The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: mich on April 05, 2012, 09:08:46 AM
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Gentlemen .... I am looking to replace my stock speedo with an aftermarket solution like the Airwell .... I like the looks and functionality. Anubody do this upgrade? Any tips or model suggestions? Looks like the 2802 maybe the way to go. Thanks
Mich
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I looked at this a while back and would consider using one as a replacement also.
Don
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I replaced my gauges with an AceWell. I do not have many pictures of the job, but I can take some of the final product. I like the way it turned out, and it is nice to have a reliable odometer and speedometer on my bike. The odometer had not worked since the early 90s.
I got the black model with the idiot lites. I had to rig my own alternator light, the fuel gauge just blinks constantly, but is hardly noticable and not a nuisance. I will get into my unit and post the speedometer setting I ended up with after some trial and error with a GPS unit. It is at least as accurate as the old gauge. I also got the BMW speedo drive sensor which was a snap to install and plugged directly into the gauge.
Cheers,
Colby
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I just ordered the Acewell Speedo/Tacho as well along with the specific cable:
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dimecitycycles.com%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcache%2F1%2Fimage%2F285x%2F5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d%2F1%2F9%2F19-2853-bk-vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-streetfighter-acewell-2853-digital-motorcycle-speedo-speedometer-tach-tachometer-2_1.jpg&hash=2f08c15d16b3b58a5222a25f92388c84477c044a)
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dimecitycycles.com%2Fmedia%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct%2Fcache%2F1%2Fimage%2F285x%2F5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d%2Fa%2Fc%2Face-s11-vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-cables-acewell-2853-digital-motorcycle-speedo-speedometer-tach-tachometer-bmw-1.jpg&hash=9a8d302a6cbbc37a75eedeb8891c7bb51fcb9974)
Does anyone know if it's possible to retrofit the fuel sending unit?
Acewell fuel sender
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3performance.com.au%2Fimages%2FACE-TS.jpg&hash=52f78589654d774abd916cfab284d039bc18aaa2)
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You'll have to cut a hole in the tank for the fuel quantity sending unit .
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After touring the Acewell website and then going back to review images of the many Triumph reviews in multiple bike mags... Well d'oh! Looks like Acewell supplies Hinckley. Dead ringers they are.
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You'll have to cut a hole in the tank for the fuel quantity sending unit .
So then it's doable?
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From what I can tell from the picture, you'll have to cut a hole in the side of the tank for the sending unit .
I don't think it would work very well if you mounted it on the bottom of the tank out of sight .
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I've been looking at a number of bikes with sender units. Many of them are the float and arm style (like what a toilet has) which evidently gives a variety of readings depending on what position the bike is in. Meanwhile the BMW R1100 and so on uses a tube with a float in the middle which is not affected by the position of the bike and thus is more accurate. The Acewell is the before mentioned. Also, many of the units I've been researching DO get installed from the bottom of the tank.
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Personally I would not cut the tank for the fuel.
Don
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Sounds like a bad idea to me. I like the simplicity of these bikes for one. Also, there isn't much room in the tunnel - inside the tank or outside. And finally I see it as a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. I don't have problems running out of gas or knowing when to fill up.
If I were to cut into the tank for any reason, I'd install a second petcock. That's something I've been wanting to do for a while.
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I've decided for the time being to skip the fuel sender, though am definitely keeping it in mind for later and possibly to do while repairing the RS tank I picked up.
I ran out of gas twice with my last bike but was fortunately right next to a service station when it happened. One of the times I was riding, the bike cut out and I literally just coasted into the station without blinking. And while I know there is a reserve to switch over to, I still don't like the idea of not knowing what's going on in my tank. I've ridden into pretty remote areas where I didn't know that the next station wasn't for another 100 miles until it was too late and so I prayed the whole time to not run out of fuel! I'm also not sure I like the idea that there will be a function on the gauge that isn't being used. But I'm anal like that.
But like I said, I can go without for now.
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Thanks guys ... Boxer, what model is the one you picked up and do you have a part number for the specific r65 cable? site you ordered from? thanks
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Mich,
I ordered the black speedo model #2853 - SKU: "19-2853-BK" http://goo.gl/ogrZH for $200
The cable is the BMW only one - SKU: "ACE-S11" http://goo.gl/UxuvM for $20
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There is not an R65 specific part.
