K11 Owners Group

Jim · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:59 am Post subject: VDO gauges

I was sort of under the impression that the VDO gauges were far superior to the Motometer gauges. Although somewhat superior, I don't know that I can say they are far superior. Or else there is something wrong with the K.

Both temp and fuel started out pretty steady. I have to admit I need to set the fuel gauge with the tank empty - maybe that will help it. Once the fuel gets down below about half a tank, the needle starts wiggling a little. Could be the sending unit, I suppose.

Once the temp gauge gets up to about 185º - 190ºF, it develops a little wiggle. Anyone else using the VDO's have the same experience?

While the Motometer gauge needles tend to bang back and forth like a punk's head in a mosh pit, the VDO's have a lot less movement - just a little wiggle - more like the gauges in a 1948 Dodge farm truck that's only used once a year to haul wheat to the elevator.

Overall, I'm pleased with the VDO's - they were a lot cheaper than the left nut BMW wants for the Motometer gauges - and although they don't hold perfectly still, they're close enough you can tell what's going on.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Mystic Red · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:19 am Post subject:

old guy old bike · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:51 pm Post subject:

rock solid here also
_________________
1993 K1100LT
2003 K1200GT Gone but not forgotten
2014 Victory Crossraods

RAL88 · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 8:44 pm Post subject:

Rock solid for mine too.
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:06 pm Post subject:

Are those a pretty easy instalation?
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

RAL88 · Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:54 pm Post subject:

Yes they are easy to install. I cut off the plug from the old gauge and used that so the new gauge would hook up to the wiring harness.
_________________
Rich

"If it ain't broke, take it apart and make it work better"
*************
'96' K1100LT-SE
'97' R850GS-R

Jim · Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:42 am Post subject: VDO gauges

Then I must have some electrical anomaly that causes the slight twitchiness. Wonder what the hell it is??? Crying or Very sad

_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Jim · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 1:35 am Post subject: VDO gauges

Guess I'll have to answer my own question.

The K has separate tail, brake and turn lights. The trailer has combination brake/turn lights - therefore the trailer requires a "magic" converter box to separate the signals. Something in the magic box is feeding back into the electrical system and causing gauge twitch.

Any of you genius EE's out there know what kind of diode or resistor I need to put where to stop the feed back?
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Saltcreek · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 7:23 am Post subject:

flux capacitor?
_________________
Jim

1994 K1100LT Mystic Red, bfd, 37000 miles, sold Sad

2009 Wilderness Systems Zephyr 155 ST
2002 Litespeed titanium

Jim · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:24 pm Post subject: VDO gauges

at least I think it's the trailer converter box. I rode around locally yesterday - the gauges didn't twitch.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

whyoldbill · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: VDO gauges

Jim · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks - I was thinking ground also, but couldn't figure out where...
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."