Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

From basic novice to the hard core cutomizing. Sharing tips, tricks and knowledge. Feel
free to ask question or give us your "2 cents".

Moderators: sunnbobb, Neil, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
MikeNTexas
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 407
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2020 2:23 pm
Location: Slaton Tx (just o/s Lubbock)

Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#1

Post by MikeNTexas »

I'm in the process of building a 1976 from a basket case. Not looking to keep it all original. Its just a project to keep me busy since I'm retired and don't like sitting around. I am down to wiring, installing handlebar switches and some kind of instrumentation. I am going to get rid of all of the diodes, resister, reserve lighting stuff and go with the basics. I''ve completely rewired several hotrods and classic cars over the years to that part doesn't scare me. I have also rebuilt 3 early wings and am familiar with the stock electrics. I'm just wanting to keep this simple and economical. I'll probably sell it after riding it a while to sort everything out so I don't want to get too upside down on it.

Are there any good aftermarket handlebar switches out there worth using? See lots of Chinese junk on ebay. Also have seen some digital instrument panels but not sure if they are programable to the GL1000 fuel and temp sending units or have sending units of their own.

I have a couple of extra shelters and am considering mounting switches and idiot lights in the center cover. I have one that is dented up some and wont mind drilling some holes in it. A Temp guage would be nice in the fuel guage hole since I dont have a working fuel guage and there is always the 'reserve will get me to a gas station' option.

I'd put stock parts on it If I could find good ones for a good price. All of the extra switches and instruments I have right now are not worth using. I do have two stock wiring harnesses both of which have some issues but I can use for terminals, plugs etc.

Here’s how it sits at the present.
692160CA-86C6-46DF-AAF0-5217E15F942F.jpeg
692160CA-86C6-46DF-AAF0-5217E15F942F.jpeg (344.98 KiB) Viewed 2049 times
1975 GL1000 Restored (sold)
1983 GL1100 Custom (sold)
1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
Another1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
User avatar
pidjones
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3236
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 4:06 pm
Location: East TN

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#2

Post by pidjones »

I'm using a digital temp gauge (not very accurate, it seems) and volt meter (highly recommended with these old bikes!) From Chinabay sources. Just spun an adapter for the temp gauge sensor in the lathe.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Figor
Cast Iron Member
Cast Iron Member
Posts: 96
Joined: Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:11 pm
Location: Central Illinois

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#3

Post by Figor »

I’ve been eyeballing those Chinese ones on Amazon. Cheap enough. Just don’t know if I feel like the headache yet. My Speedo grenaded and I just have rpms at the moment. Would be nice to have some modern instruments. I don’t know if the quality is there though. A lot of mixed reviews. I’m not sure I believe half of those reviews anyway. Probably just some sales promoting.
Last edited by Figor on Tue Aug 30, 2022 8:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
1981 Goldwing GL1100
Microsquirt efi
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7620
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#4

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I'd like to recommend the Danmoto 180 instrument panel like I have on both of my bikes but they don't make them anymore.

When I decided I didn't want to deal with antique switches anymore I spent a bunch of time searching eBay for something I liked (I almost never use Amazon for stuff like that because their search is so crappy it is next to impossible to find the best deal) and then ordered ones made for Royal Enfields.
Here's what I did
https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic ... 88#p519088
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
Rat
Photo Gallery Admin
Photo Gallery Admin
Posts: 15452
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:59 pm
My Album: https://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rat/
RIP: cookie
Location: Toronto .... Canada

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#5

Post by Rat »

Trail Tech makes an all in one unit ...

Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7620
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#6

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I've heard good things about Trail Tech. The main reason I chose the Danmoto over them was that Trail Tech wouldn't guarantee that the display of the one I wanted would work (or even survive) at temperatures below freezing but Danmoto specified it would work down to -30c.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
Rat
Photo Gallery Admin
Photo Gallery Admin
Posts: 15452
Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:59 pm
My Album: https://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rat/
RIP: cookie
Location: Toronto .... Canada

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#7

Post by Rat »

I have a Trail Tech on my KLR650 and it worked fine last winter ... buttons are a bit fiddley with big gloves on though ...

Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
MikeNTexas
Titanium Member
Titanium Member
Posts: 407
Joined: Tue Dec 08, 2020 2:23 pm
Location: Slaton Tx (just o/s Lubbock)

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#8

Post by MikeNTexas »

Looks like I’ll be going with stock gauges. Bought a nice set from a member.
1975 GL1000 Restored (sold)
1983 GL1100 Custom (sold)
1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
Another1976 GL1000 Project (finished and sold)
BigBCC
Lead Member
Lead Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Sun Oct 24, 2021 11:58 pm

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#9

Post by BigBCC »

I'm also curious about the switches/controls. My main concern is the right side bar. The stock switch unit has the throttle cables screwed into it, this is my first bike build, so I don't know what all can be done and if I need to look for switches with the holes for the cables or not. Mine is an 87 aspy though
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7620
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#10

