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General Category => Modifications => Topic started by: timleslie1957 on September 12, 2017, 10:25:29 AM

Title: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 12, 2017, 10:25:29 AM
Greetings FJ Bikers ...

So I have had my '89 FJ1200 for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely LOVE it.  I am 59 years young and am now able to acquire most of the bikes I longed for in my earlier years but could never afford!  Now on to the meat on the bone ...

My gas gauge is inoperative and the speedometer jumps wildly.  Tach is fine.  Before I go the "fix the stock gauges route", I am trying to price out and consider alternatives.  I have read in a few places that XJ900 gauges (years?) would work and are more reliable.  I have also seen a few riders opt for gauges from Speedhut.  This all being said -

a)  Anyone ever done the xj900 swap out?  Any info would help.
b)  Those who have done the Speedhut route or are familiar with it; is there any way I could get the particulars on the project?  (parts, procedures, etc.)
c)  Anyone know of another alternative to putting white faced gauges in this bike?  I would like to keep the stock unit and replace gauges but would not be averse to an entire component replacement (kind of like a plug in).

I have snooped around a bit and find limited information scattered throughout our site here and must apologize if this is repetitive.  I do appreciate any guidance and help or recommendations / suggestions.  This site is HUGE and as a new FJ owner I consider myself very fortunate to have this resource.  THANK YOU ALL!   :i_am_so_happy:

Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: big r on September 12, 2017, 10:28:48 AM
Check with Aviation Fred. He did a complete gauge swap and I believe he went the speedhut route. It looks awesome on his bike
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 12, 2017, 11:24:24 AM
Thanks ... will do.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Firehawk068 on September 12, 2017, 11:38:52 AM
Quote from: big r on September 12, 2017, 10:28:48 AM
Check with Aviation Fred. He did a complete gauge swap and I believe he went the speedhut route. It looks awesome on his bike

It "DID" look awesome on his bike................(before it was stolen)

There are a couple others also with write-ups on aftermarket gauges I believe.

Stay tuned for info on the XJ-900 "Diversion" Gauge-cluster compatibility...................
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 12, 2017, 01:27:04 PM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 12, 2017, 11:38:52 AM
Quote from: big r on September 12, 2017, 10:28:48 AM
Check with Aviation Fred. He did a complete gauge swap and I believe he went the speedhut route. It looks awesome on his bike

It "DID" look awesome on his bike................(before it was stolen)

There are a couple others also with write-ups on aftermarket gauges I believe.

Stay tuned for info on the XJ-900 "Diversion" Gauge-cluster compatibility...................

:Facepalm:  Thanks.  I look forward to it.  I am going to try to contact Aviation Fred now. In the meanwhile. looking at repairs for fuel gauge and speedo.  Interesting site.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Alf on September 12, 2017, 02:43:18 PM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 12, 2017, 10:25:29 AM

a)  Anyone ever done the xj900 swap out?  Any info would help.


Hi

You have pics of the mod done in my website, ADD-ONS section. The Divi clocks fit straight on inside the FJ dashboard, and you can choose between the inner panel with the idiot lights, leaving FJ-ish or XJ900

I hope it helps

Alf
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: FJ_Hooligan on September 12, 2017, 03:14:55 PM
The biggest problem you will have with the XJ 900 is availability in the US.

They were only imported in 1983 IIRC.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Alf on September 12, 2017, 03:18:19 PM
I´ve just bought a 2nd hand one in Britain for around $40, cheaper than in Spain
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: aviationfred on September 13, 2017, 02:24:00 AM
Here is the link for my Speed Hut gauge install.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=16670.0 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=16670.0)


Fred
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 08:56:34 AM
I am wondering if anyone has ever removed (successfully) the cluster lens of the stock gauge package?  After totalling costs for the (superb but expensive) gauge package from Speed Hut, I am looking at alternatives.  I know - told ya so!  LOL  I am thinking to remove lens, use individual bezel lenses for the stock gauges, repair what I have - jumpy speedo, nonfunctional gas.  Just brainstorming.  Any thoughts?  :wacko3:
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: red on September 13, 2017, 09:17:15 AM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 08:56:34 AMI am thinking to remove lens, use individual bezel lenses for the stock gauges, repair what I have - jumpy speedo, nonfunctional gas.  Just brainstorming.  Any thoughts?
Tim,

A jumpy speedometer is usually a cable that is bent sharply somewhere, or needs lubrication, or needs a new cable.  They are still available, and reasonably cheap.  Route the cable in large bends only, no sharp curves anywhere, and use Ty-Wraps to keep the cable in place.

