Hello all - I just started riding and I'm struggling to make smooth turns .. I can't tell what gear I'm in . I am thinking of getting the gear indicator .. Has anyone installed this ? Would love to hear any comments
Thank you !!
Yes, the gear indicator absolutely works. This is my first year riding and I find it a useful crutch. As time goes on I am looking at it less and less.
You also need the accessory relay to make it work. Installation isn't to hard if you are mechanically inclined.
Despite what the instructions say, you don't need to remove the gas tank. Just need to remove the tank attaching bolts and lean it to the left to access the connection hidden under there.
Just so you are aware, the gear indicator doesn't "know" what gear you are in, it appears to calculate based on rpm and speed. Therefore, when you pull in the clutch it goes blank and if you intentionally slip the clutch you can fool it to think you are in a lower gear.
thank you - VERY Helpful!
do you think the gear indicator can give you the "wrong gear" - e.g. if you are thinking you are turning in 2nd gear, it's really 1st or 3rd ? just wondering if it's accurate .. appreciate your insight!!
I have been riding on and off for over 40 years and got the Gear Indicator installed when I purchased me Vulcan S. I really like it and it seems to work really well though I only have about 200 miles on the bike to date.
Ditto, I have the shift indicator and the DC cigarette deal. They do look good. I don't want to say I am dependent on the indicator, but it's a nice luxury. Slowing down, going into turns, it's just good if you get caught up in the scenery and forget if you were in 4th or 5th. That being said, I wouldn't mind some longer gears on the S. I am still in the break in period and it feels like I am upshifting at like 10, 20, 30, and 40. I should not have A-B'ed the bike with a Triumph triple, I got kind of spoiled going 0 to 70 in first gear.
I created a video since I haven't found one yet. The instructions for the Kawasaki gear indicator leave room for improvement. I can't post because the URL because my account is new but just look up Vulcan S Gear Indicator Install on YouTube.
I agree that the Gear Indicator is handy. However, I completely agree with what @vulcandoc said; PRACTICE!
You should get to a point where you can operate all controls under all maneuvers without the need to look at them. A split second on a bike is equal to an eternity of pain and destruction.
Yup...that was my thread...and mine works great, at a fraction of the cost of the Kaw GPI, but you have to do a small bit of wrenching.
That mod does not require installation of the OEM accessory relay, as the aftermarket GPI plugs into the engine diagnostics connector on the left side of the bike.
Last weekend I got the indicator mounted and the cable routed but I stopped at plugging it in because it wasn't clear from the manual and other posts I found how easy it would be to move the tank, plus I didn't have any help.
If you don't mind I have a couple of questions:
1. So you just need to lift the tank in the front to install the cable?
2. How far up does the tank have to be lifted?
3. Is there anything connected to the tank besides the fuel line? Fuel level sensor lead I guess?
4. Where is the fuel line located on the tank and is there any risk of pinching it or pulling it off the tank fitting when lifting the tank?
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