Moving the speedo unit to the front

42017 Views 76 Replies 38 Participants Last post by gsalmons, Jul 3, 2021

DukeSev

Discussion Starter · Jul 18, 2016

I have seen this part which lets you mount the speedo unit in front of the key http://www.motochic.ch/?dom=1&srv=shop&rub=0&pg=product_det&sprtId=205536792&sproId=205450872.
I think this would make it easier to read because you don't have to look down as far. Also it would let you put other brackets to mount the handlebar.

I was thinking I could try doing something like this myself (the part certainly looks simple enough and is quite pricey), but I don't have the courage to unplug the speedo. Does anyone know if that is a problem? Are important parts of the onboard computer in this thing? Do I void the warranty if I unplug it?

Has anyone done something similar? Maybe there is a more elegant solution...

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makejau

· #2 · Jul 18, 2016

I think that, in order to reposition the speedometer, you have to extract the handlebar, instead of unswitching the speedo. The connection looks rock solid and I don't like the idea of messing with electric wires.

I recently changed my handlebar. When the original one was out, the speedo was just "hanging" by its connection. At that point, it would have been as simple as moving it forward up the light and fix it there with the Giles part. And then put the handlebar back to its place.

I would have done it but it is not compatible with the OEM fairing. Keep that in mind!

Yamaboy

· #3 · Jul 19, 2016

I've been thinking about moving mine for the same reason, although offset like the XSR900, but the one you put in the link is a good solution- but like you say that's a ridiculous price for a simple laser cut and bent piece of metal....!!!!.
I'm going to make one up with a slot so you don't have to unplug the speedo, should be easy to do.

DukeSev

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 19, 2016

@makejau What do you mean with the OEM fairing? Is there another part doing something similar?
@Yamaboy Putting a slot for the cable is a great idea, with the right material/thickness it should hold alright. I was thinking about offsetting it as on the XSR900 as well, but the placement of the key kind of limits the options... Please post some pictures if you find a good solution. I think I might try something as well.

ryano

· #5 · Jul 21, 2016

I like this, but $116 Swiss Franc for a bit of cut and bent aluminium is ridiculous. This remind of the jetski industry I came from.

makejau

· #6 · Jul 21, 2016

DukeSev, I meant that it is not compatible with the official windscreen from yamaha, as the speedo invades where the screen would be up the light.
Months ago I directly asked Giles about it and that's what they said.
I even considered building the same piece in plastic by 3d printing but I gave up LOL
It would cost around 30€ to produce, but not sure about its potential endurance

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DukeSev

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 4, 2016

3

Okay so I made my own part from a piece of sheet metal. The part is simple enough, it has two holes where it attaches to the bike and three large ones (14mm) where I put the original rubber inserts where the speedo unit goes. That way it attaches very nicely and is dampened a bit.

The cable to the speedo unit is actually quite simple to unplug. You just have to pull out the rubber around the connection and you see the plug, which is easy to disconnect. Other than resetting the clock I haven't found any problems with this (sadly the odometer is not reset...). I only found this out after I cut the piece, which is why i still have the slot for the cable...

I decided to offset it a bit to the left, because a) I think it looks cool and b) it makes it easier to use the buttons when they are so far to the front.

Also note that the place where I attached it probably wont work if you have the original headlamp case. I did it like this to cover up the space left from using the xsr900's case.

I find it much more comfortable to ride like this, once you lose the habit of looking down all the time

. The buttons are not really convenient to use now, but it works fine as I don't use them too often anyway.

Please tell me what you think

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Reactions: 4

Uti

· #8 · Jul 9, 2017

DukeSev said:
Okay so I made my own part from a piece of sheet metal. The part is simple enough, it has two holes where it attaches to the bike and three large ones (14mm) where I put the original rubber inserts where the speedo unit goes. That way it attaches very nicely and is dampened a bit.

The cable to the speedo unit is actually quite simple to unplug. You just have to pull out the rubber around the connection and you see the plug, which is easy to disconnect. Other than resetting the clock I haven't found any problems with this (sadly the odometer is not reset...). I only found this out after I cut the piece, which is why i still have the slot for the cable...

I decided to offset it a bit to the left, because a) I think it looks cool and b) it makes it easier to use the buttons when they are so far to the front.

Also note that the place where I attached it probably wont work if you have the original headlamp case. I did it like this to cover up the space left from using the xsr900's case.

I find it much more comfortable to ride like this, once you lose the habit of looking down all the time . The buttons are not really convenient to use now, but it works fine as I don't use them too often anyway.

Please tell me what you think

I ordered the Gilles speedo holder for XSR. I wonder if the rubber connection plug, installed to new position, is water resistant while driving and washing the bike? Do you have any experiencies of that?
And what kind of screen is suitable with this speedo holder?

