gs1100ez --- 140 mph gauge cluster information

[Gregory]

I have an 82 gs1100e and don't like the 80mph speedometer. What are my options for modifying this to 140mph?

I haven't broken into the cluster yet to see how it is put together, but assume none of the extra 78 gs1000 gauges I have will interchange because the trip reset button is in a different spot.

Has anyone made affordable stickers or gauge faceplates that will work?

[ShadowFocus603]

Even if you changed the face plate you would still need to change the reduction/wheel cog to achieve accurate speed reading. Have you considered an electronic alternative like the Trailtech Vapor? Probably cheaper in the long run than fabbing up your own reduction and face plates.

[blowerbike]

get a speedo from an 83 1100E...either that or the complete gauge set.
it's a simple bolt on.

[Gregory]

get a speedo from an 83 1100E...either that or the complete gauge set.
it's a simple bolt on.

That's what I guessed but wanted to see if there were any other options.

For some reason those sets are very expensive on ebay right now... but I will just take my time till I find a deal.

[blowerbike]

i have seen them listed on this site before.
there is a descent demand for the 83 gauges though.

[CivilRock]

I went through the same dilemma on my bike. Luckily my wife expedited the process and backed into my bike in the driveway and cracked the whole instrument cluster. I found an early cable driven GSXR speedo and crammed it in there, but it was a horrible match. I even considered a geared adjuster and designed my own faceplates (see avatar).

In the end I bought some Bandit 400 clocks and made them work. I liked the look better and they were cheap. Although the redline is at 14,000 and I lost my fuel gauge and gear indicator. I lost a lot of the other indicator lights, but I'm glad they're gone.

I'd stick it out for the 83 set. Especially if you want to keep it stock looking.

-Kevin

[Arronduke]

I would have to say one of the best parts about the EZ/ED is the instruments. They are just way cool. No one in their right mind would ever make them again.

To me they are like the train light, a must!

[Gregory]

I would have to say one of the best parts about the EZ/ED is the instruments. They are just way cool. No one in their right mind would ever make them again.

To me they are like the train light, a must!

I like the gear shift indicator and the train light also.

[Gregory]

I went through the same dilemma on my bike. Luckily my wife expedited the process and backed into my bike in the driveway and cracked the whole instrument cluster. I found an early cable driven GSXR speedo and crammed it in there, but it was a horrible match. I even considered a geared adjuster and designed my own faceplates (see avatar).

In the end I bought some Bandit 400 clocks and made them work. I liked the look better and they were cheap. Although the redline is at 14,000 and I lost my fuel gauge and gear indicator. I lost a lot of the other indicator lights, but I'm glad they're gone.

I'd stick it out for the 83 set. Especially if you want to keep it stock looking. -Kevin

Cool faceplate. I was looking at my gauges and was wondering what would happen if I just removed the 85mph post, then used my gps to determine where on the face the dial hits 90,100,110,120... ??

[CivilRock]

Cool faceplate. I was looking at my gauges and was wondering what would happen if I just removed the 85mph post, then used my gps to determine where on the face the dial hits 90,100,110,120... ??

Thanks.

I think you should go for it and see what happens. Although I think you're going to have to measure out the new marks based on the spacing of the old marks. I think you'll find the speedo error vs your GPS will give you some weird results.

If you want to go for the redesign route, I can send you the template I have. I used a free program called Gimp to edit it. It's like photoshop, but free, and pretty awesome. From there you can print out the image on film instead of paper and mount it to some plastic. I can't remember how I was planning on cutting the plastic to shape. Maybe I planned on cleaning the original to it's clear state and using it that way. Search "custom faceplate" here and you'll find someone who did it here.

I have a file on my computer with tons of examples and templates that I saved.

-Kevin

[Gregory]

Thanks.

I think you should go for it and see what happens. Although I think you're going to have to measure out the new marks based on the spacing of the old marks. I think you'll find the speedo error vs your GPS will give you some weird results.

If you want to go for the redesign route, I can send you the template I have. I used a free program called Gimp to edit it. It's like photoshop, but free, and pretty awesome. From there you can print out the image on film instead of paper and mount it to some plastic. I can't remember how I was planning on cutting the plastic to shape. Maybe I planned on cleaning the original to it's clear state and using it that way. Search "custom faceplate" here and you'll find someone who did it here.

I have a file on my computer with tons of examples and templates that I saved.

-Kevin

Thanks Kevin, That template helps, although I don't know what a "geared adjuster" is or how expensive it may be.

[CivilRock]

Sorry, it's called a ratio adapter, and it was going to be about $90 at my local speedo shop. If you don't have the space behind your speedo or you don't want to look at it, then they also have to cut a spot in your cable and terminate two ends so it hides behind your headlight or something. That was an extra $60 or so.

And it's not adjustable. So you have to know exactly your speedo error so they can figure it out and put the right gears in it. In my case it would have to be trial and error and maybe a couple different faceplates until it was right.

With all those costs, and fiddling around, I was hesitant to dive in. Then my wife backed my fancy new 745iL with a super high tech back up warning system and alarms into my GS sitting in the driveway and dented the tank, broke the clutch lever, and smashed the instrument cluster. Am I bitter about it? Naaaaw. Can you tell?

Anyway, I abandoned the idea. Now I have a cool avatar. The result of about 3 hours of photoshop time.

-Kevin

This picture is a ratio adapter, but the one the speedo shop had was much bigger. Like the size of an ipod. And it was yellow. Not really designed to be used on a motorcycle.

[woodsrider250]

I paid $100 shipped for a near-mint 83 cluster on ebay...Worth it to me, but I'm not sure what your finding out there that you're considering expensive. They are very desirable because you, me, and plenty of other 82 owners want to ditch that 85mph speedo.

[posplayr]

I paid $100 shipped for a near-mint 83 cluster on ebay...Worth it to me, but I'm not sure what your finding out there that you're considering expensive. They are very desirable because you, me, and plenty of other 82 owners want to ditch that 85mph speedo.

That was a steal

[Rob S.]

you, me, and plenty of other 82 owners want to ditch that 85mph speedo.

That was my first reaction (my last bike, 25 years ago, was a Z1, and I think the speedo went to 160).

I would have to say one of the best parts about the EZ/ED is the instruments. They are just way cool. No one in their right mind would ever make them again.

To me they are like the train light, a must!

They are beautiful. I love the fuel and oil temp parts.

Right now, it's kind of like a safety net - on my Z1, I was always trying to see how far I could get the speedo needle (I never got it much past 120). Now, when it's pinned at 85, I don't look at the speedo any more, and keep my eyes on the road.

In a few years, when I've made some suspension upgrades (and I'm ready to die), I'm sure I'll go for the 1983 cluster.