I got mine from Dime City Cycles and could not have been happier with the experience.
http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-parts-mini-black-acewell-2853-digital-motorcycle-speedo-speedometer-tach-tachometer-19-2853-bk.html
http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-cables-acewell-2853-digital-motorcycle-speedo-speedometer-tach-tachometer-bmw-ace-s11.html
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There is not an R65 specific part.
But there is a BMW specific one vs the type that just zip ties to your fork and reads a magnate attached to your wheel like a bicycle speedo/ODO.
The Acewell BMW specific cable on the other hand actually has a counter which screws to the gearbox like the stock cable.
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There is not an R65 specific part.
But there is a BMW specific one vs the type that just zip ties to your fork and reads a magnate attached to your wheel like a bicycle speedo/ODO.
The Acewell BMW specific cable on the other hand actually has a counter which screws to the gearbox like the stock cable.
Right. I have it installed on my bike, and it is the second link in my post. However the part is not specific for an R65. I think you and I posted at the same time. Cheers, Colby.
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I think you and I posted at the same time...
[smiley=vrolijk_1.gif]
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Reguards to fuel gauge I always fill up every 200 miles (about). Enough reserve on R65 to do 30/40 miles. Only problen is when going on to reserve bike just cuts out before you can put reserve on,can be a dangerous time if on motorway/roundabout etc.
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I've thought about this myself and was wondering, for those who have done it, or those who plan to, where are you mounting it? just replacing the current speedo and leaving a non-functional tach next to it? completely pulling out the dash and center mounting it? custom dash replacement?
--mph
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Welcome to the herd, Robo.
How about a little intro from you as to whatcha ride (we love photos) and a bit about yourownself. Like the family told Jed Clampitt, the General Announcement section is where you oughta be. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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I've been meaning to, but know I should make my introduction photos in hand and I've yet to take any with something other than my cell phone..
Welcome to the herd, Robo.
How about a little intro from you as to whatcha ride (we love photos) and a bit about yourownself. Like the family told Jed Clampitt, the General Announcement section is where you oughta be. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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Mine came in today (http://youtu.be/zZ7n5B7uHhQ)
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I really need to most a picture. My solution for the mount was to pull the instruments and dash. I have the original R65 fairing option on my bike. The ignition is in the stock location. The acewell is mounted with right angle brackets in the center above the original mounting point for the old gauges. There is a separate light from RadioShack for the generator light.
So far so good. It is not original, but I like having a more readable and reliable gauge than the originals.
Cheers,
Colby.
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If I were to cut into the tank for any reason, I'd install a second petcock. That's something I've been wanting to do for a while.
For the love of BMW man, why?? I have two petcocks and it's just a PITA. I usually just use the left one anyways.. makes me feel like the floats stick less often.
I suppose you're thinking about that 1/4 gallon that's unaccessible, but is it that big a deal?
I suspect it may even be less than 1/4 gallon that's hidden away. Yesterday I hit reserve, and as I mentioned I only had my left petcock open. I closed the left, opened the right petcock, and got about another block before having to actually use the reserve, so the tunnel in the tank is lower than the start of the reserve level. (At least on my '86 monoshock tank.) I've often wondered exactly how much gas is hiding there, but I don't know if I want to run the experiment to find out.
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If I were to cut into the tank for any reason, I'd install a second petcock. That's something I've been wanting to do for a while.
For the love of BMW man, why??
Uh, Carl, perhaps for the same reason you're considering chopping a hole in your fuel tank to fit an electric fuel gauge sender. I'm thinking you'll see more dual petcocks than senders. [smiley=whistling.gif]
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Uh, Carl, perhaps for the same reason you're considering chopping a hole in your fuel tank to fit an electric fuel gauge sender. I'm thinking you'll see more dual petcocks than senders.
No siree, you got the wrong guy, I'm innocent! And like I said, my tank has too many holes in it already. It's wirespokes and that other guy that want to chop their tanks up!
And still, I maintain that putting in a second petcock is asking for trouble... like those people that water their grass. You know, once you water it, you pay for the water to start with, then the damn grass grows and you have to spend the time to cut it?? Why not just skip it all and go for a ride, or sidle up to the beverage dispensary!
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...Why not just skip it all and go for a ride, or sidle up to the beverage dispensary!
Now that's what I'm talking about!