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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: willowstreetguzziguy on August 28, 2017, 07:56:21 PM

Title: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on August 28, 2017, 07:56:21 PM
Many of the new bikes have left off the tachometer... MG Roamer & Bobber, BMW R9T Scrambler & Urban, Ducati Scrambler to name a few... probably because it saves the company a few $$$.
I ride a '08 1200 Sport and find I'm always checking the tach because of ...

The "very sweet" spot is between 4,000 - 5,000
The "good range" is  between 3,500 - 4,500I
I don't like to go full throttle below 3,500.

I can usually "feel" when I'm in the sweet range of 4 - 5,000.

I would certainly miss not having the tach to look at as I use the info it shows. I wouldn't buy a bike without one.

Do most of you find the tach useful or is it going the way of the kickstarter? 
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: oldbike54 on August 28, 2017, 07:59:28 PM
 Heck , I don't even care if the speedometer works  :grin:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: inditx on August 28, 2017, 08:26:29 PM
I thought I would miss it on the Roamer but I don’t.
Now if that darn shift gear notification would shut off.....

inditx
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Rich A on August 28, 2017, 08:28:27 PM
When the tach on my Bassa fails, I'm just going to switch to a single instrument panel.

Rich
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: dcardo021 on August 28, 2017, 08:28:28 PM
I miss having a tach on the bobber, love having it on the racer

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Pop on August 28, 2017, 08:31:15 PM
I don't use a tach. The one on the Guzzi had a snapped cable when I bought it in 98. I have always let the engine talk to me. Even when I was street racing a l o n g time ago. That 327 talked to me. I had a tach then because I didn't want to stand out at the Steer Inn. Long gone. My 03 Yamama ( no spelling error) has no tach. I would think after a while that sweet sound off the engine would imprint itself in your brain. Sort of like Zen. Be one with the rpm 's.Hmmmmmmm .
Pop
I may have taken a few too many advise today.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: oldbike54 on August 28, 2017, 08:31:36 PM
 Like Guzzi Steve says , "rev it 'till it starts shakin' , then shift it"  :shocked: :laugh:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Gliderjohn on August 28, 2017, 08:34:04 PM
My T-3 has the police dash which means no tach. The engine is pretty easy to read by feel so I don't feel I really have needed a tach but still it would be nice.
Now if my Norge 8V didn't have a tach and a rev limiter I probably would have blown the engine. It revs so effortlessly and smoothly it hits the limiter just as it is getting really fun. :evil:
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: n3303j on August 28, 2017, 08:35:07 PM
Don't they all have Rev limiters before red line?
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: twowheeladdict on August 28, 2017, 08:42:24 PM
Doesn't the Ducati Scrambler let you show the tachometer where the odometer display is?  Been a while since I demo'd one, but I thought it did.  Many Harleys show the gear and tachometer at the same time on the odometer display.

I am wrestling with that right now.  I like the "no chrome" on the V7 III Stone, but the tachometer and cool graphics on the Special for only a few dollars more is appealing. 

Or maybe just pick up one of the left over Stornellos that are still out there.

I like the tachometer because I like to maximize fuel economy when I am riding or driving and knowing that I am in the sweet spot for fuel economy would be nice.  Some bikes allow you to ride at lower revs, but require more fuel to maintain speed.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: davevv on August 28, 2017, 09:24:17 PM
I've never used them.  The bikes I own now have tachs and I never look at them.  I grew up riding bikes that didn't have them and got used to shifting by the feel and sound of the engine.  It's worked for 56 years so far.  I will admit though that I've never been a serious racer.  If I'd been trying to wring the last ounce of performance out of any of those bikes over the years, I might have a different opinion.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: willowstreetguzziguy on August 28, 2017, 09:31:57 PM
Sounds like, from the responses, they are listening to the riders and making the right decision for the rider and business to go ahead and eliminate the tachometer! I would not have thought that would be the case.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: ITSec on August 28, 2017, 09:35:00 PM
I much prefer to have a tach on any vehicle - but I can see why they're being left off some machines. As has been said, it does reduce costs for the manufacturer. The rationale for having a tach in the old days was to warn you of approaching redline, and to help you identify the power band. Now, with fuel or ignition cut-offs in the ECU, and much less peak in the power curves, a tach isn't the essential it once was.