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Have a read through the thread I linked to above about converting to Enfield switches to get an idea of what can be involved with using non-Honda ones.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
Easter
True Blue Steel Biker
True Blue Steel Biker
Posts: 2997
Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:33 am
Location: South of Houston 100 miles

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#11

Post by Easter »

I also used a trail tech on a previous build and plan to put one on Big Bertha. You have two choices for the water temp readout, either splice their adapter into the radiator hose or buy a clip on sensor that attaches to a radiator fin. I opted for the latter as I didn't think there was enough room to splice in the adapter (and I am not sure it is the right diameter anyway). It may not be the most accurate way to measure but it seemed to work just fine. I would do it again.
Bikes at present:

83 XL 600r with a 2004 XR650L engine
And a slightly worse for the wear BMW GS adventure bike awaiting repair
83 GL in process :IDTS:
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7620
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#12

Post by Sidecar Bob »

The Danmotos use the original Honda temp gauge and fuel gauge senders. Too bad they stopped selling them.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
Bytown Bandit
Zinc Member
Zinc Member
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:17 am

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#13

Post by Bytown Bandit »

I'm using Moto-Gadget switches, grips, mirrors along with their M-Unit Blue. I needed to rewire my 77 GL1000 and replace all the controls as they were done. I haven't used any of the stock wiring or controls. I'm also using a motogadget Motoscope classic speedo.
This stuff is not cheap but I'm so pleased with the quality of these products, and the way they work.
Attachments
10-11-2021 Final wiring and running (4).jpg
10-11-2021 Final wiring and running (4).jpg (237.62 KiB) Viewed 1860 times
10-11-2021 Final wiring and running (5).jpg
10-11-2021 Final wiring and running (5).jpg (255.87 KiB) Viewed 1860 times
10-11-2021 Final wiring and running (6).jpg
10-11-2021 Final wiring and running (6).jpg (249.21 KiB) Viewed 1860 times
Last edited by Bytown Bandit on Wed Dec 08, 2021 7:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
Bytown Bandit
1977 GL1000 | 2020 BMW S1000XR
Ottawa, ON, Canada
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7620
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#14

Post by Sidecar Bob »

I would advise against the Motogadget or Nuut systems unless you already have an expert level understanding of motorcycle wiring, if only because if you make a mistake the rest of us that haven't used them probably won't be able to help you figure it out.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
Bytown Bandit
Zinc Member
Zinc Member
Posts: 37
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:17 am

Re: Looking for alternative switch and instrument ideas

#15

Post by Bytown Bandit »

Sidecar Bob wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 12:23 pm I would advise against the Motogadget or Nuut systems unless you already have an expert level understanding of motorcycle wiring, if only because if you make a mistake the rest of us that haven't used them probably won't be able to help you figure it out.
Once you read the instructions, watch a few videos that others have put together on YouTube, do some research, the Motogadet M-Unit Blue is very easy to wire and set up. It’s a good solution if you're building a resto-mod project, and not restoring back to a stock GL.

Using Motogadet wiring kit, or Revival Cycle’s wiring kit with the information they supply it’s not that hard. Take your time and enjoy the challenge. My 77GL1000 is a resto-mod and I wanted to be able to open the left side panel and have all the wiring neat and laid out so it’s easy to follow. I also have drawn my own wiring diagram on my computer that is easier to follow and understand than any factory diagram.

I do have an electronics background and spent years running cables and doing various wiring projects, so maybe I have a bit of an advantage in understanding this setup. But once I explain it to others they seem to understand how it works, some want to install it on their projects.

One problem or issue is, these products are not cheap. But you get what you pay for and the quality is second to none.
Attachments
A4FA3052-4B0C-4912-A74B-8F1D98D75153.jpeg
A4FA3052-4B0C-4912-A74B-8F1D98D75153.jpeg (276.39 KiB) Viewed 1838 times
9A3AB51A-63A3-4501-91FC-1BCDB170F71E.jpeg
9A3AB51A-63A3-4501-91FC-1BCDB170F71E.jpeg (330.69 KiB) Viewed 1838 times
E6682036-6C3D-4391-9E83-6F1AF303CF21.jpeg
E6682036-6C3D-4391-9E83-6F1AF303CF21.jpeg (328.79 KiB) Viewed 1838 times
4CA77F5A-10E1-4B88-8CB6-E6DC4F504C62.jpeg
4CA77F5A-10E1-4B88-8CB6-E6DC4F504C62.jpeg (362.05 KiB) Viewed 1838 times
C0933C5F-ADC0-40B4-9740-97414308CC42.jpeg
C0933C5F-ADC0-40B4-9740-97414308CC42.jpeg (382.83 KiB) Viewed 1838 times
Last edited by Bytown Bandit on Wed Dec 08, 2021 2:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bytown Bandit
1977 GL1000 | 2020 BMW S1000XR
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing UnderGround CustomiZing”