SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Technical Documents/Reference >> Tachometer Installation
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1409022095

Message started by Todd James on 08/25/14 at 20:01:35

Title: Tachometer Installation
Post by Todd James on 08/25/14 at 20:01:35

   
I installed a Ryca Tachometer on my 2007 S40 and it has
worked well so I thought I would share the installation details.

http://https://s19.postimg.cc/50a2gh7v7/Installed1.jpg

http://https://s19.postimg.cc/m22wiarsj/Installed2.jpg

http://https://s19.postimg.cc/plou84283/Installed3.jpg

I mounted it in a location that I thought looked somewhat "stock"
and used rubber grommets to isolate it from harsh vibration.
Refer to the pictures that follow for clarification of the parts and instructions.

Parts List
   Tachometer from Ryca
   Aluminum Angle  -   1/16" x 2" x 4-1/4" Long
   Stainless Steel U-Bolts - 1 inch  (2)
   Rubber Grommets with I.D. that fits over nuts on tach mounting studs  (2)
   Washers with O.D. approximately same as grommets  (2)
   Krylon Clear Satin Finish (spray can)

Tools Needed
   Hack saw
   Drill and Bits
   File
   Wet-or-dry sandpaper, 400 grit and 600 grit

Instructions

Cut aluminum angle to length of 4-1/4"
Bend angle from 90 degrees down to 70 degrees
Cut one leg of angle from 2 inches wide down to 1 inch wide
Cut and shape 2 inch leg as shown in photos or to your own preference
In the 2 inch leg drill two holes for the grommets and one hole for the cable
In the 1 inch leg drill two clearance holes for the u-bolts spaced 2-3/4 inches on center
File and sand all edges of bracket smooth
Wet sand bracket with 400 grit, then 600 grit to satin finish
Coat bracket with Krylon Clear Satin Spray Finish
Check fit of u-bolts on risers and bend open slightly to fit if necessary
Cut off one leg of each u-bolt as shown in photos then file and sand smooth
Cut threaded leg of each u-bolt to proper length by test fitting on risers with bracket
Mount tachometer and bracket assembly on risers
Connect wires to coil and horn as shown
Note: Connect both the Blue and Red wires to the positive (+) horn wire (Orange/Black)

http://https://s19.postimg.cc/y3yacgo6b/Parts.jpg
http://https://s19.postimg.cc/d7227rvab/Grommets.jpg
http://https://s19.postimg.cc/ow61vqej7/Dimensions.jpg
http://https://s19.postimg.cc/rq9797bkj/Plate.jpg
http://https://s19.postimg.cc/5ebefs9vn/Angle.jpg
http://https://s19.postimg.cc/y3yacf65v/Assembly.jpg
http://https://s19.postimg.cc/4osm3grcj/Tach_Wiring.jpg

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by luckylouie82 on 08/26/14 at 09:48:31

Todd, thanks so much for the instructions.  One question, because I don't want to mess the install up.  Pretty obvious where the tach wires into coil.  How do I connect to horn? splice? solder? into switch? Thanks so much.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Todd James on 08/26/14 at 10:02:39

luckylouie:
As I recall I was able to slip the two wires into the spade
connector on the horn. I am not certain about that, and unfortunately
my S40 is at our coach in North Carolina.
An alternative is to get an in-line splice connector at an auto parts store.
You can identify the proper horn wire with a 12 volt test light or voltmeter.
Whichever wire has 12 volts with the ignition switch on is the correct one.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Boogie_with_Stu on 06/02/15 at 09:46:45

Ok, so yeah...I know this is an old thread....but I'm new here so it's "new" to me  :)

This Ryca tach must use a dual fire ignition setup, yes? Since the Savage ignition fires twice per revolution of the drive shaft (one for combustion, one "wasted spark"), then wouldnt ANY dual fire ignition tach work on the Savage? I.e., any Harley tach? Or any 2 cyl 2 cycle engine ? So long as the tach is set up to accept 2 signals as the input for one revolution, it should work on the Savage....or not?

