Necessity of Gauge Cluster?

RuthlessZ · December 4th, 2014, 03:42 AM

Sorry guys I searched around and ultimately couldn't find a Ninja 250 specific answer. Is my gauge cluster necessary I'm currently fixing some(alot) of neglect to my bike, and decided to trash my front fairing,. but the bike looks silly with the stock headlight and front fairing so I was merely curious if I could remove the gauge cluster all together? I would like to remove it and then take the speedo out and find another way to case/mount it on the side of my tank. Thanks appreciate it. I assume this is a silly question and the answer is no you don't need it, and I'm aware I'll have no way to know if I'm out of oil and it's about to blow up.

-Jon

Ghostt · December 4th, 2014, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RuthlessZ

Sorry guys I searched around and ultimately couldn't find a Ninja 250 specific answer. Is my gauge cluster necessary I'm currently fixing some(alot) of neglect to my bike, and decided to trash my front fairing,. but the bike looks silly with the stock headlight and front fairing so I was merely curious if I could remove the gauge cluster all together? I would like to remove it and then take the speedo out and find another way to case/mount it on the side of my tank. Thanks appreciate it. I assume this is a silly question and the answer is no you don't need it, and I'm aware I'll have no way to know if I'm out of oil and it's about to blow up.

-Jon

There is an answer to you dilemma, check out http://bluecollarbobbers.com/m/caferacer.html

They have made a custom dash kit the uses your OEM gauges and warning lights. Give them call, they will sell individual parts of their kit.

Good luck

Kawasaki Ninja 250 Instrument Panel: http://youtu.be/akmBflxmNxM

Jetfoi · December 4th, 2014, 09:49 AM

even the bluecollarbobber cluster seems to big for my taste...you should look at the vapor unit...its nice and small and very clean

alex.s · December 4th, 2014, 09:56 AM

get rid of it.

Ghostt · December 4th, 2014, 10:14 AM

To the OP, you got some decisions to make, you got some good choices, Vapor unit is definitely cool, and modern looking.

What's the look your going for? Fighter, bobber, ?

MrAtom · December 4th, 2014, 11:13 AM

I don't even think you need a gauge cluster in some states. Like, you can actually not have a speedometer. Trouble is, if a cop wrongfully writes you a speeding ticket, there's no way you can contest it at all.

Sirref · December 4th, 2014, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

get rid of it.

You don't need one at all, I don't run one on my pregen.

though I wish I had a shift light, I should get on that

alex.s · December 4th, 2014, 11:52 AM

you have to disclose that the milage on the non-existent speedometer is not accurate if you sell it. i believe that is the only regulation involved.

skilletmo · December 4th, 2014, 01:01 PM

Get a Trail Tech Vapor.

Chicagobob · December 4th, 2014, 02:33 PM

You can just remove it (unplug the connector and remove the speedo cable at the wheel). I agree that the Vapor is a good, small alternative. Even smaller (and cheaper) is Trail Tech's Endurance II, which is a speedometer/odometer without the tach, but still with the durability and backlight you need for a streetbike. Check it out at Trailtech.net.

Hero Danny · December 4th, 2014, 02:36 PM

You better be careful how you mount your gauge cluster, if you F it up then it will look like complete D.S

skilletmo · December 4th, 2014, 02:37 PM

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=129394

Racer x · December 4th, 2014, 03:00 PM

I could live without the dash all together. There are small alternatives. But I ride bicycles with out a speedo and don't care.

alex.s · December 4th, 2014, 03:03 PM

i think the oil pressure light is like the only one you can't tell from just feeling. maybe the only important one. maybe coolant temp too.

dcj13 · December 4th, 2014, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

i think the oil pressure light is like the only one you can't tell from just feeling. maybe the only important one. maybe coolant temp too.

Are those just light bulbs with no dashboard circuitry behind them? Or would one have to salvage/kludge some electronics if one wanted to put those two things (and a bicycle speedometer) in a little custom bud box?

alex.s · December 4th, 2014, 06:13 PM

i think its a dumb bulb

RuthlessZ · December 5th, 2014, 04:14 PM

Wow guys thanks for all the info I appreciate it. I really like the Vapor option, as far as looks I'm not really going for anything in particular, just trashed my front fairing, and the stock headlight/gauge cluster looks dumb with no fairing. I could give two shits about the legality of it, I just wanted to make sure the bike wouldn't have any issues without it. I may try and wire up a light for the low oil pressure but other than that I think I'll just ditch it.

Here it is in all it's ugly glory now.

csmith12 · December 6th, 2014, 09:19 AM

Let me throw you a curve ball.

Just put a aluminum plate where your cluster would be. A small one, rectangle shaped, about the size of your cell. Get an old smartphone, and mount it on that plate. A gps speedo app should do nicely. There are plenty to choose from and I would be you can find one to strike your fancy.

Doubles as a gps nav, speedo, music player and can still make 911 calls.

csmith12 · December 6th, 2014, 09:20 AM

Oh! Welcome too.

