyes in our rib cages.

> > "I hate having to look down to check how
> > much I'm speeding " ?
>
> Really? I know that I am usually doing 45-50 where ever I am.

Even when a cop is behind and clocking you? I'd bet you peak at the speedo.

> I wonder how many people wanting to change
> the speedo also have flat drag bars.

The bar style has nothing to do with it, the situation is the same with the buckaroo bars.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by bassman29 on 09/04/04 at 14:49:34

I’m a beginning rider. Before I bought my Savage (just 2 weeks ago today!) I researched, mostly on-line, what I considered potential “first bikes” and kept track of the pros and cons of each. About the only con I could find about the Savage was the speedo location. It just seemed intuitive that the speedo (and the turn signal indicators and neutral light) should be where they could be easily seen, especially for an inexperienced rider. My brief experience has reinforced that to me. I think it is a safety issue – I wear a full-face helmet also and I shouldn’t have to duck my head and take my eyes off the road and traffic for so long in order to check my speed or see if I have left my turn signal on for the 1,000th time. Today.

I don’t give a rat’s a$$ if the handlebar is clear – I just want to ride safely. It’s enough of an issue to me that if and when I am ready to buy my next bike, an S40 might not be an option.

My bike has flat drag bars. I’m too ignorant to know why that is ironic, however.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Susan on 09/04/04 at 16:20:06

Clearly different people with different opinions on the speedo. That's ok! Each to their own.

Hey David, how are you enjoying the ride after two weeks??

I've now had my Savage (first bike) for just over two months and am loving it. Went out for a long ride today. Have just over 950 miles on it in two months. No commuting either. Just errands, and having fun!

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by bassman29 on 09/04/04 at 21:12:33

Quote:

Hey David, how are you enjoying the ride after two weeks??

Hi Susan - I am enjoying it very much - other than my complaint about the speedo location (which probably isn't as serious as I made it sound above). I am on about the same pace as you, over 200 miles in 2 weeks, but I am commuting a short distance daily. Also going for lunch-hour rides that really break up the work day and energize me for the afternoon.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/05/04 at 03:03:39

Jon wrote:

Whoa. I guess that I stirred a rat's butt full of stuff. I truely hope that everyone finds a way to make their Savage more comfortable to ride....especially Jon, whom is obviously doomed to a life of discomfort ::)

All that I meant to say, was that even if I forget that the turn signal indicator is ON (which has happened, and I miss the self-cancelling ones on my 850), it still isn't a issue for me to look at the speedo and ride safely. And having ridden it for 4 1/2 years hasn't earned me any tickets either. So generally speaking, I do not and will not understand this problem.

Sorry, Y'all.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/05/04 at 03:51:26

bassman29 wrote:

I’m a beginning rider.

My bike has flat drag bars. I’m too ignorant to know why that is ironic, however.

The first part sounds just a little stressed out. But that is part of the key. With your own admission of being a beginner, I suggest that you're just not relaxed yet. That will come.

Nope. Not suggesting ignorance. My point, intended to provoke thought not anger, is that "flat drag bars" completely change your riding position from that of the pull back bars. That in istelf, might make it more difficult to see the speedo.

With that said, I don't care if everyone mounts the speedo on the chin guard of their helmet for a better view.

Once again, I apologize for interrupting this topic with a "counter-point" :-/

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by bassman29 on 09/05/04 at 07:00:13

Quote:

The first part sounds just a little stressed out......

Nope. Not suggesting ignorance. My point, intended to provoke thought not anger....

If learning a completely new skill and trying to coordinate both hands and feet in new ways while cars are flying around trying to run you down isn't stressful, I don't know what is! :) I have been having too much fun doing it to realize just how stressful it is.

Greg - you didn't suggest ignorance - I did. And there was no anger here I assure you. I simply did not understand your reference to the connection between flat bars, riding position, and speedo location. Now I do.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Savage_Rob on 09/05/04 at 17:27:33

I don't have a problem with the speedo where it is but I would like to put my tank bag a bit further forward (where it would obscure the built-in speedo). However, the main thing I'd like is a resettable tripmeter, since I have no fuel gauge. That said, I purchased one of the battery-powered bicycle computers and will be attempting a mounting solution similar to Kropatchek's using a magnet other than the one provided (which is too weak for this application).

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Mr 650 on 09/05/04 at 20:59:17

Savage_Rob wrote:

Pleh! I should proofread. That was supposed to be a tank bag - not tank bad.