I'm ready for an education....fire away!

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Dave on 06/02/15 at 15:24:31

Here is a link to the RYCA website....and it shows that the tach needs 1 spark for each revolution.  A 2 cycle single cylinder, a 2 cylinder 4 stroke bike with a distributor....or a single cylinder 4 stroke bike without a distributor and one wasted spark in the engine cycle meets that requirement.

You need to just be sure what you are ordering will work with one spark for each revolution of the crankshaft.

http://shop.rycamotors.com/mini_tachometer.html  

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Boogie_with_Stu on 06/04/15 at 15:04:18

Ok, so I am REALLY not a "motor guy" :o

So the crankshaft rotates twice to complete the 4 cycles...yes? Does the engine internals then gear it down to ONE rotation of the drive shaft for every TWO rotations of the crankshaft?

Pls, just tell me to go to Wikipedia at any time if you feel these questions are beneath answering...lol

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Art Webb on 06/04/15 at 20:49:00

Why would the output shaft be geared down? the transmission provides gear reduction
Which is my way of saying I don't think so, but i might be wrong

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Dave on 06/05/15 at 03:56:00

The camshaft is geared down to rotate once for every two rotations of the crankshaft.

The "primary drive" then is geared down so the clutch is not turning as fast as the crankshaft (input shaft), further reduction is then done in the transmission , and then the "final drive" (front and rear pulley) reduces the rotations even more. (front pulley is connected to the transmission output shaft).

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/04/17 at 18:18:55

I made this mount out of 1/4" X 1" aluminum flat bar. I bent it with a hammer and a vice then sanded and filed them to match the rest of the bike. I screwed them to the bottom of the triple clamp. The Ryca tach works perfectly.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by IslandRoad on 02/04/17 at 21:18:41

Those brackets look great!


3653565234620 wrote:
I made this mount out of 1/4" X 1" aluminum flat bar. I bent it with a hammer and a vice the sanded and filed them to match the rest of the bike. I screwed them to the bottom of the triple clamp. The Ryca tach works perfectly.


Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by IslandRoad on 02/04/17 at 21:22:26

I used Todd's method. I couldn't get the exact dimensions for the materials, but I worked it out  :)

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/05/17 at 01:20:21


645E414C43497F424C492D0 wrote:
I used Todd's method. I couldn't get the exact dimensions for the materials, but I worked it out  :)



I had time to spare so I first bent them to fit the angle of the forks. I drilled a hole in the base's and mocked them up. After figuring out the right spot for the tach I marked the studs on the tach with Persian blue and touched the brackets with the studs. I drilled a center hole for the wire and then the two mounting holes. Once they were loose fitted I tietend everything up. It's real solid now. :)

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Kris01 on 02/05/17 at 20:00:45

The perfect spot! Looks great!

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by IslandRoad on 02/06/17 at 00:40:46

I reckon these two versions place the tach in the best possible positions. They're great options!

As opposed to the Ryca bracket, which costs about 50 bucks, and looks like it would mount the base of the tach at the height where the handlebars are bolted to the risers. That would be way too high on the savage with stock risers.

This forum is the gift that just keeps giving!  :)

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/06/17 at 02:34:52

Here is what the brackets look like. A little filing, sanding and polishing gives you a sleek looking mount. Cost was $12 for the aluminum and a couple dollars for the bolts.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Todd James on 02/06/17 at 23:10:08

 
Those are professional looking brackets, T140V.

I like the way they mount the tach a little higher
than mine so you don't have to look down as far.

But I'm also flattered that IslandRoad liked my
design well enough to make an identical copy.

