[StrykerBill]

Is there a Gear Indicator that would work with our Stryker?
The GI Pro is for Suzuki or Kawasaki. Plus I don't even know if this bike has the lower gears on a timing retard like those do. But a Gear Indicator would be nice (not for $500 though).
Bill
Phoenix, AZ

 

[StrykerBill]

It's not really a necessity, just kind of cool to glance at what gear I'm in when I'm not paying attention.

All the Gear Indicators I am finding require a Digital Speedometer or Tach. Or are a Speedo replacement for $500 +.

If anyone is aware how to do one with a Yamaha, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Mentat Ix]

I don't know why on earth you would want one; any vehicle I've ever ridden or driven tells you pretty clearly when it wants a different gear. The Stryker is no exception.

I did find this: http://www.electronics-lab.com/projects/automotive/006/index.html
Seems like a pretty cool project, if you're into that sort of thing.

http://www.nicecycle.com/LED-MOTORCYCLE-GEAR-SHIFT-INDICATOR-p/shift-indicator.htm
One already made up for $50, I guess. They're out there.

 

[StrykerBill]

Thanks, the second one is one I haven't seen before.
As for why? the description is what happens to me sometimes:

WHY DO I NEED GEAR INDICATOR?
How many times do you find yourself trying to upshift on the highway just to find out that you are already in the top gear, or try to downshift only to find out you are already in first gear? How often do you get asked what gear you were in around a tight corner? These are just a few examples of the usefulness of this gear indicator.

Again, Thanks
Bill
Phoenix,AZ

 

[UrbanRage]

I have found myself trying to upshift a couple of times while in 5th gear. It would have been nice if there was a 6th gear. As far as the corners I am to busy either enjoying the ride or focusing on the end of the turn to worry about what gear I am in. I use either the seat of the pants and/or the sound of the engine for shifting.

 

[strykenshane]

I do the shift to 6th all the time

 

[11Stryker]

I've eliminated these problems by installing Baron Tachometer.

 

[StrykerBill]

I found the identical "Nice Cycle" one on EBay for 1/2 the price
BUT
it won't work on this bike.
The shift lever has to pass up or down past the electrodes and there is no place to mount them on each side of the shifter - especially with extended forward controls.
$200 Tach? Maybe...
I'll keep looking and post if I find a reasonable solution.
Bill

 

[Mentat Ix]

I was thinking about that on the way to work today... you could do it by making a bracket that mounts to the evap cannister bracket, I think. Don't know right off how you'd make it look pretty, but I think it could be done.

There's cheaper tachs out there too, though I don't know about their quality. http://www.jpcycles.com/product/5600267

 

[toby]

I on occasion when riding in beautiful country get lost in the moment and will check to make sure I am in 5th. But I got that habit because on the Virago on our long rides there was a couple of times that because of hills never made it into 5th and wasn't paying attention and didn't realize for a dozen miles or so.

 

[StrykerBill]

It appears that GIPRO does make a Gear Indicator that should work with the Stryker.

It lists compatibility with Raider and VStar 950>.
Also needs a harness that apparently connects to the Speed Sensor Coupler and the Crankshaft Position Sensor, then connects to actual GIPRO.

I found them together on EBay for $120.

Yamaha GIPR-X (GIPRO) & GPX-Y01 (Harness)

Looks like it's gonna be time to remove the gas tank again -- Oh Joy!

I'll post the install when/if I figure it out.

StrykerBill
Phoenix, AZ

 

[strykerhulk]

Guys I have ask this question to friends that have been riding for years and all they said is get use to the engine sound to change gears. Is this reliable to do get use to the engine sound or thats just the way of hardcore bikers. I would love a gear indicator...

 

[strykenshane]

it's true Hulk, I too am used to having a tach on most of my bikes but this one I just don't feel the need to have any kind of indicator, other tham the fact I find myself trying to shift to 6th

 

[strykeralan]

I look for 6th on any long road. Its weird.. I know im in 5th but I always.check for some reason.

 

[christopher]

I do the shift to 6th all the time

Me too. I wish it was actually there. I guess i'll keep trying till it kicks in. LOL.

 

[Natedog]

Not to burst your bubble guys but having a gear indicator will not cure this habbit. I know because my last 2 bikes had gear indicators (one factory and one aftermarket) and I still kept looking for another gear. I thought it would help but the thing is you don't look at the thing before you shift, you just do it. Then look at it and say to yourself "oh yeah right I'm already in top gear"

 

[Mentat Ix]

Guys I have ask this question to friends that have been riding for years and all they said is get use to the engine sound to change gears. Is this reliable to do get use to the engine sound or thats just the way of hardcore bikers. I would love a gear indicator...

I don't know if I'd call it hardcore... I've been driving cars with manual transmissions and bikes my whole life, it's just something you get used to doing.

Not to burst your bubble guys but having a gear indicator will not cure this habbit. I know because my last 2 bikes had gear indicators (one factory and one aftermarket) and I still kept looking for another gear. I thought it would help but the thing is you don't look at the thing before you shift, you just do it. Then look at it and say to yourself "oh yeah right I'm already in top hear"

My Shadow had a sixth gear light. I also found it pretty useless. Even when I had sixth gear, I felt around for seventh from time to time The bulb burnt out some years ago and I never bothered to replace it.

 

[strykenshane]

hahahaha, yep, my buddy has on of those shadows all tricked out, we swapped bikes for a ride recently and he gave me **** for trying to shift to 7th but later admitted he spent half the ride trying to shift to 6th

 

[StrykerBill]

Like I said it is not a necessity to have a gear indicator BUT sometimes when I'm riding into a strong wind at highway speeds I feel like I need one more gear -- I never had a bike with a tach so I'm not used to it and don't care for one on a cruiser, and I do listen to the engine, BUT every now and thern a quick glance at the Gear Indicator before a downshift or a highway upshift is helpful.
I will mount it out of the way just to glance at periodically.

Slow delivery won't be until next week so then I'll figure out an install on the Stryker if anyone is interested.

I also have to say like someone else did that it almost seems like a 1 1/2 gear is needed for slow speed sharp turns. !st gear doesn't make it all the way through the turn without shifting to second, and second gear is too high to start that sharp of a turn for me.
Friction zone is short too but I can live with it.

Later
Bill
Phoenix,AZ

 

[christopher]

Having a gear indicator would actually help me out a lot. I find myself riding quit a bit and wundering what gear i'm in. Some times I tap it and see that its in fifth. Other times it actually is in fourth. I think where you say it won't matter is from a stopped position. But on back country roads where you keep changing your speeds it can get away from you.