The Clymer service manual mentions using a "portable tach" for idle adjustments. Do any of you use this when you adjust your idle? If you do, what brand do you use? I'm having a heck of a time finding one. Thanks guys.

Tom

papatom wrote:
The Clymer service manual mentions using a "portable tach" for idle adjustments. Do any of you use this when you adjust your idle? If you do, what brand do you use? I'm having a heck of a time finding one. Thanks guys.

Tom

it´s one of the things sadly lacking on the roadie IMO.

clymers normally say that a bike tach isn´t accurate enough, but for general use is good enough for rock n roll.

i dunno where you´d buy a portable one in the states, but fitting a tach to your bike is a good idea.

i fitted a small faced one between the handlebar clamps, and it´s clear enough to read yet still discreet

You can use a Dwell Tach, it is one of those old fashioned meters that mechanics used to have. I think they are still available, but have not checked lately.

Thanks guys. I actually found something on www.amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000FMQDHM/ref=ord_cart_shr/102-4264481-6515328?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A30DGJTMHYAU9C&v=glance

But I might also consider just buying a regular tach and mount it on the handlebar (as if I haven't bought enough already in the past couple of months...).

Tom

papatom wrote:


But I might also consider just buying a regular tach and mount it on the handlebar (as if I haven't bought enough already in the past couple of months...).

Tom

the one i have is highway hawk, ref nº 67-119

it´s pretty cheap, doesn´t bounce, reads up to 8000rpm (4000rpm at 12ºclock) as opposed to most others that read up to 12,000.

had mine on for 2 1/2 years now with no problems

mounted to the bars between the risers puts it in direct sight line for easy reading without taking your eyes off the road

i tend to use mine more than the speedo

I've been looking around for one also, I have the twin T style handlebars and would like to find something that would mount on the under side of the bar between the T's. that would be upside down from the norm, but I guess the guts could be rotated inside the case..let me know if it's doable...Thanks

I'll check it out. Thanks erizo.

flashback wrote:
I've been looking around for one also, I have the twin T style handlebars and would like to find something that would mount on the under side of the bar between the T's. that would be upside down from the norm, but I guess the guts could be rotated inside the case..let me know if it's doable...Thanks

the mounting bracket on the one i have is held on the back by 2x 8mm nuts, take the bracket off fit it upside down and it´s done, no messing about.

Check out the Craftsman Engine Analyzer, do a google for it. Here are the specs:

Features & Functions
Use for all 4, 6, and 8 cylinder engines
Check ignition dwell, engine RPM
Measures volts and amps battery charging/starting systems
Large, easy to read meter
Tests ignition and battery charging/starting systems
Two tach ranges accurately check RPMs, set idle speed and adjust fuel mixture
Dwell function checks breaker point ignition and C3 fuel systems
Two volt ranges accurately check point resistance, battery, cables, alternator/generator, voltage regulator and starter
Two volt ranges 0 - 16V and Low volts 0 - 3.2V
Amps measure alternator output
Heavy-duty clamps fit battery posts
Scratch-resistant glass lens with large, easy-to-read 6-inch meter
Current shunt included for easy alternator test
Easy-to-follow owner’s manual
Contents: Engine analyzer, accessory kit, owner’s manual


Wife gave me one for Christmas one year (she thought it was a code reader) but I havent needed it...yet. Not sure about the # of cylinders or what would be the holdback though.

You know, I saw that one on the Sears website and saw it was for 4 cyl and up, so I passed it up. I don't know if it would work for 2 cyl or not. Thanks for the info Envinyatar.

Tom