Both versions serve the purpose well.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/07/17 at 04:44:31

Thanks Todd.,  when I was trying to figure out what I was going to do I hadn't seen your post. I looked around the garage and that's what I came up with. The speedo on my triumph is located in a similar way and that's what gave me the idea.  You did a real clean job on yours as well.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by IslandRoad on 02/07/17 at 12:32:50

Hi Todd,

I've had the tank off a few times in the last couple of weeks, and it really emphasized just how well the tach fits into that space. I was worried the tach might be in the way of lifting the tank, but it's not ... just gotta be a little careful when yanking the tank upward not to over do it  :)

I think both locations are great, just a matter of personal preference for placement.

BTW, I could only get 40mm aluminium angle (and it's 1.4 mm thick). Your instructions called for 2" (50 mm), so I had to adjust the measurements a little when drilling the holes on the top plate. I used the edge near the bend as the reference point and worked forward from there rather than centre them (so basically I lost 10mm off the edge of the bracket nearest the rider)

I actually measured your bracket by putting a ruler up to the computer screen (not to scale) and then used percentages to translate the distance to what I had :)

It was a fun project.





476C60687E596269690D0 wrote:
 
Those are professional looking brackets, T140V.

I like the way they mount the tach a little higher
than mine so you don't have to look down as far.

But I'm also flattered that IslandRoad liked my
design well enough to make an identical copy.

Both versions serve the purpose well.


Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/07/17 at 14:57:15

Thanks Island Road,  it was something I had to have and was fun making it.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by buster6315 on 02/17/17 at 21:46:15

Nice job indeed!  I like oil pressure gauges.  Where are they mounted?

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/18/17 at 02:23:47

That's a good question buster6315. Would you want a mechanical guage? I haven't looked at the engine yet to see what application to use. :)

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by KarelVdB on 02/26/17 at 03:31:00

Looks great!!

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/26/17 at 11:43:57


290310070E340620620 wrote:
Looks great!!

:) thanks

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by norm92de on 11/28/17 at 17:18:25

FWIW,
Wiring into the horn is not necessary since the positive side of the ignition coil is as 12volts as it gets. The only problem is the number of wires. :)

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by IslandRoad on 11/28/17 at 19:53:36


3D3C213E6A613736530 wrote:
FWIW,
Wiring into the horn is not necessary since the positive side of the ignition coil is as 12volts as it gets. The only problem is the number of wires. :)




Can you explain more on that?

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/11/18 at 22:01:59

I sold my last bike with the tach mounted to it and now I have an older model. The 2002 triple clamp doesn’t have the same attaching points as my other one. I ended up making a plate out of 4” aluminum plate. I bolted it to the handlebar clamps. Someone put real narrow drag bars on this thing. I went to Mitchell’s Harley Davidson in Modesto California. The owners son practically gave me a pair of aftermarket bars off a Fat Boy. They have a crossover support that get in the way of the gauge. So I mounted the tach a little higher than I would like. With the Memphis Shades windshield mounted in front the tach doesn’t look to bad.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/11/18 at 22:02:51

2

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/11/18 at 22:03:39

3

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/11/18 at 22:04:08

I may change it up later and mount it to the bottom of the clamps I place 1/2” aluminum tubing in the space between the plate and the bolt hole just for added support.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/11/18 at 22:05:06

4

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/12/18 at 20:09:06

I’m never happy with some mods. I’ve moved the tach to the other side of the bar clamp. I’m still not sure of this location or the mount. :-?

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/12/18 at 20:09:43

2

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 02/12/18 at 20:10:41

3

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by buster6315 on 03/06/18 at 18:43:23

Very nice looking installations indeed!

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 03/07/18 at 02:06:39

Thanks buster I’m getting used to it but if I make anymore changes to it I’ll post them here. :)

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by gtenginerd on 09/24/20 at 13:37:51

Since RYCA isn't selling parts anymore, does anyone know a different tach that can be installed?

