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  #1  
Old 12 Apr 2011
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Aftermarket Speedo
Hi all,

I've had to mangle my XT660X speedo set so that it displays MPH. I did it quite badly - good enough to get it through road specification sign-off from the DVLA - but badly enough that it's now ugly and useless in direct sunlight. Also, given it's an Australian unit I can't switch between KM & MPH.

So, I can buy a new Yamaha speedo (European so it'll switch units as required) for a very cheap £800 Or.. I could look at aftermarket sets.

I've found these guys

Vapor Kits: Motorcycle (Adventure-Sport) at Trail Tech Home

but I was wondering if anyone has any advice on aftermarket sets Vs OEM and if there are any companies in particular / sets that you would recommend.

Cheers,

m
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  #2  
Old 12 Apr 2011
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I fitted a Vector to my TTR, also used the dashboard so i get the 4 warning lights.

It's realy easy to use, and read at a basic level, if you want to use the various computers you will need the extra handlebar switch.

Trail Tech in the UK were really helpfull, and very quick with getting the unit out.

The new units have a connection to the bikes power so you don't run the units lights from the internal battery, the older units just run from the internal battery I understand.

The only 'issue' is the monkeys at the MOT Testing Centre who find it impossible to record the mileage on the forms - they seam to struggle to press the MODE button to see the ODO, other than that I'd have no issues with swapping.

I did keep the old unit (that doesn't work!) from the bike to varify mileage if I need to, can't see I'll ever need it though.
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  #3  
Old 12 Apr 2011
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That's really helpful - thanks for that... I'll give them a little call.
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  #4  
Old 12 Apr 2011
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I've had two of the trailtech vapors on various supermotos.

They require a battery which is a pain as it seems to run down rather quickly. I can't remember if there was a 12V kit.. Something to look into !!

They can be rather temperamental and I didn't like the way the dig display looked.

Still, a nice bit of kit if you don't like your stocker...

No joy with UK speedos on Ebay etc ????
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  #5  
Old 13 Apr 2011
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I have the very simple "Endurance" Endurance at Trail Tech Home

It runs off it's own battery and I've only replaced it once in the last 5 years.

Mine has been trouble-free but one of my buddies is on his second unit.

I wouldn't worry too much about mileage at MOT; two of my bikes list it as "Not Shown"
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Old 13 Apr 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Yellow Tractor View Post
I have the very simple "Endurance" Endurance at Trail Tech Home

It runs off it's own battery and I've only replaced it once in the last 5 years.

Mine has been trouble-free but one of my buddies is on his second unit.

I wouldn't worry too much about mileage at MOT; two of my bikes list it as "Not Shown"
ahh that's helpful - thanks dude - the bike goes for it's first MOT before my next trip so I don't want to fall down on stuff like that.

m
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  #7  
Old 13 Apr 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
They require a battery which is a pain as it seems to run down rather quickly. I can't remember if there was a 12V kit.. Something to look into !!
erm....

Quote:
Originally Posted by GasUp View Post
IThe new units have a connection to the bikes power so you don't run the units lights from the internal battery, the older units just run from the internal battery I understand..
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  #8  
Old 13 Apr 2011
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You can get 90% of the functionality of a Vapor with something like a Sigma bicycle speedo. I've been using a Sigma 800 on my Honda XR600 for the last 15 yrs (US spec bike = no speedo) with no probs with MOT (used a 12v led inside a bit of fuel hose pointing at the speedo and wired to the headlight for night illumination ).

Just put something similar on my CCM - it cost £3.95 at Aldi.

They're accurate enough if you measure the wheel circumference carefully - well under 1% difference on the odo compared to GPS. Battery life on the Sigma has been about three years.
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  #9  
Old 13 Apr 2011
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Hi,

I've a Trailtech Vector or Vapor on my XT(I forget which - it's the cheaper one). It has its own battery but runs on the power from the bike when you switch the ignition on (you wire it up to the old speedo bulb wire). All you lose when the battery goes flat is your trip distance - a pain - but the battery is easy to replace.

If you decide to go the cycle computer route, get a wireless one as the wire on wired ones probably won't be long enough - had to mount one on my fork leg for a while! I had a couple of cateye cycle computers on my XT before I got the trailtech and found they were a bit temperamental - couldn't cope with the vibes or something I guess.

Matt
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  #10  
Old 13 Apr 2011
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Been using a Vapor for the last 6 months, it replaced the crappy speedo on a DR650.
Not bad, but when it gets to about 45 C air temperature and in direct sunlight (Atacama Desert) it craps out for a while until it gets cooler and you lose trip data.
Its wired to the ignition for power when the bike is running, so the internal watch battery lasts about 2-3 months on it, easy to replace though.

I got the black one, maybe the silver one would be better in the heat.

I hooked the tacho up and the engine temperature sensor onto a spark plug which has been handy on our last trip.

Id buy one again, but just keep in mind the problem with air temperature and direct sunlight.
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  #11  
Old 13 Apr 2011
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Thanks guys - all sounds quite doable and straight forward to do. The Yamaha set is dull and really not very good in any case... time for an upgrade!
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  #12  
Old 15 Apr 2011
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Have you seen these ones from Louis?
They are pretty reasonable.

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  #13  
Old 18 Apr 2011
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No affiliation here, but I have a Acewell model specific speedo on my DRZ and it's been great. Also, the after care support has been great. The thermo sensor died and they happily without a question replaced for nothing.

I did look at the vapour tech stuff but ultimately didn't like it as much as the acewell.
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  #14  
Old 18 Apr 2011
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Thanks everyone
This has been really helpful - thanks everyone.

The good news is last night I decided to take a good look at my bodge fix on the clock.

The top and bottom is that I had to make the MPH sticker on the clock 'un-tamperable'. The DVLA chap said most people just glue a clear piece of clear plastic over the square digital clock (and sticker) and that that is quite acceptable for the road safety certification. Suffice to say I bodged the job and managed to mangle the glue and the plastic to such a degree that whilst it would pass the DVLA test, it because unreadable in direct sunlight. So, by making me make a sticker un-tamperable the DVLA made my bike more dangerous to ride :confused1:

Anyway.... last night decided as I was going to replace the clocks it wouldn't hurt to take a screwdriver to my bodge and see if I could get the plastic off... unbelievably it came off clean, along with the glue - leaving a pristine digital clock (but now uncovered MPH sticker) underneath.

So... no aftermarket clock required... I shall stick with my OEM job for the time being.

Do you think this will cause a problem for the MOT?

Thanks again for all the help.

m
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