Gauge Installation Done

[ringadingh]

A week or so ago I started installing a set of gauges in my fairing, Ive finished the job and am quite pleased with the result.

The voltmeter is an easy hookup to a switched circuit, I used the front marker lights, but the horn may be a better choice since its not used often.

The tach is a straightforward install also, but in my case Im using a automotive tach that is for 4-6-8 cyl motors, since we have twins it only reads half of what its supposed to for now. Bubba a member here is sending me a part thats supposed to correct that.

The oil pressure gauge is a little more work, since a sending unit has to be installed, I didn't want to lose the function of the oem idiot light, so I installed the two sending units via a T fitting.

The water temp gauge required cutting a hose in the cooling system. I used the return hose for the rear cylinder, and used a 1/2" copper plumbing T to mount the sending unit in. It works well and when finished looks like a factory installation.

[ringadingh]

Heres a pic of the water temp sending unit.

[cactusjack]

Ingenious, nice job!

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Congratulation Steve looks as though you did a great job. I know it will work really well.

[v0lusia]

CONGRATS!!!!! Now if I ever get around to installing the fairing/gauges/trunk I have had sitting in the shed for months now........

[VulcanE]

VERY nice job, Steve! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif I hope to mount gauges in mine, sooner or later.

[ringadingh]

Heres a pic of the finished installation, I can only post one pic at a time without going to photobucket.

[macmac]

Nice looking, I wish I could have helped in a meaningful way.

[ringadingh]

Heres a pic of the water temp sending unit installed.

[macmac]

Ring, all the water if any in the system is distilled right? You just added a disimilar metal(s)

[fish]

looks good, I courious what the water temp is.

[ringadingh]

Ring, all the water if any in the system is distilled right? You just added a disimilar metal(s)
It sure is mac, 50/50 distilled water and antifreeze.

[ringadingh]

looks good, I courious what the water temp is.

It seems to sit at 140-150 when its around 70 outside.
When its in the nineties, it reads around 160-180.
When you stop for a light it climbs about 20 degrees but drops once your under way.
Its really interesting how the outdoor temps and stopping for a couple minutes effect the water temp on the gauge.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Looks really good Steve, you did a great job. It is interesting about the way the temperature rises rapidly while sitting still. I wouldn't mind having one myself.

[hammer]

Thanks a lot Steve. I have been thinking about a water temp gauge for a while. This Sunday we road through WallaWalla, WA and it was 104F and the bike was affected. I would like to know by how much next time.

Is the picture of the hose you cut on top of the front cycinder right side of the bike?
Where did you source the sender unit?

[rickyboy]

Nicely done Steve. I have been thinking about a water temp. gauge as well. I have been told that some on the site who have done them, have had issues with leakage. How did you insure that wouldn't be the case with you??

[ringadingh]

That is the hose I cut Hammer, its the return line for the rear cylinder. The sending unit comes with the gauge in the box, the copper T fitting is a pre soldered one that I soldered a brass adapter into and then screw the sending unit into that.

[ringadingh]

Nicely done Steve. I have been thinking about a water temp. gauge as well. I have been told that some on the site who have done them, have had issues with leakage. How did you insure that wouldn't be the case with you??

Im not sure why it would leak if you tighten things as they are supposed to be. I only cut the one hose and used two gear clamps to hold the T fitting. I used a pre soldered Copper T, its a little longer than a common 1/2" copper T and gives you a little more material to clamp the hoses to.

[hammer]

Great idea Steve. I was thinking of going to rad connection(s) but this makes sense to me.
I was going to convert the small glove box onder the WC fairing for gauges and such.

[hammer]

Hey Rickboy, I tried to call yah last Wednesday. I was on the hunt for cigars when I got your message. Let's get together and schedule a ride. What's that face change for and is that the new recliner in the cabin?????

[mrghost]

Great Job!!!!!!!!!!! Looks Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Orono]

Heres a pic of the water temp sending unit.

Hey Steve, resurrecting an old post. Do you still have the picture of this. I am putting fairing and guages on my 2005..

Thanks in advance from Newcastle.

[OldSchool]

Hey Steve, resurrecting an old post. Do you still have the picture of this. I am putting fairing and guages on my 2005..

Thanks in advance from Newcastle.


Here is something for you to read while your waiting for an answer from him. Hope it helps you. :tup:

https://web.archive.org/web/20150329000306/http://www.gadgetjq.com/gauges.htm

[ringadingh]

Hey Steve, resurrecting an old post. Do you still have the picture of this. I am putting fairing and guages on my 2005..

Thanks in advance from Newcastle.

I don't think I have the pics anymore since Ive switched pc's a couple years ago. If I do find them I'll let you know. Installing the gauges is not a hard job to do. The oil & water gauges need Tees installed to hold the sending units, the other gauges just require wiring. I used the coolant hose on the front RH side of the bike under the gas tank. I have a 1500 frame, but the hoses should be very similar in location on a 1600 frame bike.
If you want to give me a phone call send me a pm, and I'll give you my number.