The combination of the drama associated with a good hole shot with my '03 V-Rod, my 60-year old eyes, and tri-focal glasses and lack of practice all add up to me instinctively looking at the relatively large speedo first to determine the 1-2 shift point. So I usually hit the rev limiter by the time I come to my senses, shift my gaze and focus in on that tiny litte tachometer.

With enough practice I'll eventually get it right, but I still don't like the idea of having to concentrate so hard on that little dial while I should be watching where I'm going. I see two possible options:

1 - Mount an aftermarket tach on my handlebars (if one's available), or

2 - Wire in a shift light, only, and mount it on the handlebars (a cleaner installation than a large tach).

Are there any tachs or shift lights available that can be wired in without butchering up the V-Rod wiring? what do you guys do?

Thanks in advance,
Dan Gerber
Anaheim, CA

How about a siren then!

Dan,

I would recommend a Dyna Shift Minder shift light. I just installed one on my V-Rod and can walk you through the process. It's very easy once you find the correct wires. It's also small enough to slip under the rubber battery strap if you run topless.

Check out the Shift Minder at http://www.dynaonline.com

Scott

Thanks for the quick responses, gentlemen.

jperryjr - I suspect that a siren would take too long to "wind up". Maybe a gunshot sound would be better. In fact, it would probably startle me into shifting instantly.

Scott - Thanks for the offer. Hopefully, figuring out the correct wires will be relatively easy, once I compare the shift minder directions to the wiring schematic in the H-D shop manual. If not, I'll be trying to contact you.

If you don't mind, send me your e-mail address by PM at <danjudy@pacbell.net>


Dan G.