Instruments Upgrade Possibilities

[timleslie1957]

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!   

[big r]

Check with Aviation Fred. He did a complete gauge swap and I believe he went the speedhut route. It looks awesome on his bike

[timleslie1957]

Thanks ... will do.

[Firehawk068]

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...................

[timleslie1957]

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...................

  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.

[Alf]

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

[FJ_Hooligan]

The biggest problem you will have with the XJ 900 is availability in the US.

They were only imported in 1983 IIRC.

[Alf]

I´ve just bought a 2nd hand one in Britain for around $40, cheaper than in Spain

[aviationfred]

Here is the link for my Speed Hut gauge install.

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


Fred

[timleslie1957]

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? 

[red]

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?

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.

[timleslie1957]

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? 

[racerrad8]

... I am thinking now of the cracked lens ... any ideas? 

A new lens: '86-'93 Speedometer Cover Lens

Randy - RPM

[giantkiller]

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

[ZOA NOM]

Don't forget the headlight and mirror upgrades...