Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
I just remember my first car was a base model Nissan Sentra, just the speedo. I was always jealous of the guys that had cars with tachs. Since then I haven't owned any vehicles w/o a tach on it, other than my Buell Blast I had. Do I think it's necessary? Not completely. Handy? You betcha! 
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 339
Likes: 4
From: Tallahassee Florida
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
Grew up on Dirt Bikes and Motocross...... Never had tach's unless it was a Trails Bike....... diddnt see the Value.
Now, I wouldnt want to be without !
I find myself watching the Tach, and ocassional gances @ the SpeedO as I know how fast I'm going in any given gear by the Tach.
As others have said..... Its a Tool, and when you need it / Use it, Its a Must have.
But that said I have friends that dont have em on their scoots and dont miss em.
But they also just hand the key, ( And their Wallet ), to the Shop if the bike needs any work.
Anyways..............
Budds...................
Now, I wouldnt want to be without !
I find myself watching the Tach, and ocassional gances @ the SpeedO as I know how fast I'm going in any given gear by the Tach.
As others have said..... Its a Tool, and when you need it / Use it, Its a Must have.
But that said I have friends that dont have em on their scoots and dont miss em.
But they also just hand the key, ( And their Wallet ), to the Shop if the bike needs any work.
Anyways..............
Budds...................
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
I have the H-D combo unit on my Road King. I just like having a tach to look at. I have never had a bike without one or a cage that I can recall without one. I am sure it is not "needed" but what is that we put on our bikes.
Buy on-line from on of the discount dealers. The install is easy.
Buy on-line from on of the discount dealers. The install is easy.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
The only time I have wanted a tach was to be certain I was in high gear. I've had some bikes over the years that I might have been in high gear but wasn't certain so I kept reaching down with my foot to upshift. In that case a glance at a tach, in relation to your speed, will let you know.
On my current 1200 C I don't have that problem and I see no need for a tach.
On my current 1200 C I don't have that problem and I see no need for a tach.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,222
Likes: 0
From: St. Johns, MI
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
I use my tach more than the speedo. Tachs bar mounted so I don't have to look down. Didn't have one on the last bike, and if I get another ride it's a must have.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
Like most of you,those big V-Twins will tell you when it is time to kick the shift lever.Anytime I have ever been challanged,I usually respond with doing whatever it takes,the tach really would make me ill knowing how tight the motor is spinning to get the job done.Now these Big Inch Hot Rod Harleys I am playing with, it is a need to know.The newer Harleys come all wired to just plug in a tach and watch what is going on.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
Nope don't really see the point unless your setting up a drag bike/race bike. Normal riding I can hear when the motor wants to shift. To be honest I wouldn't have a speedometer if it wasn't for the whole legality factor. I don't recall the last time I even LOOKED at the speedo so I have no idea why you guys are watching that AND the tach. But to each their own.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 543
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
ORIGINAL: KeithB
Tachs look cool, i have thought about a monster tach to one side like race cars have Wonder if they make a water tigth monster tach
Tachs look cool, i have thought about a monster tach to one side like race cars have
Wonder if they make a water tigth monster tach
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 30,634
Likes: 0
From: Laredo, TEXAS
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
I only use my speedometer to ensure i dont get a ticket. The rest of the time i watch the tach. Thus, i too will echo whats said above, i use my tach more than my speedometer.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 12
From: NJ
RE: Are Tachometers Really Worth Having ?
One thing is Missing from a HD............."RPMS" .........Know all about the importance of a Tach,(use to drag race),.......But to me it's like putting a tach on a John Deer.