I wouldn't dismiss a bike just because it didn't have a tach, but I still would opt for a trim level that included one if I had a choice.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Demar on August 28, 2017, 10:48:01 PM
Like Guzzi Steve says , "rev it 'till it starts shakin' , then shift it"  :shocked: :laugh:

 Dusty

Who needs a tach when you can bump the rev limiter. Isn't that there to tell you when to shift?
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: keener on August 28, 2017, 11:04:40 PM
another odd man out here , but i use the tach every ride..i would miss it ... :whip2:
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: pete roper on August 28, 2017, 11:22:45 PM
Who needs a tach when you can bump the rev limiter. Isn't that there to tell you when to shift?

No, it's there to stop a rod escaping. They are set conservatively usually.

I think the reason why they don't bother with a tach is due to most owners of the sorts of bikes who don't have them will ever explore the upper end of the rev range. They ride where they feel *comfortable* and that is rarely where the engine is doing much work.

Pete
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: ejs on August 29, 2017, 04:25:52 AM
 :copcar:
The rev limiter is more important to me than the tacho. But I also look at the instrument. Run best between 4000-7000 rpm.
Cuts at ca. 8200 rpm.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on August 29, 2017, 06:28:00 AM
My LMIII doesn't have a tach anymore. Don't miss it one bit. I know when she's happy.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Gliderjohn on August 29, 2017, 06:34:15 AM
From n3303j:
Quote
Don't they all have Rev limiters before red line?
Not the older models. Not sure when they become common.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on August 29, 2017, 06:55:47 AM
Wouldn't be without one on the AeroLario. It would be *way* too easy to make the dogga dogga noise.  :smiley:
Come to think of it, the Monza, too. It's redlined at 9000, and would probably go right on past.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Peter949 on August 29, 2017, 07:12:50 AM
I certainly need and use the tach on my 84 Cali II. It really helps me avoid lugging the engine when accelerating quickly - well as quickly as my old tractor can.  :bike-037:
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Kev m on August 29, 2017, 08:03:55 AM
I like the tach, mostly just because I enjoy knowing exactly what the bike is doing at any moment.

Yes many Harleys didn't have tachs over the years, and I would normally add one if I bought one that didn't, just like I added one to my Jackal.

I think the recent trend we see with the elimination on some models does have to do with $$$, but it is also because most of them have the ability to display it in the ODO screen anyway, so it's like including one without including one.

I'm REALLY glad the Police RK came with one, because it occupied the housing on the tank that otherwise would have been a speedo and they placed a separate speedo on the bar clamp in a much better position than it would be on the civilian model!

So yeah, no tach is not a deal braker, but I still prefer one. I'm not sure if the odo display would suffice as I tend to like other things there like time/temp/mileage etc.

Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: guzzisteve on August 29, 2017, 08:38:26 AM
Like Guzzi Steve says , "rev it 'till it starts shakin' , then shift it"  :shocked: :laugh:

 Dusty
You can tell w/valve float happens.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: stonelover on August 29, 2017, 09:48:29 AM
I ride a Stone II and like the tach..  Also like the Stone III, BUT I want the tach..  Like the new V9 series, but like greater fuel capacity.  I'll be stickin' with my Stone II 'cause it has what I like.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Ncdan on August 29, 2017, 10:09:33 AM
They come in good if you make a note of what speed at what rpm is, in the event your speed odometer crashes as they do on guzzis quite frequently as mine just did on my 07 Calvin at 7k. Other than that pretty much worthless. However looks good beside the speedo
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Testarossa on August 29, 2017, 10:26:32 AM
I like the tach -- I want to know that I'm cruising at 4k, for instance, and where the lugging point is on my various bikes at the low end. If the smooth-idle speed changes, I want to know, and fix. And it's critical to have a tach for timing with a strobe and balancing carbs.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Rhodan on August 29, 2017, 10:35:49 AM
Now if that darn shift gear notification would shut off.....

inditx

I read somewhere that the rpm range for the shift indicator can be modified by the rider.  Not sure how but worth checking out.

Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: TimmyTheHog on August 29, 2017, 11:15:46 AM
Need? Properly not...