The inop gas gauge is likely caused by corroded wiring terminals at the sender or gauge, or a damaged wire.  Check the ground lines to the gauge cluster, and run a dedicated ground wire to the gas gauge if needed.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 09:29:10 AM
Great advice!  I will act on this promptly.  I am thinking now of the cracked lens ... any ideas?  Remove lens and put glass over gauges?  ??? :dash1:
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: racerrad8 on September 13, 2017, 10:35:17 AM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 09:29:10 AM
... I am thinking now of the cracked lens ... any ideas? 

A new lens: '86-'93 Speedometer Cover Lens (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpeedometerCover)

Randy - RPM
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: giantkiller on September 13, 2017, 10:35:44 AM
Here's mine I just used cheap trailtech. And a gas and voltmeter I got off fleabay. Cut the lens out and used the outside of the lens to bolt it all together
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: ZOA NOM on September 13, 2017, 10:41:58 AM
Don't forget the headlight and mirror upgrades...

(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/02/50/d1/0250d18e50ce0eb8a388602f39724e12.jpg)
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 02:46:13 PM
 :rofl: That actually made me Laugh Out Loud!  Thanks for the chuckle!
Quote from: ZOA NOM on September 13, 2017, 10:41:58 AM
Don't forget the headlight and mirror upgrades...

(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/02/50/d1/0250d18e50ce0eb8a388602f39724e12.jpg)
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 02:47:15 PM
Thanks for the reply and pic.  I have been thinking of creating something from scratch myself.  Your outfit looks good.
Quote from: giantkiller on September 13, 2017, 10:35:44 AM
Here's mine I just used cheap trailtech. And a gas and voltmeter I got off fleabay. Cut the lens out and used the outside of the lens to bolt it all together
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 02:49:34 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on September 13, 2017, 10:35:17 AM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 09:29:10 AM
... I am thinking now of the cracked lens ... any ideas? 

A new lens: '86-'93 Speedometer Cover Lens (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpeedometerCover)

Randy - RPM

Wow Randy ... RPM truly DOES have most everything!  Thanks for the link!
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Country Joe on September 13, 2017, 07:02:10 PM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 02:49:34 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on September 13, 2017, 10:35:17 AM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 09:29:10 AM
... I am thinking now of the cracked lens ... any ideas?  

A new lens: '86-'93 Speedometer Cover Lens (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpeedometerCover)

Randy - RPM

Wow Randy ... RPM truly DOES have most everything!  Thanks for the link!

If you don't see what you need on the website, call them anyway. They may have it or know where to get it.
Joe
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 09:04:06 AM
Quote from: Country Joe on September 13, 2017, 07:02:10 PM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 02:49:34 PM
Quote from: racerrad8 on September 13, 2017, 10:35:17 AM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 13, 2017, 09:29:10 AM
... I am thinking now of the cracked lens ... any ideas?  

A new lens: '86-'93 Speedometer Cover Lens (http://www.rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3ASpeedometerCover)

Randy - RPM
Wow Randy ... RPM truly DOES have most everything!  Thanks for the link!

If you don't see what you need on the website, call them anyway. They may have it or know where to get it.
Joe
Thanks Joe.  Their site sure is impressive.  I got an RPM sticker with the purchase of my bike from a cyclist who uses them frequently.  
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 09:37:03 AM
Soooo ... question - does anyone know the diameter (within a mm or so) of each of the 3 gauge holes in the base instrument panel of an 89 FJ1200?  I think I have a solution to cracked lens ... and hoping someone has this measurement so I don't have to remove mine to measure just that.   :wacko2:
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Firehawk068 on September 14, 2017, 11:24:12 AM
Just a little bit of info on the  XJ900 "Diversion" gauge cluster.

I just bought one from England. It is supposedly from a 2002 Diversion 900.
The clusters themselves are nearly identical with just a couple differences.
I paid $93 US for this one.
The Diversion cluster has an extra mount with rubber grommet at the top center on the back of it.
(this mount was already broken off when I received it) You could either remove it, or I'm not certain just yet if it would be in the way of anything if you left it on?
The two side mounts appear to be identical to the FJ mounts.
The harnesses are obviously different, but the FJ harness will be easily swapped over to the XJ cluster.
There is no Reed-switch on the XJ cluster for the turn-signal cancel feature. But if you wanted, it looks like it could be swapped over (I personally prefer it without self-cancel)
Also, the icons for the idiot-lights look more modern on the XJ cluster.
I'll have more details once I actually install it on the FJ.

