Analog gauges vs Digital

Now this is a good one. I must confess that I am generally in the analogue camp also. I agree that is more convenient to do a quick sweep of gauges with a needle in an upright position and was something I used in my private pilot days. I think it is less of an issue on the bike as there are only two and it is not a huge issue to scan those. However the relative position of a needle and dial is a quick method. In saying that I find the bar graph tacho to be just as effective, even if I do so grudingly as in reality I think it is only because of my age and I grew up with analogue gauges. In saying that though the Veglia tach on my Bonnie is a real hit and a miss affair as the needle bounces between numbers so it is a case of taking an approximate mid point. Not that I really worried about the tach on that bike anyway as my ears told me all that I needed to know. Are they analogue or digital - ears that is?

Now that I’ve cooled down,

A few areas where digital numerical readouts are acceptable for me are values that don’t change rapidly.

Such as battery voltage, temperatures, pressures or a bar graph for fuel levels. These numerical values don’t take as much space and work well on a multi- function screen.

I agree with you shuggiemac. The very best gauge we have on our bikes is ourselves. An experienced rider really is an amazingly sensitive proactive instrument. You know when the bike is happy or having problems. When the suspension is set at its best or the correct gear is selected. Our best feature is that we can anticipate an event or situation before it actually happens and take the correct preventative action.

JAG

These are all optional extras on the Crosstourer.

Love the dual purpose central clock. An hour hand to measure 0-60 times and a minute hand to help the rider count revs per minute?

Am I the only one never to have owned a bike with digital clocks?

The only real use for a rev counter IMO is to tune your ear in for the first few rides, and to act as a reserve speedo when the cable breaks.
The only real use for the speedo is when passing "slowness cameras".

The only instrument I take any real notice of is the trip meter to gauge fuel.:-)

LOVE THOSE GAUGES ROCCA !

Now we're talking.

The needles with the hole at the end are the best.

There is still room for another three gauges at least. Including the speedo and tach I have a total of 5 round analog gauges on the old V65. Amp and oil pressure and oil temperaure.

Lots to look and on those long straight roads.

Has anyone put any round gauges on the end of the handle bars?

Maybe a G-force meter or a wind speed meter.

I like those old brass clocks they used on ships. Always accurate regarless of angle.

JAG

Re bar end devices: (those found on motor sickles, not public houses)

How about two little propellers? Could use em as wind turbines.

To power the plethora of gauges. Couple o little toothed belts. Oh yeah baby.

Never been called a genius before. Artist yes!

Why not eliminate wind drag from the equation? I'm thinking something like a steel ball in a tube, acting on a stiff lever. Attach a strain gauge to the lever, crunch some numbers and you'll know the g force.

Put a lever at the other end to measure g force under braking. We may need to allow the tube to pivot in the middle to align itself when cornering.

A simpler system would be something resembling a green grocer's spring balance, with a needle readout.

You're right. I do the same. I think one needs to be on the machine regularly to really get to know it. That, and simply spending some time up front latching your brain into these things.

I've been thinking about this and I reckon there's something intrinsically " right" about the relationship between forward motion and the smooth sweep of a needle across a circular dial.

Or maybe I'm just biased because that's how machines were in my formative years. I suspect not.

Nobody's mentioned the type/style of machine being ridden.

On sportsbike I would want a digital speedo, a quick glance gives a number, even if it's already obsolete, going up or down. Rev counters, personally I'm not so bothered about, you should know what the engines doing by ear and right hand. Not so easy on a 600 though. But a needles fine as the sweep conveys the message.

On lower revving slower stuff, like Harleys maybe a rope and log would suffice for speed measurement!

aye aye Captain!

I used to use the visual relationship of the needles on the tacho and speedo to tell me what gear I was in if I didn't otherwise know for whatever reason. For example, if they were tracking parallel, I was in fourth.

Big Guy, I can see a big potential problem with Harleys. During extended wheelies over long distances the speedo and tach relationship may not be accurate enough to judge what gear you’re in. Of course if the speedo is connected to the rear wheel you should be OK as long as you don’t do a lot of front wheel stoppies.

For you British sailors a Harley with a top speed of 300 km/hr would be sailing on the ocean at 162 knots.

JAG

I fully agree unconventional rebel, brass is the way to go.

That's the future. Who needs a titanium or stainless steel exhaust.

Carbon fiber is so yesterday.

A bike should have as much brass as you wife or better half can polish.

JAG

YES!

Nickel has an understated quality about it. Definetly not "bling".

I heard a saying once that, "if it don't go chrome it".