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by T140V on 09/24/20 at 23:41:38

I found quite a few on eBay. Your ignition sparks on every stroke so I bought a tach made for a twin per the guys on this website and it worked great. They sell for around $15.00 -$30.00 with free shipping.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by DragBikeMike on 09/25/20 at 23:30:59

This Drag Specialties unit is a bit more expensive but it works and is an exact replacement for the Ryca mini-tach.


Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by brian.b on 10/24/22 at 06:00:12

maybe a dumb question,,, why use the + from the horn ?

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Todd James on 10/24/22 at 21:42:32

When you install the tachometer, it's positive (+) wire must
be connected to any wire on the bike that has positive voltage
when - and only when - the ignition switch is "On".
The positive wire connected to the horn is one of those wires.
(The negative horn wire is the one that gets switched by the
horn button).
There are many other ignition-switched positive (+) wires on the
bike you could choose for the tachometer connection instead.
It just so happens that the horn is close to both the coil and a
grounded screw where the other two tachometer wires attach.
That makes it a handy connection point without the need to
extend the tachometer's positive lead wire to somewhere else.

Note that you could connect the tachometer's positive wire to
the positive terminal on the coil.  (Many people do).
I just prefer a more remote source (like the horn) to reduce
the chances of coil-trigger voltage spikes from damaging
the tachometer.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by HricakSavage on 06/12/23 at 11:33:37

Todd James,

It seems you have the most recent post on this forum with regards to properly wiring a tachometer.

I’m having a heck of a time trying to get my Dime City Cycle tachometer to function / turn on.

I have the Tacho’ seed (power) and yellow (backlight) wired to the B/R of the horn, black connected to bike frame, and green (negative) connected to B/Y of ignition coil. The closest I’ve got to it working is when I turn the ignition to ON, the tacho dial runs up then returns to 0, but no BACKLIGHT. The Horn still works so I don’t think that is the problem…anything you can think of that might be an issue…?

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Ruttly on 06/14/23 at 13:29:58

T140V , Where did you get those bars ? Very cool , very European.

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Todd James on 06/20/23 at 21:01:20

HricakSavage :

The wiring is correct as you describe it.

If the tachometer is not faulty, the only
idea I have is that your Black wire
may not be making a good connection to
battery ground (Negative) through the
frame of your bike.
Obtaining a good Battery Ground connection
through the frame of a vehicle is often
difficult or unreliable.  

However ... Note that the tachometer also
receives a separate ground signal through
the Green wire connected to the coil.
Normally this is a pulsed negative voltage
from the Ignition Control Module that
triggers the coil to fire the spark plug at
the proper times when the engine is running.
The coil also receives a negative voltage
whenever the ignition switch is turned "On"
and that is what causes the dial to
spin up to full RPM and back briefly.
That's normal with these tachometers.

But it may be misleading you to think
that you don't have a wiring problem.

.. If the black wire has a faulty
ground connection then the electronics
(and the back light) are not receiving the
continuous negative voltage they need
to work properly.
Try connecting a jumper wire from the
negative post of the battery to the black
wire to see if that corrects the problem.
Please let us know.
 

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by HricakSavage on 06/26/23 at 20:20:14

Thank you Todd! (I’m still new so the forum doesn’t let me PM yet..)

So I found when I was missing SOME connection (any single wire), I was not getting anything (not even initial dial jumping up then returning down after turning power on…)

I ended up getting replacement tacho sent to me by dime city cycles, and it WORKED. I think it was Faulty backlight wire…The fact that needle was jumping to begin with, led me to believe everything was wired correctly but just that something was wrong with actual backlight.

So all the wiring was as you’d expect it to be, but with new tacho, I now have backlight! So there was a happy ending to this problem and there were no wiring-curveballs lol

Title: Re: Tachometer Installation
Post by Todd James on 06/26/23 at 20:40:46

HricakSavage :

We're glad you sorted it out.
.... and thanks for letting us
know the outcome !

SuzukiSavage.com » Powered by YaBB 2.2!
YaBB © 2000-2007. All Rights Reserved.