Changing temperature gauge

[Scootergptx]

Going to be that time of year soon, when the temps are in the upper 90's. I've had Ivan's flash done, so I know the bike runs a bit cooler normally. But when you're sitting in the middle of a highway and not moving on a hot summer day, the bike is still going to get hot.

So my question is, has anyone replaced the stock temp gauge with one that actually displays temperature numbers? Not digital but one that would match the rest of the gauges.

[redjay]

Is it worth the trouble ?

[Hillhouse]

I added an override switch to turn both fans on anytime I need/want to. When your sitting there roasting seeing the actual temp would make me feel even hotter.

[Sabre-t]

I think the temp gauge is controlled by the ECU (I'm not sure about that) and any 3rd party gauge would have to be calibrated to that output to provide correct temp numbers. I doubt anyone sells one already calibrated as there is not much of a market for it. I'm not sure if the OEM gauge reflects the output of the air temp or the water temp sensors.

It could be done, but it would take creating a custom circuit to create an offset voltage appropriate for a specific gauge based on the ECU output or the water temp sensor output. Not worth the effort IMO.

[redjay]

When you have the information, either by the gauge or by a gauge that displays temperature numbers, what do you do with that information that makes any difference ?

[rozie]

Originally Posted by Hillhouse

I added an override switch to turn both fans on anytime I need/want to. When your sitting there roasting seeing the actual temp would make me feel even hotter.

I like this idea even better. some thing I may do this summer. I believe RacinRay did this before Ivans flash was available and it worked very well for him. I know every one will say why not get the flash, but at $600CDN thats not affordable for some , but a ten dollar switch and some wire is. now im going to look for Rays thread about how he did it.

[gv550]

Originally Posted by Scootergptx

Going to be that time of year soon, when the temps are in the upper 90's. I've had Ivan's flash done, so I know the bike runs a bit cooler normally. But when you're sitting in the middle of a highway and not moving on a hot summer day, the bike is still going to get hot.

So my question is, has anyone replaced the stock temp gauge with one that actually displays temperature numbers? Not digital but one that would match the rest of the gauges.

There is no separate temperature gauge on the bike, the entire instrument cluster, fuel, speedo, tach and temp is all one big integrated circuit board so it would take some kind of electronics expert to separate the temp off of it.

[mbarr10]

now im going to look for Rays thread about how he did it.

I copied it for myself but I can share.
Ok OK OK...fan switch wiring info 16 Guage Wire

Some of you know (and have been patiently waiting for this info) and some may not know, so here it is.
Last year I hooked up a switch to turn the fan on before the ECU turns it on.

The Vulcans lose power due to the ECU retarding the ignition timing when the coolant temp gets up there,
and on the Voyager/Vaquero this retard starts when the needle gets halfway between the middle and the next line.
It is quite aggravating to take off from a stop and have the skoot stumbling with that loss of power. Pooey

So here is the info...remove the seat and the black plastic battery cover.
On the left side of the skoot kinda buried a few inches below the left frame rail is a relay box with 5 plastic gang connectors,
2 large in a row and 3 smaller ones in a row.

The small gang plug at the rear of the relay box has a blue wire with a white stripe.
This is the power wire to the fan when the fan relay is triggered by the ECU.
This is the wire we will feed power to the fan from the switch.

To simplify things I connected a fused link directly to the positive post of the battery with a 10 amp fuse.
This wire you will run to wherever you want to place your switch. My switch is located on the left side of my tank bib,
it is a simple on/off switch. You will run a second wire from the switch to that blue/white wire previously mentioned.
I originally used a scotch-lock type connector but that eventually failed, so I cut the wire and positively connected the wires together,

This hook up will allow the fan to be turned on at any time, ignition switch in ANY position.
I have also installed 2 bright red LED's in my tank bib to remind me the fan is on as sometimes I forget to turn it off when
I get on the hiway after I have been in slow speed traffic.

When I am in slow speed/stop-n-go traffic I turn the fan on BEFORE the needle gets to the halfway mark which keeps the needle
from climbing into that area where the ignition retard/loss of power occurs.

Another option is to connect the switch to a power source that is hot when the ignition switch is in the ON position,
thus allowing the fan to be switched on only when the ignition switch is in the on position.

It is so nice to never have the skoot operating in that "loss of power" mode. Living in S. Fla or any area where traffic
can be heavy and the ambient temps up there will have these 1700's in that loss of power mode and that is just aggravating.

This is a copy from "RacnRays" Original Post. You Rock Ray. Thank you

[rozie]

yup. I found it on the other kawasaki forum, but thanks anyway. I presume the plug he's talking about is the rear one that connects to the ECU. when the weather warms up I will look under the seat. it too cold to mess with plastic stuff now.

[Scootergptx]

I guess in the overall scheme of things, it would be easier to just put numbers on the gauge I have.

[MET-RICK]

sorry can't help, haven't got a clue about this and besides...I'm still trying to get the lid off of my can of anti seize . cheers