52mm gauge choice?

Thinking about installing a 52mm gauge between the speedo and tach. Smiths flight series gauges (Www.digital-speedos.co.uk) look very close to OEM but give way too many gauge options for me to choose. So I need to gather a little knowledge from some of the sharpest Rocket Captains on the planet.

Most 52 (2&1/8") gauges are made and specc'd for cars - AND are far from being even water resistant.
And I know from experience those particular gauges are amongst them. First good spraying either from the sky or a hose and they'll fog up.

Sorry - but......... On a bike fit BIKE or MARINE gauges. It will save all sorts of hassles.

I thought Roadsters had clocks and vm's?

Well you seem hell bent on putting "a" gauge there, so since your Roadster has a clock, coolant temp light and an oil pressure light (crude as they are - only tell you something's wrong, not what the exact value is), that leaves 2 options on your list that could provide benefit.

What can the gauges do for you?

Voltmeter = tells you if/when your battery is flat or when your charging circuit (stator, reg rec) calves

Oil temperature = temp of oil... unless you're racing, not much benefit?


I would also look at VDO gauges (they make the OEM ones) to get closer matching ones. However they can be a deep gauge and need a deeper pod to mount



I use AEM gauges, they have black face, white digits and orange needle, just like the OEM gauges. Nice and shallow fit



I'd vote for an AFR gauge, indispensable imo if you are doing any kind of intake/engine/exhaust mods

R-III-R Turbo said:

Voltmeter = tells you if/when your battery is flat or when your charging circuit (stator, reg rec) calves

Oil temperature = temp of oil... unless you're racing, not much benefit?

Click to expand...

Voltmeters - HONESTLY I prefer something like Eclipse and Monsoon Battery Voltage Monitors - Waterproof Precise Durable | SparkBright

Depending on where you live - Oil Temp can be fairly interesting (ime) to keep an eye on. This may sound a bit odd - but the missus Citroen can sit all day at a steady 90°C Water temp - but the oil temp can vary hugely.

Those VDO gauges I think you'll find will also let in wet watery stuff. I have a Voltmeter we whipped from an Audi in a breakers. And somewhere a full set of Veglias from a Ferrari. None of them will be happy with a good wetting.

+1 on the Sparkbright ..... and he's Scottish too!

I think there is a missed opportunity for the after-market gauge guys - a comprehensive gauge featuring multiple functions but WITHOUT Speed/Tach does not seem to be in existence.
So they all aim mainly at the replacement market rather than 'additional accessory' functionality