Redesigning the Dash

[Worm]

I have a few ideas about redesigning the dash to add some functionality such as a clock and accessory port for GPS or cell phone charging. But I have run into a problem...how the heck do you remove the speedo without breaking the trip odometer knob off?



Once I get the speedo out, I'm going to take measurements and make a drawing to use to cut the aluminum from. But until the speedo is out, I'm at a standstill!

[adidasguy]

Tiny screw driver. There is a small screw down inside the trip meter knob. Get the screw out and the knob comes off.

PS: Phillips as I recall.

[Worm]

I was thinking there might be something like that but couldn't tell by looking in there! Thanks, adidas! 

[Worm]

Here's a little idea of what I'm thinking. It would be a 1/4" aluminum plate painted to look just like the original. I haven't found a clock to use yet, but I put a circle and a rectangle in the top center just to get some idea of what they might look like.

Link to a PDF:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B32iRSuCcSAnQkE2cGMxdXdGakk

[iv76erson03]

I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread because I've been wanting to do the exact same thing. I was thinking more along the lines of getting Vapor or Dakota Digital gauges since mine are about shot though. Good Luck!

[adidasguy]

When you do a design, include all of the indicators that other bikes have:

1. Left turn
2. Right turn
3. Oil
4. High beam
5. Neutral
6. Side stand down
7. Power - i.e. goes on when bike ON or in PARK so you don't accidentally leave it in park.
8. Brake - nice to know your brake switches work AND you are not riding the brake with your right foot.

Maybe a battery LED. There is one  that goes GREEN when OK, blinks and does other things depending on state of battery and charging system. While an idiot light, it does tell you things are OK. I have one on Junior. Added it when I switched to a MosFet regulator.

[ohgood]

save your time and money, get a vapor or similar from trailtech. they pop up on ebay cheap from time to time.

i'm all for projects, but i'd rather be riding.

[Big Rich]

There's a guy on another site making a new dash for his GS450:
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=28302.510

He is using an Acewell. Even if you just scroll through the pics, might give you some ideas.

[Worm]

I really like that gauge he has but apparently they are impossible to get in the US. Will keep looking into it cause that Acewell is pretty sweet!

[adidasguy]

I really like that gauge he has but apparently they are impossible to get in the US. Will keep looking into it cause that Acewell is pretty sweet!

"Not available in the US" has never stopped this parts whore from acquiring cool stuff for my GS500's

[cbrfxr67]

Just use a bandana,...oh wait that was from the fugliest bike thread,...never mind.

[Big Rich]

Acewell isn't hard to get in the US. I think it's "Baja Designs" is their official distributor, but Dime City Cycles has them too.