digital speedo

[cmattfish]

Has anyone installed an aftermarket digital speedo/tach,etc on their bike? I have a dr650 and am thinking of purchasing a Vector. Any feed back is helpful.

[CT90RR]

I have the Trail Tech Vapor on my TTR. It's been great, but I can't speak to it's long term durability as i've only had it about 3 months.
It's easy to use, accurate and easy to read. It's been wet several times including getting submerged in a creek with no ill effects.

One of the main reasons I liked the Vapor was that when hooked up to the bikes 12v system the backlight would stay lit as long as the ignition is on, then shut down by it's self.

Hope that helps;-)

Jason

[Huladog]

If you're looking for an accurate speedo and trip computer don't overlook a handheld GPS unit like the type for hiking. I've used a Garmin eTrex Legend on several bikes with a bicycle handlebar mount.

Check the specs carefully to see if the one you're interested has a "trip computer" feature since it's pretty neat to see how far you've ridden, top speed, average speed, running time, stopped time, etc.

Plus you can cross-check your bike's speedo against the GPS, poor man's calibration - at least you'll know how optimistic your bike's speedo is.

Aloha,
Huladog

[ed29]

I have a Trail Tech Endurance on my XR250. In the 8 or so months it has been on I have logged around 6,000 miles split between pavement and off road. The unit has endured dust, crashes, pouring rain, and the serious vibrations from my small single.

Following the calibration instructions for my tire circumference was easy using masking tape on the tire and garage floor to measure exactly one wheel rotation. When I later got a GPS to compare, the Trail Tech speed was within half a percent of the GPS indicated speed.

I am impressed with the accuracy and durability of these devices.

[WoodButcher]

I have a Trailtech Vapor on the WR250F. Works great so far. It's gotten wet and frozen and hot and still works. Easy to read. Hook ups weren't too bad.

[X1Glider]

I'll 3rd the Trail Tech Vapor. Been wet, frozen, etc and hold up fine. Had mine for a year so far. The Vapor or other Trail Tech device will update itself quicker than a GPS will, plus it's a lot cheaper. For a waterproof GPS, expect to pay 4X as much.

They have a billet protector for it that mounts to the handlebar clamp which is nice.

Reasons to buy the Vapor:

1. Weatherproof.

2. Shockproof.

3. Fast updating.

4. Can measure coolant temperature. (Great tool for helping you decide on jetting)

5. Measures RPM.

6. Not as enduro race specific in the screens. The Endurance an Vector seem to be geared more towards keeping track of lap times and stuff. The Vapor is geared more towards DS and trail riding with the ability to use it as a full time road dashboard.

[ptwohig]

Trail tech Also has excellent customer service, I had a minor issue with instal and they were very knowledgable and fast to help me out!

[cmattfish]

thanks for all the replys. I am getting more comfortable with justifying the cost. I have a Garmin 76 map however I have found that vibrations of the Dr650SE magnatude do a number on it. It works fine in my boat but not on the bike.

[WoodButcher]

thanks for all the replys. I am getting more comfortable with justifying the cost. I have a Garmin 76 map however I have found that vibrations of the Dr650SE magnatude do a number on it. It works fine in my boat but not on the bike.

Try wrapping the batteries or a little strip of weatherstripping on the inside of the battery case. That will keep them from wiggling around and losing connection. That's usually the problem that happens with the handhelds on a bike.

[cmattfish]

Good thinking. I will check that out this afternoon. Also there is not a good map down load available for the 76map and it looks like I am riding in a feild when I am actually running down a back road. But it will get me back to a main road.

[cmattfish]

Thanks again for all the input on the vapor