any one ever tried them ebay gear shift indicators

I have been looking at eBay for these things and I was wondering of they actually work and are reliable. The work by magnet sensors near the lever.I figured this could help me get used to the gears easier so eventually I would not need it.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/161326617109?_mwBanner=1

 

Seems like a bit of a crutch... Will it help you learn, or will you learn to rely on the display? That being said, it looks kinda like a heads-up display in a rally car, and they're super cool, so now maybe I want one!
PS Do you have the "Atari" dashboard unit? Lots to look at already! Does it need more?

 

the cheaper versions ,like the one above are crap, if you hit a neutral whilst shifting up or down ,it counts as a gear, same if you try to move into top ,if you're already in top , it counts,
the dearer versions (about £40 over here) are better as they rely on a signal from the tach, and speedo
the acewell type of complete digital dash are even better, some have gear indicator built in, but you have to set it up on the road by pressing buttons, whilst at a given speed and revs, like mine.

stu

 

Learn how to shift.

 

The ones that don't monitor both speed and RPM are crap, which has already been mentioned. The decent ones will blank when you pull the clutch in as it has no mechanical way to identify gear so you can't rely on it to pick a gear while the clutch is in. The Harleys I've ridden work this way.

The only time I ever benefited from a gear indicator was a group ride with a bunch of loud Harley's, couldn't hear the engine on mine so it was nice to be able to look down when I forgot where I was .

 

As long as you're not redlining it, it doesn't matter what gear you're in.....the xj can take it. Unless, of course, you're in 5th gear (6th, if you're on a 550) and already redlining it......but then, you're not gonna be with a pack of harleys----and if your bike is dialed in, the xj can STILL take it.

lol

 

Hah! I'm gonna ditch all my gauges and just get one of those big RPM driven shift lights and mount it on my handlebars.

 

+1. I shift based on feel and engine sounds. Keep your head up and your eyes out, the gauges are just there for reference. Takes getting used to, but that's just another excuse to ride. So what if you are in 6th (or 5th as your case may be) and you pull the clutch and discover you are out of gears. Not a big deal. Relying too much on some number in front of you is just added distraction.

 

Agreed.... Learning when to shift is a fine art. You can feel when you need to shift.

 

When I think about it, I honestly think shifting is the reason I ride. Spring can't get here too soon!

 

All of you bring up a good points. I dont want it to be unreliable. You are right i am better of learning without it so it dont become a crutch. I am better off without this