Gauges?

I am wondering if anyone can tell me if the gauges from a mid 80's Maxim will fit my 1980 XJ650. I've seen pictures that I think are a 1985 Maxim, the gauge houseing is chrome, and the faces of the guages are white. I've been reading that the later models had an electronic tach or something like that. If those won't work will these:

http://www.electrosport.com/electrospor ... _2700.html

Getting started on my winter projects, and could use all the help I can get(advice wise) as I am a nOOb.

Also looking for a way to use the fuel gauge if the gauges I go with have that option. And yes I have pushed my bike for two miles before, and no, its not fun.

 

The biggest issues you'll have in switching to any other gauges is wire routing and bracket mounting.

The aftermarket gauges at the link you provided may work - mostly. It appears they will accept various speedometer input, and I think they pictured one similar or identical to our mechanical cable. They say the tach can work as a coil-triggered readout. But our oil pressure and low fuel indicators are just "dummy lights" - either on or off. You may be able to switch out the oil pressure sender unit to a variable unit, but you're probably stuck with the fuel sender unit.

What most of us do for fuel is reset the trip odometer each time we fill up, and when it reaches a certain mileage we start looking for a fuel station again.

Z

 

I'm looking to get one of those myself, but I'm going to go with the magnetic speedometer. It looks like the easiest way to go, and I'm guessing it works like a bicycle computer. My speedometer cable/gear is messed up, so for me this is a nice cheap option to get rid of the giant computer box, while fixing the speedometer.

 

The whole thing with the fuel gauge is out of pure laziness. I already set my trip odometer back, but my friend has an XJ1100 with the digital gauges that has a fuel gauge, and I figured if it is available then why not use it. I know that the digital gauge I pointed out before has it. I think it would just be cool.

The other issue is I don't know what kind of tach I would have to buy, because I don't know the difference between the ones I have seen posts about. I have a 1980 XJ650 Maxim I. What type of tach do I have? I just want to make my bike a little different is all.

The mods that are in process are:
1. New paint - Black cherry with red metal flake (removing badges)
2. New tires - front tire checked really bad, but rideable this past summer has to go before spring.
3. Fabbing up some forward controls - Prefab I should say, still in the design mode (that is actually how I found my way here)
4. New gauges - Haven't decided which way to go yet.
5. New seat - Stock Harley 883 Sportster solo seat fits perfect.

 

I dont know about the guages but sounds like you have a fair list of cold weather projects.

Pictures when your done would be nice

 

If your guages have two cables going to them they you have a mechanical tach. If you have only one cable going to the guages the it is an electrical tach. That cable should go to the speedometer.
I am thinking about the gauges also. It would be nice to have a compact gauge package on th bike. I will probaly convert my speedo to a electrical version though. Less maintinance time and more time riding. New guages should have a trip meter and odometer built into them. Also less maintinance. Sounds like a win, win situation. Just have figure out how to mount them and have them look nice. I wonder if they make a gauge surround in black?

 

Pictures will be coming as soon as I start to tear it down. I want to document the whole process. I think the transformation will give me a little more love for my machine. Knowing that most of the mods are being done by me is satisfying. The only thing I won't be doing is the paint. I have a friend that works at the local Dodge dealership in the body department, and he has painted many cars for our circle of friends so I'm sure he's going to do a great job.

 

I ordered (my wife did actually) the 2700 matte black last week, can't wait till it gets here. I'll try to post about my installation and any problems that might arise. It's gonna be a very merry christmas.

 

I'm thinking about getting those gauges myself. Could you post when you get a chance to install them and maybe a few pictures and an explanation of how you do it. That would be awesome if you were up to it. If not just let me know how it goes and maybe I'll still buy it and do a write up myself. I'm just curious to know how well they work.

 

I have mine, and it's mounted, I just have had other problems higher on the priority list. Everything looks real simple as far as wiring goes, and the mounting was a breeze.

 

I'd love to see a finished product when you get the chance.. Can you tell me the exact model you ordered. If I understand correctly there's an option to use the original speedo cable or some magnetic thing? If's that's correct, which do you plan to use. Or do you have to have that figured out before you order. Did it come with a bracket for mounting or did you just fab something up? Thanks for the info.

 

I purchased the 2800 model. As far as the speedo goes make sure you tell them if you want the magnetic pik up or not. I made the mistake of thinking they new that a 1985 700 maxim had a speedo cable.But hey just makes my bike a little different. As far as brackets go you'll have to fab something yourself.

I removed my key ignition switch and fabbed a braket useing those bolt holes.

 

jasonajwilson,
Do you happen to have any pictures of the installed gauge? or of the magnet thing?

 

check my gallery. I can't get one of the magnetic pick up as it is hidden between the brake caliper and the fork.

 

Thanks for getting that up so quickly.. looks good. Is the fuel thing just a warning light when it get's low or is it supossed to be some gauge for how much fuel is left?

kevineleven, I'd still like to see some shots of yours when you get the time.

 

Very nice work; Jay!

You have to be really happy with that look you got going for you with that set-up!

Works for me!

 

It's supposed to be a gauge however the fuel sensor in the tank dosen't work that way. I'm in the middle of painting my tank and fenders so I haven't had a chance to test it out yet.

 

hmm I'm wondering if I could order the one that has the hazard light on it and wire it up somehow to be the fuel light...

 

I don't see why not. I'll try it when I finish painting the tank and it's cured.

 

So tonight while the clear coat was drying I thought I look at the hazard light idea. The only problem is that the gas gauge still just flashes. So I guess you would have to have the gauge connected to a constant power source to stop the flashing.