Uti

DukeSev

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 9, 2017

Uti said:
I ordered the Gilles speedo holder for XSR. I wonder if the rubber connection plug, installed to new position, is water resistant while driving and washing the bike? Do you have any experiencies of that?
And what kind of screen is suitable with this speedo holder?

Uti

The connection in the new position is solid, it should be just as waterproof as before. At least I have never had an issue with that. The only thing that is different from the original position is that the cable is bent more. Maybe it is more strain on the rubber cover, but again I've had no issues.

As for screens, I have no idea. I have never mounted one myself. I think the Gilles holder is a bit smaller/closer to the handlebar than mine, so it could work but I really don't know. You'll have to ask someone with a screen how much space there is.

PazzoTazzo75

· #10 · Jul 9, 2017

Uti said:
I ordered the Gilles speedo holder for XSR. I wonder if the rubber connection plug, installed to new position, is water resistant while driving and washing the bike? Do you have any experiencies of that?
And what kind of screen is suitable with this speedo holder?

Uti

The Gilles Speedo holder works fine with the Yamaha smoke and clear screen. I don't think it's compatible with the metal / silver screen though.

Check out my thread to show the holder in place with and without the screen, thread 18 and 19

http://www.xsr700forums.com/forum/6...heck-area/4290-hi-sunny-cullercoats-uk-2.html

No issues with water and I ride my bike every day, it's rained loads recently in the North East!

Steve :smile2:

Uti

· #11 · Jul 9, 2017

Thank`s great answers and photos! Must get Yamaha screen! Smoked or clear, that is the question!?
Uti

Reactions: 1

Uti

· #12 · Jul 14, 2017

I got Gilles speedo relocation adapter today! Is there something I should know before trying to install? Any advice?

Uti

PazzoTazzo75

· #13 · Jul 14, 2017

Uti said:
I got Gilles speedo relocation adapter today! Is there something I should know before trying to install? Any advice?

Uti

It's really easy Uti! Just take your time with it and follow the instructions. I'm terrible at stuff like this and even I managed to do a decent job of it!

Good luck! :grin2:

nikj123

· #14 · Jul 14, 2017

9

Uti said:
I got Gilles speedo relocation adapter today! Is there something I should know before trying to install? Any advice?

Uti

Gilles adapter arrived today and just finished installing. All very straight forward.

Some advice from just fitting it:

- Get some needle nose pliers to remove the old rubber grommets from the OEM speedo mount, they were a bit reluctant to come out!

- Also removing the indicators so the headlamp drops forward makes the whole process easier. I ended up having to do this anyway as I dropped the bloody lock nut into the headlamp when trying to fit! That's the only fiddly bit, trying to get the bolt to bite just enough on the nut that you can let the assembly go and get comfortable with your spanner and allen key

I also have the Puig retrovision windshield installed and it all fits in beautifully - like it was all made for it! I've attached some pics of the finished assembly. This should make the longer trips much more pleasant not having to glance down so often.

One thing to note is the cable loom is not stretched a little around the assembly. Not straining so much I'm worried, but I may try to re-route the loom if I feel like its going to cause problems. For now though, all seems fine.

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Reactions: 1

Uti

· #15 · Jul 16, 2017 (Edited)

2

Easy job! Sure I dropped locknut twice, and remove the headlight and found the locknut and washer twice!!
Uti

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Dvldogster

· #16 · Oct 24, 2017

Downside to living down under

I've been scouring the internet looking for the gilles tooling speedo relocator and can't not find anyone who will ship it to Sydney for a decent price.

Anyone know where I can find it or something similar in Oz or who will ship it at a reasonable price? (Gillestooling site quoted me 110 Euros for shipping!)

Cheers

John A

· #17 · Oct 24, 2017

Dvldogster said:
I've been scouring the internet looking for the gilles tooling speedo relocator and can't not find anyone who will ship it to Sydney for a decent price.

Anyone know where I can find it or something similar in Oz or who will ship it at a reasonable price? (Gillestooling site quoted me 110 Euros for shipping!)

Ebay? £12.95 posting to Australia here: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-XS...893541&hash=item2a92baff4d:g:FZwAAOSwETJZ7cVa

Dvldogster

· #18 · Oct 24, 2017

Excellent. Thanks John. Ordering now....

John A

· #19 · Oct 24, 2017

Dvldogster said:
Excellent. Thanks John. Ordering now....

Strange how shipping costs can be so different between companies. I've got the same mount on my bike. Found loosening off the headlight mounting bolts to help retrieve the washers / nuts which don't want to be easily fitted :laugh:

GromWulf78

· #20 · Oct 26, 2017

I have the official metal "screen" on my XSR, I've always wanted to relocate the speedo as I wish to change the bars and think (imo) that the speedo looks silly with any bars but the stock bars. Is it just a guess that the Gilies speedo relocator doesn't work with the metal screen or is it confirmed?

Cheers and happy riding

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