I just ordered a 81 sportster tach.I know i'll need a cable and a bracket for mounting but how do i install it on the motorcycle.?I don't see the info in the fsmanual.
thanks

 

Here's a pic of the tach drive unit.P/N 92079-71...

And here is a pic of an earlier cover.

See what looks like a bolt at the top center of the cover.That's a tach drive block off plug...

Used in place of the drive unit when tach is not used.If you don't have a drive unit yours should have a plug in it now.Or a wine cork or whatever happened to be handy at the time.I've got 1 here now with a carefully whittled-to-fit stick in it that looks to have been there for years.
Hope this info helps man.I've got a couple of ironhead engines laying around.If you need a tach drive shoot me an e and I'll check to see if one of them might have a drive unit in it...thanks,Junker.

 

By the way,I've got a couple of mounting brackets too if you're going to need one.Mine are oem and not the thin repops from tawaineseapan...thanks,Junker.

 

thanks junker 73 hd
since i just ordered it today off of ebay,i'm not sure what comes with it.i have a speedo already but thought a tach would be useful ,too.
i'll let you know and thank you for the pics and info.it really helps.

 

If the tach is from/for a 1981 Sportster you do not need the tach drive pictured above. The 81-on tach is electronic. It runs off either an electronic ignition or the ignition coil.

When you get the tach, ask, and i'll post the installation instructions.

 

Mick,I stand corrected...Jc,I apologize my friend.After you mentioned that you would need a cable I guess my brain switched to autopilot.I didn't snap to the tach being an 81 until reading Mick's post.If your cam cover is pre 86 you'll still need the block off plug...

 

here's a pic

 

That is not a 1981-on electronic tech. It is the mechanical tach used from about 1974 to 1980. It requires a cable and the tach drive that was posted earlier in this thread.

What is the year of your Sportster? If you have a 1981-on Sportster you will not be able to use this tach because the tach drive will not fit into your gearcase.

 

i have a 1981 engine.it looks as though i should have done a little more research.
anyone need a tach for an older bike?
i paid about $50 for this one and i should receive it in the mail this week.
ouch!

 

i just ordered an electronic mini tach from ebay for about the same price as the older one.unable to post a pic but it looks more modern .hope it works,tho i have no idea how to hook it up.