Triumphrat

Anchorbend · 07-16-2005

I had run across a step by step pictorial that somebody had posted on this site about installing an aftermarket tach on their Bonneville. Can somebody please help me find this posting. Tried using the search engine but without success. Thanks

Roadglide · 07-17-2005

I bought the tach. Waste of money.

Christov · 07-17-2005

I have to disagree that the tach is a waste of money. I purchased the factory style and installed it on my '02 Bonneville, and it has been flawless since installation. The tachometer after installation "completes" the look of the Bonneville. Without it, the bike kind of looks cheap. The '04 installation should be easier than the '02, since the wiring harness has changed slightly. You will be removing your headlight lens to gain access to your wiring. From what I have heard the newer Bonnevilles don't require a separate wire run to the coil. I don't think you will even have to remove the fuel tank. You will only have to remove the speedometer and the bezel that it is installed into. Remove the lenses for the dash lights, reinstall them into the new bezel. Transfer the speedometer housing into the new bezel. Install the tachometer into the other space in the new bezel. Install the new trip reset knob into the odometer slot. Other than that there's not much more. I am sorry I can't be more specific, but I did mine over 3 years ago, and no longer have the installation instructions to refer to.

PAAS · 07-17-2005

Quote:

On 2005-07-16 23:53, Roadglide wrote:
I bought the tach. Waste of money.

Doesn't it tell you your engine speed then? What else would you expect from a tacho for the money?

Anchorbend · 07-17-2005

Thanks, but the tach I was looking at was a small one that was purchased on E-bay and tucked very nicely next to the speedo casing. Looked like a nice cheap solution. Hopefully the poster will run across this.

Clifford · 07-17-2005

I think there are two kinds of people; those who primarily use a speedo, and those who primarily use a tach. I've always used a tach and have to make a point of watching the speedo, otherwise I often find myself going over the speed limit. Those who use primarily use a tach are interested in getting the max performance out of their engine without damaging it. I don't ride my engine excessively hard very often, but when I do I a tach is crucial, you can't tell where your redline is by sound or feel.

TrumpetPlayer · 07-17-2005

Since the factory rev limiter kicks in well before engine damage is a concern, a tach on a Bonneville isn't an absolute necessity. On the other had, I've never had a bike without a tach. I like gauges and gadgets. The more infomation I can get about road speed, engine speed, engine temp, oil pressure, charging system health, etc., the happier I am.

Most motorcycle engines can be classified as high performace, at least compared to other vehicles. Any high performance engine with a manual transmission is kind of incomplete without a tachometer IMO.

badrufus · 07-17-2005

Clifford, I agree about the tach v. speedo thing. I've always had a tach, and I find that I use it more and have to discipline myself to check the speedo. But I usually know what gear I'm in and can estimate my speed by just looking at the tach.

TrumpetPlayer, like you said, any high performance engine without a tach is incomplete, and any engine on a New Triumph, or most older ones for that matter, is high performance. You can tell alot by the sound of the engine, but a tach gives you much more precise feedback. If you're just trolling along, a tach isn't that important, but if you're riding more actively, a tach is quite helpful.

Shorty · 07-18-2005

I had the Triumph Tach installed before I took delivery of the bike. I just felt that the instrument cluster didn't look balanced the way it came from the factory and I didn't like the looks of the aftermarket small tachs which were being offered.

Shorty

Whisperinsmith · 07-18-2005

I bought after market pipes and without the tach I would have had a tough time regulating the mixture. I hope your installation of the tach goes as easy as mine on the America. Well worth the effort from my point of view, but I'd go with the Triumph tach. Not only for looks, but for installation instructions and wiring ease. Good luck.