[hayitsnik]

Which do you feel is more important for a new rider? Currently I'm having issues with knowing exactly when to shift (especially with the stock exhaust). On top of that sometimes I'm not 100% sure which gear I'm in, I'm trying to decide which would be more important for me - a tachometer, or a shift indicator.

Any info/advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[Djdavies]

If you had to pick one- the tach. I got both but now that I've put on 2k miles I am in tune with my bike and can remove both.

 

[kozlojak]

What tach and indicator are you using / where did you get them? I am looking for one or both.

 

[FLrebel]

If I wanted to get one of them, I would go for the tach, easier to learn on when to shift I would think.

 

[Jskafff]

I got this one. Just wraps around the spark plug wire and I stuck it on the tank label. Works great rain or shine. As a new rider it's definitely been super helpful.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010...ater+proof&dpPl=1&dpID=41cxD0t8hlL&ref=plSrch

 

[Djdavies]

I got this one. Just wraps around the spark plug wire and I stuck it on the tank label. Works great rain or shine. As a new rider it's definitely been super helpful.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B010...ater+proof&dpPl=1&dpID=41cxD0t8hlL&ref=plSrch

That's very similar to the one I got, only 1/2 the price. Arggh!
And the gear indicator is on eBay. I got this one-green- but would rather have had blue if it was available then. I would steer clear of the cheaper magnetic ones though. Not sure exactly why though.

Ebay

 

[kidbobot]

I've felt that not having either made me learn to "feel" the bike faster. Can't describe it, but not having a tach or shift indicator made me learn when to shift better and also what gear I'm in. I vote to save your $ for other stuff and be one with your bike.

 

[Kenny G]

I have ordered a gear indicator from Twizzian's contact in Thailand.

I have been riding for a few years and the Rebel is not my first motorbike. I am having some difficulty when coming into a stop or turning a 90 degree corner as to whether I am in first or second gear so I am going to try the gear indicator.

Kenny G

 

[RebelSculptor]

I just ordered the Idea gear indicator for $44.99 on Amazon. I will update you guys after installing and testing it out. I'm looking forward to having this.

 

[Shaun]

Which do you feel is more important for a new rider? Currently I'm having issues with knowing exactly when to shift (especially with the stock exhaust). On top of that sometimes I'm not 100% sure which gear I'm in, I'm trying to decide which would be more important for me - a tachometer, or a shift indicator.

Any info/advice is appreciated.

Thank you!

You need neither a tach nor a shift indicator (seriously!). For new riders especially, it's better to ride without depending on one, because it forces you to feel what your machine is doing.Lots of new riders like to overthink things and pay way too much attention to RPM....and you can't ride like that. It has to be instinctive. And it will become that way if you practice it.




Don't ride by numbers, you will be a menace to yourself and others if you are constantly looking at the tach. Looking at your instrument panel means taking your eyes off the road. It is something you should only do when you have a piece of straight clear road where you can afford to take your eyes off the road to check your speed/RPM.


Best advice: don’t over-rev, shift up early. If you up-shift too early, you will know, the bike won’t accelerate fast enough and may even buck.


You must learn to ride by sound and by the way the bike feels under your butt. That takes practice, you’ll eventually know the power ban of your particular machine and where it purrs.


Safe riding.

 

[Jskafff]

Assuming the 500 is the same as the 300, you can’t over rev it while accelerating anyway, you’ll just hit the limiter. You’d only have to worry while downshifting near the rev limiter and unless your track racing your rebel, you’re not going to be up that high anyway. I’d honestly rather go for the gear indicator. When I ride with my friends that have exhausts I can’t hear myself at all the indicator would be nice to know where you’re at.

 

[JimInOz]

You need neither a tach nor a shift indicator (seriously!). For new riders especially, it's better to ride without depending on one, because it forces you to feel what your machine is doing.Lots of new riders like to overthink things and pay way too much attention to RPM....and you can't ride like that. It has to be instinctive. And it will become that way if you practice it.




Don't ride by numbers, you will be a menace to yourself and others if you are constantly looking at the tach. Looking at your instrument panel means taking your eyes off the road. It is something you should only do when you have a piece of straight clear road where you can afford to take your eyes off the road to check your speed/RPM.


Best advice: don’t over-rev, shift up early. If you up-shift too early, you will know, the bike won’t accelerate fast enough and may even buck.


You must learn to ride by sound and by the way the bike feels under your butt. That takes practice, you’ll eventually know the power ban of your particular machine and where it purrs.


Safe riding.

Great advice.

I've been riding for many many years and aside from the occasional glance at the speedo, I never take my eyes off the road.

Even when I had bikes with tachos and gear indicators I can't remember ever using them to change gear, maybe occasional to see if I was in 5th or 6th, but thats about it.

Get used to the sound and feel of your bike and the only things you need to look at are your speedo when moving, and the neutral light when stopping.

Become one with your bike.

 

[Kenny G]

I have ordered a gear indicator from Twizzian's contact in Thailand.

I have been riding for a few years and the Rebel is not my first motorbike. I am having some difficulty when coming into a stop or turning a 90 degree corner as to whether I am in first or second gear so I am going to try the gear indicator.

Kenny G

I have had the gear indicator on my bike several thousand miles and I find it worthwhile. I was riding today with a friend of mine who was riding a Kawasaki and both commented after riding 65 miles in a 35 MPH head wind. There was no way in **** to know what gear we were in on either bike without glancing at our gear indicators.

The gear indicator is not something you are going to watch for entertainment or amusement, it is valuable tool to an experienced rider.

You can always find someone who can ride without the clutch, brakes or instruments. Wish them well....:wink2:

Kenny G

 

[longbeachgary]

I think that I only had a gear indicator on one bike (Suzuki GT380) and found it useless. The gear indicator will not show you when to shift but a tachometer will. The tach is really useful when you have a loud car or bike next to you and you can't hear your own engine.

 

[richard-phx]

So I got the ECU gear indicator a few weeks ago. I'm not an everyday Rider. At first I was riding by it and it sucked. The best recommendation was mentioned here. Ride by the sound and feel. I use the indicator when slowing done to a stop. Right before I pull in the clutch I glance and start counting down. Before, I had to count up, remember my gear and then count down again. Sometimes I'll glance down just to verify but that's only when I check my speed. For the most part I know what gear I'm in. Not necessary, but a nice tool and a cheap and easy mod.

Sent from my RCT6303W87DK using Tapatalk

 

[Twizzian]

Tacho’s & gear indicator’s have both a different purpose of function, so I think they cannot be compared with one another.

I have an indicator which only reminds me of the gear selected and I’m happy listening to the revs that tells me when to change without needing a Tacho.

 

[jparker42]

Tacho’s & gear indicator’s have both a different purpose of function, so I think they cannot be compared with one another.

I have an indicator which only reminds me of the gear selected and I’m happy listening to the revs that tells me when to change without needing a Tacho.

Tach would be a distraction for me. But on a 300 and being new, a gear indicator would be a nicety to distiguish 5th and 6th at highway speed. But I'm still getting comfortable cruising those speeds so it probably won't be needed either in a couple of weeks.

 

[jdock]

WOW, and on another post weeks ago I was yelled at for suggesting to NOT look at the speedo to determine when to shift??!!??!!
Your right eyes should be on the road not on the speedo or tach!

 

[Robble10]

I hope I can manage a glance to ensure legal speed or gear indication.

 

[jdock]

I know that was a joke but -
again the point was to not focus too much on the speed to determine WHEN the shift point is.

Just as posted very well above!

And yes glance at your speedo to make sure your not speeding!