New "Factory Look" guage modification.

Just finished replacing the guages on my XJ.
New GPS speedo https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07KP8J125/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and Tach. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07GTFS6GM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Almost nothing worked on it anymore with the exception of the turn signal lights so it was time for replacement.
First step was to follow the "Atari Delete" instructions which I found here on XJ Bikes.
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/posts/182816/

I always liked the look of the factory gauges in fact it was one of the main things that attracted me to the bike when I first saw it.
So my intent here from the beginning was to retain the factory look and also to not chop up any components or wiring. I succeeded with the exception I had to cut two wires to the headlight socket.
I used Scotch Locks to tap into the wiring of the bulbs for power and grounds when needed. Just removed the bulbs and that leaves two perfect + and - wires.
I normally cant stand Scotch Locks but in this case they achieved what I wanted.
Factory wiring still intact.

Pics of the process can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/giarc_dranrab/albums/72157705214752342/with/47119070634/

But here is a pic of the finished product:

 

Picture not working.

 

Look's very good, nice job. I don't know if my instruments work yet (haven't had the bike anywhere near running. I won't be using the original gauges for sure.
Cheers, 50gary

 

tach is a little low on the rpms

 

Thats where it normally sits when the bike isnt running

 

Those are going to bite you in the ass in a few years (maybe a few months). When you have the time go back and make proper splices.

 

I mean that it only goes to 8k rpm

 

Thats plenty for me

I probably only get about half way to 8000 rpm

 

That's just shy of where the fun begins. Power comes on at 5k, and does not stop until....well it's easy to go past redline without noticing.
There isn't much more power made at 9k than at 8k, so shifting that little bit early won't be a disappointment to you.

 

Not a speed demon. Still alive too.
120 kph is just fine as a maximum speed for me. Usually only hit that when on the highway.
To each their own.

 

Neither am I (usually), but I learned long ago that short onramps and a slow bike do not mix when getting onto an urban freeway.
A bit of extra oomph makes passing on 2-lanes quite a bit easier too.

Besides, redline in first is still a legal speed.