Replacing gauges/removing LCD

[Eric_XJ]

So I've done some searching, but have come up empty handed....

My question is, has anyone replaced the stock gauges all the way around. Not just a spedo swap. Also removed the factory "computer" deal ?

If so, any adverse affects ?

If not, Do you think anything bad would happen ?

My "computer" is throwing false readings for everything. (Oil, Stand, Batt, Brk) also not providing a fuel reading at all. None of the buttons work the way they should, and I think it's just plain ugly.

Any suggestions, comments, or otherwise off-hand remarks ?

[Winterhawk]

I found one off of a 750 maxim I used to have that might work?

[CatatonicBug]

I found one off of a 750 maxim I used to have that might work?

I think what he's saying is he wants regular dial gauges instead of the XJ version with the LCD display and all the other techie stuff on it.

[trbig]

Sounds like you just need to have a weekend of electrical connection cleaning. BUT.. that isn't going to help the looks of it if you don't like it.


Tod

[Eric_XJ]

I think what he's saying is he wants regular dial gauges instead of the XJ version with the LCD display and all the other techie stuff on it.

You sir are correct.

I would rather throw some nice gauges similar to newer virago or road star gauges. They usually have indicator lights for side stand, neutral, oil pressure ect.

What kind of hassle am I in for if I go for this ? Like I said before, I did a search and could not find anyone attempting this undertaking....

[81xsproject]

Sounds to me like you would be perfectly happy with XS Special gauges (like these). If you wanted more than 85mph, you could join the masses looking for a 70's XS speedo. The only thing missing from your list is the sidestand light. That would be an easy add since the XJ already has the switch on the stand.

As far as removing "the factory computer deal," if you mean the ignition unit, you would need some serious mods to run without one. Namely, conversion (downgrade) to points and mechanical advance based ignition, and different coils probably. I wouldn't recommend this for any reason. If your comp is fried, then you should replace it. The XJ box is the hardest to find. The 2H7 ('77-'80 XS) is the easiest/cheapest. However, this conversion takes some mods, too; different coils, XS mechanical advance, early coils and ballast resistor, vacuum advance unit, and other things I am sure I am forgetting. But, still simpler than trying to ditch it all together. You might also need a different left ignition cover (can't remember if the XJ11 used the thinner cover like some of the later XJ's did).

[Rubin]

I have been exploring the same thing, and so far I think Mike's XS has some decent stuff. Check out http://www.mikesxs.net/products-46.html#products.

I was looking at this one to replace my gauges. The stock gauges are just too big in my opinion. Couple this with a small tach and it should make the bike a little less top-heavy.



I am just not sure how to wire it up. I suppose the wiring diagram for the XJ will work, but I have not attempted it yet since I am not sure what all I can disconnect without causing problems.

[Eric_XJ]

I have been exploring the same thing, and so far I think Mike's XS has some decent stuff. Check out http://www.mikesxs.net/products-46.html#products.

I was looking at this one to replace my gauges. The stock gauges are just too big in my opinion. Couple this with a small tach and it should make the bike a little less top-heavy.



I am just not sure how to wire it up. I suppose the wiring diagram for the XJ will work, but I have not attempted it yet since I am not sure what all I can disconnect without causing problems.

That's kind of been my same issue, I want to remove them, but what issue's am I going to cause. Although looking at the XJ diagram in my FSM I don't really see any issues as the CMS reads signals but does not send them back to anything (from what I can tell) So at that point it would be hook up what you want and ignore the rest I hope.

I will probably wait until riding season is over to tackle this one (unless I get to impatient) but from what I can see it should not be that bad. With the speedo from MikesXS....will that just work out of the box on the XJ ? Or am I going to have to rig up some kind of converter for the speed sensor ?

[Eric_XJ]

So the tach looks easy. The FSM shows the tach reads from one of the Stator leads off the alternator. It should show 5-7 volts AC with the engine running.

[trbig]

As far as removing "the factory computer deal," if you mean the ignition unit, you would need some serious mods to run without one.

He's just talking about the dash computer LCD screen on the XJ.