After you post and see your error, just click upper right "modifiy" icon and edit your mistakes,I can't type for beans and I use it all the time.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Jon on 09/05/04 at 21:05:01

> I truely hope that everyone finds a way to make their
> Savage more comfortable to ride....especially Jon,
> whom is obviously doomed to a life of discomfort

Okay, Greg, that does it. You're toast, I just stuck two pins in your Voo-Doo doll.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by bassman29 on 09/05/04 at 21:22:10

Fellas and gals, here is the solution to this controversy:

A personal display (PD) mounted on the front of your helmet! (http://www.motionresearch.com/products.htm)

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by thehoghunter on 09/06/04 at 05:01:51

And Greg, here is another reason - bi-focal glasses. I don't have a full face helmet, but because age has caught up to me and my eyes aren't even close to what they used to be, I have to wear glasses - bi-focal glasses. Can't read the speedometer at all unless I move my head down. Yes, I usually know how fast I'm going, but it's always nice to know. Having it on the handlbars would be much safer. Plus the fact if one was found to work with the Savage/S40, then a tripmeter would also be very handy.

Bassman - sounds like it will require some manipulation and $$$ - but a great find anyway.

Hope you don't have to contend with this sight problem - ride safe - and get out and ride for me as Hurricane Frances will be keeping my riding out of the picture for a few days to come.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Munson_kl279 on 09/06/04 at 07:25:56

Greg_650 wrote:

My point, intended to provoke thought not anger, is that "flat drag bars" completely change your riding position from that of the pull back bars. That in istelf, might make it more difficult to see the speedo.
:-/

Greg, you've seen my picks of the drag bars I have on my bike and I would have to say that it actually makes seeing the speedo easier since I'm not sitting back as far. Of course I dont't usually wear a helmet whan I ride and when I do it's a shorty.

I've been planning on changing my speedo too but not because of the issue of seeing it but because I'm planning on putting a Virago tank on it this winter.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by mownor on 09/06/04 at 13:51:08

Hi, Munson. If you do the Virago tank thing this winter please post some info on fitment and fixes. I can hardly wait to get the speedo where it belongs on the bars beside a tach instead of in the middle of a miniature gas tank. Yep, full face and sportster bars. Cheers, Mo.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Gargoyle on 09/06/04 at 16:37:12

Has anyone replaced their speedo with a different one? If so which one and do you like it and where did you buy it? I will be replacing my stock tank with a different tank.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by domino on 09/10/04 at 19:31:28

I like the speedometer where it is. It looks good, and I have no problem seing it, with a full face helmet...you pick your moment to look, when you feel 0.5 of a second is not critical in your safety.

I know the feel of my Savage, and usually know when to slow down..

If all else fails.....open your mouth..........if the bugs stop at your tonsils, you are within the speed limit........if they land in your shorts, your going much too fast :)

cheers......Michael

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/11/04 at 09:13:45

domino wrote:

I don't have any problem either, but if people want a different one, that's their choice.

You'd think that being safe means that you can't turn your head and look at the scenery, either. If that's the case, we might as well be in a car. No tunnel vision here 8)

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/11/04 at 09:16:14

Jon wrote:

Ah ha! So that's why I got a temporary layoff on Tuesday. Now, I get it....

The pins must have come loose though, cause I got a better job on Friday 8)

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Tony on 09/14/04 at 15:12:04

Wow! quite the thread. I have been riding my S40 for about 1 1/2 months now and I have about 900 miles on it also. I dont realy find it to be a MAJOR safety issue, but I do agree it is anoying to have to look down to see my speedo every now and then. I assume that everyone who is afraid to look down for a split second never turns their head to the right or left when making a lane change? I dont trust my mirrors entirely on my bike, my truck, or my car.

My only issue I have with the Speedo is that I wish they had made the black plastic surround out of chrome instead. If not them, I was hoping someone would have a retrofit for it. :)

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Munson_kl279 on 09/16/04 at 13:26:39

Tony wrote:

My only issue I have with the Speedo is that I wish they had made the black plastic surround out of chrome instead. If not them, I was hoping someone would have a retrofit for it. :)

Another great reason to add to the growing list of why I'm planning on changing mine!

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Petertheblacksmith on 09/17/04 at 10:36:14

I have a Kawasaki VN tank on my Savage. 15 liters instead of 10. The best improvement. I bought an universal wire extension from Highway Hawk, and put on a universal minispeedo (with a tripmeter !!) that a friend had on his H-D Sportster. Works just great.
Good luck and be careful with those pins, will you ?
Peter the blacksmith

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/18/04 at 06:35:08

Petertheblacksmith wrote:

Ah, now Petertheblacksmith has come to this forum to play, too. Cool.

Did you have to make any mods to the Savage to get the Kaw tank to fit?

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Mr 650 on 09/18/04 at 08:19:42

Petertheblacksmith wrote:

Yo! Good to see you over in the S.S forum!

Peter, could you send a link to pictures of your VN tank, please?

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by thehoghunter on 09/20/04 at 04:15:23

See I've got a Savage with a trip odometer (http://www.heise-workstations.de/ls650/Fragen/messages/37338.html) on Bert's site.

Title: Re: changing speedometer???
Post by Greg_650 on 09/21/04 at 02:45:29

Pretty cool.