New to Forum, Motorcycles

[MR.E]

welcome along mate, like the black exhausts

[montmil]

... I would love to go with some just two vintage VDO or similar gauges and simplify the front end.

Perhaps consider going all digital with your build.

Both my R65s have digital instrumentation -'81 has a Vapor. '83 has an Acewell- as well as a Vapor on my R100S. Sheds the weight of the steam gauges plus cleans up the front end's visual.

TrailTech offers a digi gauge that provides way more information than you might imagine. Plus a simple 3-wire hook up. http://www.trailtech.net/



Dime City can supply a 'vintage look' Acewell digital in a can along with a speedo cable that plugs right into the BMW gearbox cable location.
http://www.dimecitycycles.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=acewell&x=8&y=14

[LordNykon]

I will have to look into that! I am trying to work on the bike over the next few days so that its all tidy by Friday. I am thinking about riding to Barber around 11-12 on Saturday.

[k_enn]

... I would love to go with some just two vintage VDO or similar gauges and simplify the front end.

Perhaps consider going all digital with your build.

Both my R65s have digital instrumentation -'81 has a Vapor. '83 has an Acewell- as well as a Vapor on my R100S. Sheds the weight of the steam gauges plus cleans up the front end's visual.

TrailTech offers a digi gauge that provides way more information than you might imagine. Plus a simple 3-wire hook up. http://www.trailtech.net/


<snip>

Monte,

My speedo is way off of calibration, and I am thinking about going with the Vapor instead of getting the existing speedo recalibrated.  I do have a few questions:
1.  What do you do do about the gen light bulb which is needed for the charging circuit?  Does the Vapor handle that, do you keep the existing bulb and circuit and bury it somewhere, or do you redneck engineer a resister or other solution into that circuit?
2.  Turn signal indicator - much wire cutting and splicing involved?
3.  If I want to go back to the factory set up, would that be any problem or issue because of any wiring changes/cutting/splicing done for the Vapor?
4.  What did you use to block/plug the speedo cable hole?

k_enn

[montmil]

Monte,

My speedo is way off of calibration, and I am thinking about going with the Vapor instead of getting the existing speedo recalibrated.  I do have a few questions:
1.  What do you do do about the gen light bulb which is needed for the charging circuit?  Does the Vapor handle that, do you keep the existing bulb and circuit and bury it somewhere, or do you redneck engineer a resister or other solution into that circuit?
2.  Turn signal indicator - much wire cutting and splicing involved?
3.  If I want to go back to the factory set up, would that be any problem or issue because of any wiring changes/cutting/splicing done for the Vapor?
4.  What did you use to block/plug the speedo cable hole?

k_enn

1. Look at the photo of my Vapor install and spot the red GEN lamp neatly installed in the open hole where an Allen wrench would fit. I bought the smallest bulb and lens unit at RadiopShack -not an LED, slipped a very thin washer beneath it, ran the leads out the bottom of the steering head, fitted two butt splice plugs (so the GEN lamp could be removed if/when bearing work or whatever might be needed. A small dollop of silicone adhesive secures the bulb assembly.

2.  Unless you purchase the Vapor "surround" component, there is no provision for turn signal "reminders". I just deleted the Nanny State stuff. If you need/want the signal reminder, you'll need to purchase the needed accessory to the Vapor. You could also use one of the multiple light positions for an OP light, if you need one.

3.  Doubtful. But that depends on what you decide to cut.

4.  Hard rubber tapered bung plug from Ace hardware.

[k_enn]

Thanks Monte.

[Ed Miller]

Monte has a thread on his installation somewhere.  It's a good write-up.

[montmil]

Check the FAQs section for Trail Tech Vapor information.

[Ed Miller]

I was thinking this morning that I should get another Vector, for my Triumph this time.  To replace those attractive but rarely functional Smith instruments.  Positive ground won't bug the Trailtech meters.

[LordNykon]

Plan on doing some upgrade soon, I got my Dad hooked on BMW's as well we are taking a look at an 1977 R75/7 today. I have another post in the wrench sections with the issues I am currently experiencing. Thanks for all the information!

[LordNykon]

So the 1997 R75/7 followed me home today...