Nice cheap clock for a T3

[Moto]

I found a nice clock for my T3 after years of riding through towns looking for clocks on bank buildings:



It has a black, CNC machined cast, anodized aluminum case and a battery-operated quartz movement clock that is fixed into the case by a 1.5mm set screw. It is claimed to be waterproof and is sold for motorcycle and bicycle use. It's about as nice as I could ask, and even has the same typeface as the numbers on my tach and speedometer, though the color differs.

One drawback is that it is not illuminated, though the hands are luminescent.

It is sold with a handlebar mount (a nice one), but I noticed that it is just the right size for that plate that attaches below the handlebar mounts. A quick 7/16 hole (and a little filing), some washers and a shorter screw (6mm x 1mm pitch), and it looks like an original instrument, or close enough. (Take that, BMW airheads!)

I offer this idea for those who might find it attractive. The cost is $15.99 and a half hour of fiddling. Here's where I got it, though it's also available from other vendors for a little less: http://www.amazon.com/Oumers-Waterproof-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Accessories/dp/B015R4CGM8/ref=sr_1_63?ie=UTF8&qid=1461733722&sr=8-63&keywords=black+waterproof+motorcycle+clock. The reviews are generally good.

It got to my house in 2 days.

[pete roper]

When I did my first US trip on my Convert back in 2004 I really wanted a clock and bought something similar. Small, analog unit with a sticky pad on the back. Cost pennies and worked brilliantly come hell or high water.

Until I'd ridden with one I'd never realised how useful a clock is. My modern bikes all have one in the dash of course and I wonder how I ever got by without one!

Pete

[Zoom Zoom]

That looks real nice.

John Henry

[unclepete]

I like that clock . It does not look out of place . The big second hand would be useful for checking speedometer against mileposts .
Was also thinking about an Airhead clock , but they're expensive and need to be wired .

[cruzziguzzi]

Where's the real world Guzzi-content?

I expected my solution of velcroing the body of a used Casio G-Shok to the yoke.


Todd.

[Moto]

Where's the real world Guzzi-content?

I expected my solution of velcroing the body of a used Casio G-Shok to the yoke.

Todd.

Sorry! I guess I should have known I'd get blowback for having drilled a hole. 

BTW: The case of the clock is nicer than the tach and speedo cases! It's amazing what a few bucks buys now.

[cruzziguzzi]

Sorry! I guess I should have known I'd get blowback for having drilled a hole. 

BTW: The case of the clock is nicer than the tach and speedo cases! It's amazing what a few bucks buys now.

The only thing keeping it form looking like a factory offering is the differing bezel and you don't have to squint at it like I do my casio.

Todd.

[eldoroddo]

I use the one from aerostich that clamps onto the handlebars. I have to replace the battery about every 2 years or so

[Kiwi_Roy]

Nice, I ordered a pair.

[jazzamoto]

Just ordered one for my Cafe Sport, Thanks Moto!

[jackson]

I bought the same one over a year ago (on Ebay) in the chrome finish for my V7.  The only problem that I had was the set screw that holds the clock portion in the holder that you clamp to the handlebars kept vibrating out so I just put a thin piece of duct tape around the edge of the clock and pushed the clock into the holder where it hasn't budged since I installed it.  A flat blade screwdriver under the lip of the clock can easily lift it from the holder when I need to change the battery (which I haven't had to do).
BTW: The clock is very accurate.  I didn't bother to change the time for DST over the winter and it's spot on the money for accurate time after over a year.  A GREAT buy for the price.

[rodekyll]

Good looking!

Remember those $2 Casio clocks you could buy at the 7-11?  I'd Velcro them onto my bikes and VW vans.  The replacement battery was more than a new unit, so I'd just buy a new clock when the battery went out.

[mtiberio]

mount it in the center of the tach... just saying.

[charlie b]

I like the idea.  At one time I just took a wristwatch and a piece of pipe insulation and strapped it on the handlebar.  It had regular hands and movement like yours.  It died when one of the hands shook off and wedged everything tight.

I bought a "waterproof to 30m" and shock resistant digital watch and used the 3m exterior double stick foam (grey) to attach to the dash.  It also has a backlight if needed.  Been there for two years now, left outside in below zero weather and up to 110F in the direct sunlight.  But, it was "GASP" $30

And it didn't have a neat bezel either.  Or a bar mount.

[Moto]

I bought the same one over a year ago (on Ebay) in the chrome finish for my V7.  The only problem that I had was the set screw that holds the clock portion in the holder that you clamp to the handlebars kept vibrating out so I just put a thin piece of duct tape around the edge of the clock and pushed the clock into the holder where it hasn't budged since I installed it.  A flat blade screwdriver under the lip of the clock can easily lift it from the holder when I need to change the battery (which I haven't had to do).
BTW: The clock is very accurate.  I didn't bother to change the time for DST over the winter and it's spot on the money for accurate time after over a year.  A GREAT buy for the price.

Jackson, thanks for that tip. I'll try some LockTite on the grub screw, and then duct tape if that fails.

BTW, changing the battery turns out to require removing a screw-type watch back, which requires an $8 dollar tool if you don't have one sitting around: http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Lence-Adjustable-Remover-Watchmaker/dp/B018XILX4M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1461808202&sr=8-3&keywords=watch+back+remover+tool. Taking it to a jeweler to get the battery changed will probably cost about as much as a new clock, assuming they're still available.

And a big shout-out to cousin Jassa -- you're welcome!

Moto

[Arizona Wayne]

Thanks for the tip, Moto.  I ordered 2.    1 for my Convert.; the other for my MuZ single.

[Arizona Wayne]

Got my 2 clocks today.............. ...........very impressive(all black metal) and top quality, IMHO.     Usually have to pay like $60+ for stuff like these.  Unlike the original sample, the clock comes with a matching black mounting clamp on a 7/8" handlebar or maybe a 1" since they provide a spacer in between.

[Arizona Wayne]

Just got them both installed on my Convert. & MuZ single.  Put them next to the handlebar clutch lever housings so when I have the tankbags on I can see the clocks.  They both look GREAT!     Installation was easy and you don't need any instructions to figure it out.  You can rotate the clock face to make it visible from whatever angle you want.

[Monza-jockey]

Nice clock for a V50 also! 
$12.99 + free shipping, paid with Rewards Points = $00.00 (GC)

[Arizona Wayne]

Jackson, thanks for that tip. I'll try some LockTite on the grub screw, and then duct tape if that fails.

BTW, changing the battery turns out to require removing a screw-type watch back, which requires an $8 dollar tool if you don't have one sitting around: http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Lence-Adjustable-Remover-Watchmaker/dp/B018XILX4M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1461808202&sr=8-3&keywords=watch+back+remover+tool. Taking it to a jeweler to get the battery changed will probably cost about as much as a new clock, assuming they're still available.

And a big shout-out to cousin Jassa -- you're welcome!

Moto

Needle nose pliers should take care of opening up the threaded clock back.