In the pictures, the top one is my spare FJ cluster that I had sitting in a box in the garage.

Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 11:52:47 AM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 14, 2017, 11:24:12 AM
Just a little bit of info on the  XJ900 "Diversion" gauge cluster.

I just bought one from England. It is supposedly from a 2002 Diversion 900.
The clusters themselves are nearly identical with just a couple differences.
I paid $93 US for this one.
The Diversion cluster has an extra mount with rubber grommet at the top center on the back of it.
(this mount was already broken off when I received it) You could either remove it, or I'm not certain just yet if it would be in the way of anything if you left it on?
The two side mounts appear to be identical to the FJ mounts.
The harnesses are obviously different, but the FJ harness will be easily swapped over to the XJ cluster.
There is no Reed-switch on the XJ cluster for the turn-signal cancel feature. But if you wanted, it looks like it could be swapped over (I personally prefer it without self-cancel)
Also, the icons for the idiot-lights look more modern on the XJ cluster.
I'll have more details once I actually install it on the FJ.

In the pictures, the top one is my spare FJ cluster that I had sitting in a box in the garage.


Thanks for that response.  Now that is a good option to consider.  One question though - how much was shipping?  I have bought stuff from England many times including a sport sailplane but the shipping varies wildly I have found.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 01:41:40 PM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 11:52:47 AM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 14, 2017, 11:24:12 AM
Just a little bit of info on the  XJ900 "Diversion" gauge cluster.

I just bought one from England. It is supposedly from a 2002 Diversion 900.
The clusters themselves are nearly identical with just a couple differences.
I paid $93 US for this one.
The Diversion cluster has an extra mount with rubber grommet at the top center on the back of it.
(this mount was already broken off when I received it) You could either remove it, or I'm not certain just yet if it would be in the way of anything if you left it on?
The two side mounts appear to be identical to the FJ mounts.
The harnesses are obviously different, but the FJ harness will be easily swapped over to the XJ cluster.
There is no Reed-switch on the XJ cluster for the turn-signal cancel feature. But if you wanted, it looks like it could be swapped over (I personally prefer it without self-cancel)
Also, the icons for the idiot-lights look more modern on the XJ cluster.
I'll have more details once I actually install it on the FJ.

In the pictures, the top one is my spare FJ cluster that I had sitting in a box in the garage.


Thanks for that response.  Now that is a good option to consider.  One question though - how much was shipping?  I have bought stuff from England many times including a sport sailplane but the shipping varies wildly I have found.

Also, you can get nice white gauge packages on eBayyyyyyyyyy right now for less than 25USD but you'd have to scrub out "Divergent" label from tach.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 02:02:56 PM
Quote from: giantkiller on September 13, 2017, 10:35:44 AM
Here's mine I just used cheap trailtech. And a gas and voltmeter I got off fleabay. Cut the lens out and used the outside of the lens to bolt it all together

Not sure I understand what you did with the lens?
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Firehawk068 on September 14, 2017, 02:06:40 PM
Shipping from UK was $13.50 US dollars. It took about 2 weeks to arrive here in Denver once I placed the order.

I know everyone has their own preference, but I personally hate white gauge faces. I find them very difficult to read at a glance. Plus they are way too bright at night.
A simple dark face with backlit numerals and pointer is what I prefer.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 03:12:51 PM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 14, 2017, 02:06:40 PM
Shipping from UK was $13.50 US dollars. It took about 2 weeks to arrive here in Denver once I placed the order.

I know everyone has their own preference, but I personally hate white gauge faces. I find them very difficult to read at a glance. Plus they are way too bright at night.
A simple dark face with backlit numerals and pointer is what I prefer.

