tach not working/hookedup

[Patrick_Krivacka]

Took my new to me '80 r65 out for a short spin yesterday and remembered the tach isn't working/ hooked up. The PO had mentioned this in one of his original emails, but I had forgotten it. How hard is this to hookup and how would one go about it? thanks

[Bob_Roller]

The signal for the tachometer, comes from one of the ignition coils, I assume you have the dual coil set-up .

One connection of the coils should have a couple of  black wires, one for the coil, and one goes to the tachometer .

[Patrick_Krivacka]

Thanks Bob. one more thing to add to my list.

[Patrick_Krivacka]

anyone have experience with acewell speedo/tach replacements? Since my bike is a frankenbeemer (read 'new nc r65' in the chit chat section) I might as well make any changes that I like.

[NC Steve]

anyone have experience with acewell speedo/tach replacements?

Nope, but you might want to take a good look in here too, http://www.trailtech.net/computers.html , at the various electronic gauges available. There are kits out there that'll do just about everything but steer the bike for you.

 Several members here have used the Vapor combo system, and a search should turn up some older threads about the installation, price, etc. As I recollect, they were surprisingly inexpensive, especially when compared to rebuilding stock BMW gauges.

[Patrick_Krivacka]

thanks steve. I did the search and found a lot of good info. I must say I prefer the acewell as far as looks are concerned, but the vapor seems like a good product too.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

i-man, I would not be surprised if the tachometer in your instrument cluster is cable-driven.  I don't know what year the type-247's (non-r65/45) switched to an electronic tach.  Our bikes (type 248) have had electronic tach since inception.

You could find an electronic (BMW) tach if you like the look of stock, and install it.

Or there are several aftermarket alternatives.

[montmil]

Looking back to the earlier posted photo of the new i-man "R65" it appears that the gauges are very different from OEM R65s in that there's no instrument cluster housing, cow's tongue, central ignition switch nor turn signal idiot lights.

A veritable rolling Buffet of BMW Bits, this one is.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Looking back to the earlier posted photo of the new i-man "R65" it appears that the gauges are very different from OEM R65s in that there's no instrument cluster housing, cow's tongue, central ignition switch nor turn signal idiot lights.

A veritable rolling Buffet of BMW Bits, this one is.

Monte

It is a BMW cluster, just not one from a '78-'84 R45/65.

It also appears to have a type 247 head light bucket, so the ignition switch is most likely on the left side mount of that.

This cluster is from a 'S' model, but it will give you the idea:
http://www.mklsportster.com/r100s/r100s%20-%20cluster.jpg

[Patrick_Krivacka]

yes, the ignition switch is on the left side. My motorcycles a freak ; (

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Your motorcycle is not a freak, i-man.  This sort of thing is quite common with airheads.

[Patrick_Krivacka]

thanks rob. i'm just goofin' around. I love the little freak!

[Patrick_Krivacka]

i finally got around to taking my bike apart to do the spline lube this weekend. I discovered a wire (as well as a very funky coil installation. see my thread 'weak battery') that didn't have a home. could this be my tach?

[Barry]

The wire to the Tachometer is black so that could be the one. It connects to term 1 on the front coil of a twin coil set up or the earthy side of a dual output coil.

[montmil]

i-man, suggest you trace any/all loose wires prior to plugging them into a potentially incorrect circuit or spade connector. Did you mention if you have a manual w/wiring diagram? Could save... something.

Monte