Ghostt · December 6th, 2014, 09:38 AM

I'll see your cell phone, and raise you a tablet,

http://www.webbikeworld.com/gps/nexu...t-as-a-gps.htm

Jetfoi · December 8th, 2014, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

I'll see your cell phone, and raise you a tablet,

http://www.webbikeworld.com/gps/nexu...t-as-a-gps.htm

haha tablet is an awesome idea just seems a bit big....i looked into the cell phone option for myself awhile back but how good is gps for speed is my only question...

Ghostt · December 8th, 2014, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetfoi

haha tablet is an awesome idea just seems a bit big....i looked into the cell phone option for myself awhile back but how good is gps for speed is my only question...

Better than the OEM speedometer LOL

Jetfoi · December 8th, 2014, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

Better than the OEM speedometer LOL

That is the truth!!

Ghostt · December 8th, 2014, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetfoi

That is the truth!!

I would love it if Vapor made a unit with a GPS receiver to take care of that kind of stuff , mph, odometer, trip meter etc......

Jetfoi · December 8th, 2014, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

I would love it if Vapor made a unit with a GPS receiver to take care of that kind of stuff , mph, odometer, trip meter etc......

Yeah but they use a sensor on the wheel which I think has a more accurate reading...do you not agree?

Ghostt · December 8th, 2014, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetfoi

Yeah but they use a sensor on the wheel which I think has a more accurate reading...do you not agree?

Not really sure, depends on installation, but it wou make it easier, no calibration needed, plug-in. ride

Chicagobob · December 8th, 2014, 11:45 AM

GPS is very accurate, but it requires a satellite connection, and the readings are not as immediate as those based on the bike's wheel speed.

The Trail Tech speedos are very accurate, and are adjustable so you can dial them in for different bikes, or when you change tires. They have a good equation that allows you to set the speedo based on tire circumference (the distance the wheel travels in one revolution).

Ghostt · December 8th, 2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chicagobob

GPS is very accurate, but it requires a satellite connection, and the readings are not as immediate as those based on the bike's wheel speed.

The Trail Tech speedos are very accurate, and are adjustable so you can dial them in for different bikes, or when you change tires. They have a good equation that allows you to set the speedo based on tire circumference (the distance the wheel travels in one revolution).

Very true, I guess we have to wait for the technology to catch up, but the coolness factor and possibilities for this would be awesome, just use that imagination, Bluetooth conductivity, maybe a hud , or something like the AH64 crew, hell I want Jarvis based helmet.

csmith12 · December 8th, 2014, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetfoi

haha tablet is an awesome idea just seems a bit big....i looked into the cell phone option for myself awhile back but how good is gps for speed is my only question...

You're in VA, you may lose sat. signal every now and then in the valleys/bottoms between those hills but not all of them. Even in the backwoods of KY, I only lose gps in a few spotty areas. It should be just fine in the town/city areas 100%.

The gps refresh rate on the worst cell phone (about 2 sec) is still much better than the 5%-10% inaccuracy on the factory speedo. imho....

Ghostt · December 8th, 2014, 12:21 PM

Jarvis I bet is killer accurate, anybody got Tony Stark's phone number?

Klondike1020 · December 8th, 2014, 04:28 PM

I just used my Iphone or a GPS on my old ninjette. I never readlly needed a cluster.

Ghostt · December 9th, 2014, 10:29 AM

One must also remember that GPS technology is used in aviation, and avionics, both military and civilian.

Insan3guy · December 10th, 2014, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghostt

One must also remember that GPS technology is used in aviation, and avionics, both military and civilian.

Airspeed and actual speed differ depending on wind speed/direction. GPS is required if you want to know where you actually are.

Ghostt · December 10th, 2014, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insan3guy

Airspeed and actual speed differ depending on wind speed/direction. GPS is required if you want to know where you actually are.

Precisely my point.

December 4th, 2014, 03:42 AM	#1
RuthlessZ ninjette.org newbie Name: Jon Location: Pittsburgh Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninja 250R Posts: 5	Necessity of Gauge Cluster? Sorry guys I searched around and ultimately couldn't find a Ninja 250 specific answer. Is my gauge cluster necessary I'm currently fixing some(alot) of neglect to my bike, and decided to trash my front fairing,. but the bike looks silly with the stock headlight and front fairing so I was merely curious if I could remove the gauge cluster all together? I would like to remove it and then take the speedo out and find another way to case/mount it on the side of my tank. Thanks appreciate it. I assume this is a silly question and the answer is no you don't need it, and I'm aware I'll have no way to know if I'm out of oil and it's about to blow up. -Jon

December 4th, 2014, 09:49 AM	#3
Jetfoi ninjette.org member Name: Thom Location: Virginia Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2013 zx6r and 1995 250r Posts: 69	even the bluecollarbobber cluster seems to big for my taste...you should look at the vapor unit...its nice and small and very clean __________________________________________________ spend all the spare time on two wheels

December 4th, 2014, 09:56 AM	#4
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	get rid of it. __________________________________________________
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

December 4th, 2014, 10:14 AM	#5
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	To the OP, you got some decisions to make, you got some good choices, Vapor unit is definitely cool, and modern looking. What's the look your going for? Fighter, bobber, ? __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

December 4th, 2014, 11:52 AM	#8
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	you have to disclose that the milage on the non-existent speedometer is not accurate if you sell it. i believe that is the only regulation involved. __________________________________________________

December 4th, 2014, 11:13 AM	#6
MrAtom . Name: . Location: . Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot. MOTM - July '15	I don't even think you need a gauge cluster in some states. Like, you can actually not have a speedometer. Trouble is, if a cop wrongfully writes you a speeding ticket, there's no way you can contest it at all.