I hear ya.  I am undecided as to doing white faces or staying with the black clocks.  I am leaning toward repairing nonfunctional gas gauge and jumping speedo needle followed by a little trick involving the removal of my cracked lens altogether and using a different approach to sealing the gauges.  Have to get some accurate measurements but I think my plan is doable and hopefully at a cost well under 100 USD.  May turn out under 50 USD if I get really frugal and luck out with repair cost of current clocks.  Thanks for responding back.  Your gauge set does look sweet.  I also think the black keeps the overall appearance closer to stock and how the FJ was intended to look by Yamaha, but as you say - that is my opinion. 
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: giantkiller on September 14, 2017, 06:15:03 PM
Quote from: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 02:02:56 PM
Quote from: giantkiller on September 13, 2017, 10:35:44 AM
Here's mine I just used cheap trailtech. And a gas and voltmeter I got off fleabay. Cut the lens out and used the outside of the lens to bolt it all together

Not sure I understand what you did with the lens?
I just cut it out. You just need the outside of it to screw the cluster back together. I mounted the guages on a piece of plexiglass. That I painted the back black.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Hemi Bob on September 14, 2017, 08:47:54 PM
This was my take on replacing the gauges with the help from speed hut and $516 us. plus shipping and exchange rate of 33%

During the day they appear pretty stock but at night they look amazing the pictures don't show how good the blue looks. They were super easy to install
after I read a couple right ups from Aviaton Fred and Urban Legend. Thanks guys.

And I got to add an oil temperature to the mix.

Now I did have to send them back a couple time to remove the set up buttons off the front of the gauges to keep them looking clean. Now a have working gauges and a gps speedo; no cable.

I couldn't be happier well maybe if I didn't have to pay the Canadian dollar exchange rate.    
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: timleslie1957 on September 14, 2017, 09:23:34 PM
 :good2:  Wowww !!!!!
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: giantkiller on September 15, 2017, 08:46:34 AM
If I had the cash speed hut is definitely the way I'd go. But I have 3 fjs with inverted front ends. So it would be x3. Maybe I'll just do the 2 and use one of the trailtech setups on the turbo bike since the trailtech has a shift light and engine oil temp built-in.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Alf on September 22, 2017, 08:47:48 AM
I've been thinking to upgrade my dashboard like Fred did

But I have one stupid question concerning the GPS Odo

On summer I travel on ferry to Mainland Spain from where I live, Canary Islands. Around 2.500 km

Do the odometer sum 2.500 km to the grand total?... and then another 2.500 when I return?

Thanks. Cheers
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: FJmonkey on September 22, 2017, 08:50:40 AM
Alf, just guessing but unless you are riding the bike while on the ferry (or at least power to the speedo/ODO) then I don't think it clocks the distance.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: ZOA NOM on September 22, 2017, 10:00:50 AM
Quote from: Hemi Bob on September 14, 2017, 08:47:54 PM

And I got to add an oil temperature to the mix.
 


Uh Oh... Never should have done that...    :Facepalm:
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Pat Conlon on September 22, 2017, 11:34:35 AM
Not to see the maximum oil temp (that will just freak you out) but to see when the oil is at 180* before visiting the kookaloo zone.
It takes awhile for the oil to get up to proper operating temp.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: ZOA NOM on September 22, 2017, 01:35:11 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on September 22, 2017, 11:34:35 AM
Not to see the maximum oil temp (that will just freak you out) but to see when the oil is at 180* before visiting the kookaloo zone.
It takes awhile for the oil to get up to proper operating temp.

Yeah, mask it above that.  :)
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: fj1289 on September 22, 2017, 01:49:48 PM
Quote from: Firehawk068 on September 14, 2017, 11:24:12 AM
Just a little bit of info on the  XJ900 "Diversion" gauge cluster.

...

In the pictures, the top one is my spare FJ cluster that I had sitting in a box in the garage.



I like the way Yamaha "solved" the way the fuel gauge doesn't read evenly through the tank!
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Alf on September 22, 2017, 02:12:40 PM
Quote from: FJmonkey on September 22, 2017, 08:50:40 AM
....... I don't think it clocks the distance........

Thanks

Are you sure?. When I will start the bike after the 2 days in the ferry, will the GPS adjust itself to the new position in reference with the old one?
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: FJmonkey on September 22, 2017, 02:40:13 PM
Quote from: Alf on September 22, 2017, 02:12:40 PM
Are you sure?. When I will start the bike after the 2 days in the ferry, will the GPS adjust itself to the new position in reference with the old one?

Not having one to test, I cannot be sure. But it would be a very poor design.
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: Alf on September 22, 2017, 03:01:40 PM
You´re right. Thank you
Title: Re: Instruments Upgrade Possibilities
Post by: oldktmdude on September 22, 2017, 04:16:09 PM
   My GPS speedo has had a ferry ride and does not add the distance to the milage. It will not operate unless the ignition switch is on. I turned it on during the ferry ride just to see how fast the ferry was traveling.
   Regards, Pete.