But I personally like tach for the reason of:


However, I do understand why manufacture would do without...it is just that much cheaper NOT to have it...and/or more profit for them as well...

well, this is just me...
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Zoom Zoom on August 29, 2017, 11:24:21 AM
I read somewhere that the rpm range for the shift indicator can be modified by the rider.  Not sure how but worth checking out.

Assuming it is the same as the Norge I had, my Stelvio, and my 1400, you get into the menu and change the setting. It does not change the actual point where the limiter kicks in, it simply changes when the flashing light starts to let you know. They are set conservatively when delivered. Maybe for break in reasons, IDK. One of the first things I changes when I bought the above bikes. (At least I **think** I changed it on the 1400.)

John Henry
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: bigbikerrick on August 29, 2017, 06:22:21 PM
If my plain vanilla  99 Camry with auto transmission has one, surely all motorcycles should have one.  I like knowing at what rpm my engine is spinning at . I look at the tach more than the speedo I think. I am happiest with a big ol' white faced veglia right in my face ,front and center!  :grin:
Rick.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: normzone on August 29, 2017, 06:30:50 PM
When the tach on my Bassa fails, I'm just going to switch to a single instrument panel. - Rich 

Rich, I'm ahead of you. On my Bassa, the odometer went first, then my tach, then the trip meter followed by the speedometer.

And while I wait for the shekels to fall from heaven to finance Speedhut hardware, I'm keeping an eye out for a Jackal instrument mount.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: ohiorider on August 29, 2017, 07:20:01 PM
Don't need it, but I want it.  Gives me a good idea of where an engine begins developing power, and the useful rpm range (without flogging the crap out of a bike to hit the rev limiter.)  Example - going from riding twins for the past 25 years, I find that the recently-acquired Honda CB1100 develops great torque and hp at relatively low rpm.  And for some reason, when I think I'm over-revving the IL4 engine, I look at the tach to find I've got a long way to go, rpm wise.  Unlike many in-line Japanese fours, this engine has been designed and tuned to make max power down low.   The redline is at 8500rpm.  Maybe my ears are playing tricks since most of my auditory experience on revving engines has been on either flat or 90 degree v twins.  I like having a tach.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: pyoungbl on August 29, 2017, 07:27:50 PM
On my Stelvio it was all too easy to cruise at 70 mph in 4th because the engine was so willing and smooth.  The tach told me that it was time to shift up...a couple times.  I really appreciate having a tach.  Too bad the V7 III Stone lacks one.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: TimmyTheHog on August 29, 2017, 07:31:51 PM
On my Stelvio it was all too easy to cruise at 70 mph in 4th because the engine was so willing and smooth.  The tach told me that it was time to shift up...a couple times.  I really appreciate having a tach.  Too bad the V7 III Stone lacks one.

Unless you get the anniversario (spelling?), then it comes standard

But man my OCD will not allow that shiny chrome to be in contact even the air lol....
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: twowheeladdict on August 29, 2017, 09:12:21 PM
I felt the same as you old timers when they started putting the gear indicator on bikes.  Now I like it because many times I am cruising in 5th when I could be cruising in 6th for better fuel economy.  :)
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: guzzisteve on August 29, 2017, 09:33:35 PM
Rode my V7 today, I can remember 1 of 4 I am in, easy it's on the right.
Title: Re: Who needs a tachometer?
Post by: Dukedesmo on August 30, 2017, 04:21:04 AM
On my Guzzi, I watch the tacho closely. This is because shortly after buying it I had a piston to valve moment that was probably (at least in part) caused by too many RPM and I'm now paranoid about not repeating that.


On both my Ducatis I don't really pay much attention as I can feel the sweet spot easily, they both have rev limiters and, being Desmo, over-revving won't cause a piston to valve meeting anyway.


The 916 pulls strongly all the way to the limiter (makes full power just a couple of hundred RPM short) so I am used to being able to safely wring it's neck - which maybe the attitude that got me in trouble with the LM2? so whilst the Guzzi pulls well to 7k (maybe beyond?) but seeing as there is no limiter (and my past history) I don't want to risk it so generally don't venture beyond 6k so am glad there is a tacho.


The Monster, on the other hand runs out of puff before the limiter and responds better to short shifting so has the least need of a tacho of them all - Other than on the dyno I don't think I've ever hit the limiter.