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What gear I'm in and RPM

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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 02:45 AM
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Default What gear I'm in and RPM

Thinking about getting a tachometer. Looked at the Harley 4 1/2 " replacement with speedo. It appears I can just swap it out with my stock speedo. $499 seems a little pricey, but a bike magazine had an article in where they did it with a 08 Fatbob and it looked to be a pretty clean as easy job.

Any thoughts, something easier/cheaper? I have trouble judging what gear I should be in and my helmet is damn quiet and does not help. (Of course it is protecting my hearing).

Been on here over a year and always appreciate the help Yes I did a few searchs and did not find what I wanted.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 04:55 AM
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IMO you don't need a tach on there.I would put the dough on something else . I have been driving manual vehicles all my life and the only time I look at a tach is in high gear trying to figure out if 5th is saving gas at that speed, I woudn't have time too look at a tach while city driving.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 06:25 AM
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Originally Posted by spiritwarrior
Thinking about getting a tachometer. Looked at the Harley 4 1/2 " replacement with speedo. It appears I can just swap it out with my stock speedo. $499 seems a little pricey, but a bike magazine had an article in where they did it with a 08 Fatbob and it looked to be a pretty clean as easy job.

Any thoughts, something easier/cheaper? I have trouble judging what gear I should be in and my helmet is damn quiet and does not help. (Of course it is protecting my hearing).

Been on here over a year and always appreciate the help Yes I did a few searchs and did not find what I wanted.
I do not think you will find anything easier to install as the Harley Speedo/Tach is plug and play. If you want the mileage to match I think you will have to visit the dealer, but I am not sure about that.

There are many other options for other tachs that are not as easy to install, but if you have a wiring diagram and a little bit of mechanical ability there is a tach wire that runs under the tank panel that you can tap into. Check out one of the major motorcycle parts websites, you will see a bunch of options.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 06:28 AM
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For that kinda money I would look at a Dakota Digital speedo/tach. They make a plug and play if I'm mistaken.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 11:05 AM
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I have the same problem...driving me nuts. I've been driving a stick for years, and use the tach as a reference, but once I got to know the car, feel, sound and speed kind of all came together. The problem with my as of yet stock bob, is no tach, a very general speed reference in the manual, and no sound. I can hear my friends bike and can't hear the one I'm riding. I just bought a cobra tach, as well as the stage 1 stuff, so next week I guess I'll have sight and hearing again. Oh, and I'm drilling ear holes in the side of my helmet to help hearing.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 11:22 AM
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Went over 10 years without a Bike tach, and didn't think missed it until bought the EGS.. Nice to see my shifting RPM, Found the Sweet spot to shift at 2800-3200 RPM and never run below 2200 before downshifting or can lug... Will never Have a bike again without a Tach...
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 06:12 PM
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A shift light might also fill your needs.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by street bob 59
I have the same problem...driving me nuts. I've been driving a stick for years, and use the tach as a reference, but once I got to know the car, feel, sound and speed kind of all came together. The problem with my as of yet stock bob, is no tach, a very general speed reference in the manual, and no sound. I can hear my friends bike and can't hear the one I'm riding. I just bought a cobra tach, as well as the stage 1 stuff, so next week I guess I'll have sight and hearing again. Oh, and I'm drilling ear holes in the side of my helmet to help hearing.

My problem exactly. Going to look at the KGS, and Cobra.

Mike
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 08:21 PM
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A tach is a nice piece to have, but not necessary. The Harley speedo/tach is a simple plug & play unit, and takes about 30 minutes to install. When you order the speedo/tach, your dealer will write down your mileage and the new one will have your mileage already put in from the factory.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 08:29 PM
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How about the micro tach from speedway instruments. Mine works great. Easy to install, easy to hide and relatively inexpensive. Check it out at www.speedwayinstruments.com. Personally, I have always had a tachometer and felt lost without one on my Fat Bob until I got the Micro tach. Best purchase for the bike so far.
 

Last edited by wood butcher; Jul 9, 2009 at 10:28 PM.
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