December 4th, 2014, 01:01 PM	#9
skilletmo InfoWhore Name: Melashi Location: 75081 Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 StreetFighter ~~~~ 2005 KTM 450 EXC Posts: 628	Get a Trail Tech Vapor. __________________________________________________ Everyone, go buy a dirtbike hurry

December 4th, 2014, 02:33 PM	#10
Chicagobob ninjette.org guru Name: Bob Location: Chicago Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250, 2018 Honda GL1800B Posts: 315	You can just remove it (unplug the connector and remove the speedo cable at the wheel). I agree that the Vapor is a good, small alternative. Even smaller (and cheaper) is Trail Tech's Endurance II, which is a speedometer/odometer without the tach, but still with the durability and backlight you need for a streetbike. Check it out at Trailtech.net.

December 4th, 2014, 02:36 PM	#11
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	You better be careful how you mount your gauge cluster, if you F it up then it will look like complete D.S __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

December 4th, 2014, 02:37 PM	#12
skilletmo InfoWhore Name: Melashi Location: 75081 Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 StreetFighter ~~~~ 2005 KTM 450 EXC Posts: 628	https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=129394 __________________________________________________ Everyone, go buy a dirtbike hurry

December 4th, 2014, 03:00 PM	#13
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	I could live without the dash all together. There are small alternatives. But I ride bicycles with out a speedo and don't care. __________________________________________________ Top speed 123.369mph. Ohio mile Worlds fastest 250 ninja

December 4th, 2014, 03:03 PM	#14
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	i think the oil pressure light is like the only one you can't tell from just feeling. maybe the only important one. maybe coolant temp too. __________________________________________________

December 4th, 2014, 06:13 PM	#16
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	i think its a dumb bulb __________________________________________________

December 5th, 2014, 04:14 PM	#17
RuthlessZ ninjette.org newbie Name: Jon Location: Pittsburgh Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 05 Ninja 250R Posts: 5	Wow guys thanks for all the info I appreciate it. I really like the Vapor option, as far as looks I'm not really going for anything in particular, just trashed my front fairing, and the stock headlight/gauge cluster looks dumb with no fairing. I could give two shits about the legality of it, I just wanted to make sure the bike wouldn't have any issues without it. I may try and wire up a light for the low oil pressure but other than that I think I'll just ditch it. Here it is in all it's ugly glory now.

December 6th, 2014, 09:19 AM	#18
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Let me throw you a curve ball. Just put a aluminum plate where your cluster would be. A small one, rectangle shaped, about the size of your cell. Get an old smartphone, and mount it on that plate. A gps speedo app should do nicely. There are plenty to choose from and I would be you can find one to strike your fancy. Doubles as a gps nav, speedo, music player and can still make 911 calls. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 6th, 2014, 09:20 AM	#19
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Oh! Welcome too. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 6th, 2014, 09:38 AM	#20
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	I'll see your cell phone, and raise you a tablet, http://www.webbikeworld.com/gps/nexu...t-as-a-gps.htm __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 8th, 2014, 11:45 AM	#27
Chicagobob ninjette.org guru Name: Bob Location: Chicago Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): '06 Ninja 250, 2018 Honda GL1800B Posts: 315	GPS is very accurate, but it requires a satellite connection, and the readings are not as immediate as those based on the bike's wheel speed. The Trail Tech speedos are very accurate, and are adjustable so you can dial them in for different bikes, or when you change tires. They have a good equation that allows you to set the speedo based on tire circumference (the distance the wheel travels in one revolution).

December 8th, 2014, 12:21 PM	#30
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	Jarvis I bet is killer accurate, anybody got Tony Stark's phone number? __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

December 8th, 2014, 04:28 PM	#31
Klondike1020 Intrepid Adventurer Name: Josh Location: Rochester/Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2004 GSXR 750 , 71 cb350streettracker, 07 Polaris Predator 500 Posts: A lot.	I just used my Iphone or a GPS on my old ninjette. I never readlly needed a cluster. __________________________________________________ LIFE IS NOT FOR REGRETS OR EXCUSES. Breath deep, seek peace. Embrace the Madness. Life is good, let it be

December 9th, 2014, 10:29 AM	#32
Ghostt in your machine Name: Scott Location: Summer Shade, Ky. Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 25 MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15	One must also remember that GPS technology is used in aviation, and avionics, both military and civilian. __________________________________________________ *violente et ignorantia* ZX-2R BLOG *Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott* *I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform.*

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