As far as doing some modding, the XJ gauges come apart very easily. I did a little write up of it a while back. The front black face plate could probably be adapted to use some round newer gauges. The middle LCD display part could probably be removed. That would leave that middle section for installing lights and such. There are already a few lights under there you could use. Also, with a good wiring diagram, you should be able to see which wires go to which switch. If you check what voltage is coming out of the switch and it's 12 volts, I don't see any problems making that 12v operate a light bulb or LED instead of a computer screen. That switch won't know any difference if it's running a computer or a light bulb. The screen itself will have a power wire.

BUT.. if you just don't like the whole unit, you could sell it. I still think you're having switch and voltage problems. It's not the computer that's screwing up, and you'll still need to clean all the switches and wiring up to keep from getting fail lights.

Tod

[crazy steve]

If you get an aftermarket tach, you can't connect it to the alternator like the stock one; it won't work (and may smoke it). Virtually all the aftermarket tachs (and most other factory tachs) hook to the ignition system, usually to the coil. As to aftermarket speedos, be sure to ask about it's 'ratio'. The XS uses a rather oddball 2.9:1 ratio (2240 rpm = 60 mph/one mile) and not too many aftermarket units have this ratio; most are set up for the Harley 2:1 ratio (1560 rpm = 60 mph/one mile) and will give you a very inaccurate reading. Check this thread for more info...
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...edometer+ratio

As to hooking up the indicator lights in that aftermarket unit, that's pretty straightforward except for the turn indicator; this unit has LED lamps, and to use that single lamp with left/right turns, you'll have to use a couple of diodes in the feed wires to it, otherwise you'll end up with both sides flashing.

'78E original owner

[Eric_XJ]

He's just talking about the dash computer LCD screen on the XJ.

As far as doing some modding, the XJ gauges come apart very easily. I did a little write up of it a while back. The front black face plate could probably be adapted to use some round newer gauges. The middle LCD display part could probably be removed. That would leave that middle section for installing lights and such. There are already a few lights under there you could use. Also, with a good wiring diagram, you should be able to see which wires go to which switch. If you check what voltage is coming out of the switch and it's 12 volts, I don't see any problems making that 12v operate a light bulb or LED instead of a computer screen. That switch won't know any difference if it's running a computer or a light bulb. The screen itself will have a power wire.

BUT.. if you just don't like the whole unit, you could sell it. I still think you're having switch and voltage problems. It's not the computer that's screwing up, and you'll still need to clean all the switches and wiring up to keep from getting fail lights.

Tod

Tod,


I have the test procedures for all the switches in question and plan on making sure they are working properly. The reason I think it's the computer is that when I push one of the buttons on the computer nothing happens. One is a "self test" the other being a reset button for the warnings. Also I found out some more interesting issues with my bike. the key only works in 2 positions as opposed the the 4 it has. Off works and PII is where the key has to be to start the bike. According to the FSM, ON should be where the bike starts (second position) and PI and PII should allow for certain components to turn on. No other positions work on my bike except OFF and PII. So it's possible some shi**y wiring was done and that is why the computer is not functioning properly. Also my hazard light switch does absolutely nothing regardless of key position. Looks like I get the joy of chasing down electrical demons !

[Eric_XJ]

As to aftermarket speedos, be sure to ask about it's 'ratio'. The XS uses a rather oddball 2.9:1 ratio (2240 rpm = 60 mph/one mile) and not too many aftermarket units have this ratio; most are set up for the Harley 2:1 ratio (1560 rpm = 60 mph/one mile) and will give you a very inaccurate reading. Check this thread for more info...
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...edometer+ratio


'78E original owner

Does that also apply to the XJ speedo ?

[trbig]

That applies to the XJ as well as MOST older Yamahas.

And yeah, you have a button that will run through the self test again, but that 2nd button when pushed once, should change the flashing red warning light to a solid red light (Not flashing). The 2nd push should turn that light off.. until it recieves another failure.

Tod

[Eric_XJ]

That applies to the XJ as well as MOST older Yamahas.

And yeah, you have a button that will run through the self test again, but that 2nd button when pushed once, should change the flashing red warning light to a solid red light (Not flashing). The 2nd push should turn that light off.. until it recieves another failure.

Tod

Both buttons do not work. You could push them all day and get not a single response from the CMS