Ebay gadget -- opinions?

[Guest]

I'm thinking about (cosmetic) different options to replace the bulky boxy instrument cluster on my 1150, and found this on flea bay. Always the careful shopper, I thought I'd see if anyone wanted to share their thoughts....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110647691122

[Ranger]

Why did I have to look, is it really plug and play? I want one...


Oh but seems kinda shady, I've bought stuff from China off ebay and it took like 3 weeks to get, however they used my paypal address and all paypal info. Not too sure why he mentions Ebay address kind of weird.

[cableguy]

I did ask the seller if it's compatible and he assured me it is with splicing. I happen to have a spare cluster I bought for parts, so I could use that harness piece. I'm close to buying one...

[Ranger]

Almost anything is compatiable with splicing. How about the socket it uses though?

[obsidianghost]

Now I want one, it looks cool. I like the layout too.

[cableguy]

Why did I have to look, is it really plug and play? I want one...


Oh but seems kinda shady, I've bought stuff from China off ebay and it took like 3 weeks to get, however they used my paypal address and all paypal info. Not too sure why he mentions Ebay address kind of weird.

Yeah the shipping time is long but he does account for it in the listing. The broken English is comical too, and when he says eBay address for shipping hecprobably meant that he won't manually change the shipto address from whatever your eBay or paypal address is set to. Good policy if you ask me. Somebody buy one already and report back! Maybe that's gonna be me....

[makenzie71]

Looks interesting...but it's a little over 6" across and 3" wide. It's just slightly bigger than my Trailtech Vapor and there's a lot more crammed into it. This gives me two major concerns:

First and foremost...reading it is going to be a strain. It's going to be too busy, as well, making it not only hard to see but more difficult to pick out what info you need. This is more of a personal preference to me, though...I like simple, easy to read stuff.

Second, again, it's small. That sounds redundant, I know, but it's more about what's inside the gadget. I'm having to work more and more with Chinese gadgetry in the dental world and, while I do admit that there's some pretty spiffy things coming from China, compact electronics is just not yet their thing.

All it all it really looks like a cheap Wal-Mart variety bicycle speedometer grafted onto a 3" tach...and I've had nothing but problems with Chinese tachs. Not to mention those little speedometers are not very fast and seldom read the speeds we need them to.

I would just be leery. But I'm a skeptic misanthrope. You can only take my word for so much.

On a positive note, though, for under $100, if it works and you can get over the size, it might be a pretty fair penny pincher mod. I think a Vapor is a better investment, though.

[tkent02]

Second, again, it's small. That sounds redundant, I know, but it's more about what's inside the gadget. I'm having to work more and more with Chinese gadgetry in the dental world and, while I do admit that there's some pretty spiffy things coming from China, compact electronics is just not yet their thing.

I like it. Should work well on the 550/650 hybrid cafe racer.
All it has to do is look like a speedometer to appear legal.
If it works for a while, even better.

My Chinese micro-helicopter still works fine. But it's not from Walmart, went all the way to China to get it.

[Jason the terminator]

Listing says "100% satisfaction guaranteed". I think it would be worth a shot, if it doesn't work send it back.

[makenzie71]

I like it. Should work well on the 550/650 hybrid cafe racer.
All it has to do is look like a speedometer to appear legal.
If it works for a while, even better.

The Vapor is only $15 more and IS legal. If this chinese gadget floats your boat then more power to you.

Also, never count on "guarantees" from overseas sellers. There's no way to hold them it. This guy may be stand up, but always be on guard.

[landshark]

What about one these, dunno if they do anything other than Harley though?
I'll probably start a thread for this link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9suXUdAtoU&feature=player_embedded

[makenzie71]

There are other apps like gaugeface out there...they're pretty cool but you have to have your Iphone or Ipod out in the weather getting beat on by wind, water, and bugs.

[cableguy]

I did see the vapor and from a careful consumer standpoint it would be the wiser choice. I liked the layout and shape of the china one and the fact that the speedo cable is direct fit.

[jlandolfi1979]

Which model Vapor are you running? I am looking at doing new gauges and would rather go that route than one from China on Ebay. Been burned by foreign sellers one to many times

[makenzie71]

The Vapor is the model. The only difference is if they come with a water temp sensor or an air cooled head temp sensor. I got one that was setup for a water cooled bike...the temp sensor fits the GS oil pressure sensor bung...or did on my bike.

You have to spend a little more to get your dash lights...admittedly the chinese unit has them built in for less money, but I think the Vapor is still a better buy.