Trailtech Vapor install - KLR650

volcon

volcon

New member
After a mere 42k the odometer on my bike stopped working. I took the speedo apart and saw that the fix was to replace the speedo. I checked the price of a new one and decided to call Robert at MTR (604-838-4733) and get the trailtech vapor.

I got the "Stealth" model with the dashboard and indicator lights. The install was straight forward, the tough part was working out the mounting - which I might change. The instructions from Trailtech are very good and thier website was also helpfull. Do understand that it is not a plug and play job - you will have to do some planning and be a bit creative.

I had only two issues. First, I have a big brake kit on my bike so, I had to trim 2mm from the face of the magnetic bolt to clear the caliper bracket. On a stock bike this would not have been needed. The second issue was on power-up the coolant temperature read "---" which, according to the manual, means that the temperature sender is not connected. But, after hearing from Trailtech, it turns out that the unit will display "---" when the sender is connected and the temperature is below 38C. A ride showed that the unit does display temperature. Trailtech knows about this issue and they also know that it is not mentioned in the manual.

Overall, I am more than happy with unit and the support from http://www.trailtech.net/ and would recommend the product. Also, cudos to Robert at MTR for getting it to me in five days.










 
Hamon

Hamon

Member
Greg, man, if I'd have known you could've had my old one, only showing 65K Km on it!

For me, it wasn't the speedo that was the issue, but instead my speedo drive seized, taking the cast aluminum tabs in my front hub with it.

I've also gone to the Trailtech Vapor. It's pretty sweet eh? I ended up with an 08 speedo sensor which installs a bit differently, but it still works pretty darn well.

Travis
 
kerunt

kerunt

New member
Curious, how much did the Vapor cost? I'm not seeing any prices on TrailTech's site. Could you also post a link to the exact gauge cluster you used? Looks like there are a few options. Thanks!
 
Aquafire

Aquafire

New member
I wish they would include a voltmeter in the Vapor's menu like they do with the lessor "Striker" model.
Be careful with chemicals (i.e. gas) around your new unit as their troubleshooting page has an interesting caution:

"The computer screen is crazed and hazy.
A chemical attack is likely to blame. Even light chemicals such as Simple Green™ can damage the screen and cause a cracking and hazy appearance. The computer instructions warn against contact with gasoline, degreasers or other chemical cleaners. Chemical attacks are not covered by warranty."
Click to expand...
 
Swinada

Swinada

Member
My KLR only lasted 24k before the speedo gave up, its the actual gears inside the unit that are worn off. One from ebay will cost me close to 200 with shipping and will be in miles not km's, so naturaly I'm thinking of maybe going the Vapor route.
Now that you had yours for a while, are you happy with it?
i was looking at the voyager kit with the GPS, anybody have any experience with those. Is the mapping software usable or is it not worth paying the money for it?
The description on the trailtech website is very vague for the different units. All i really need is something to count my km's since I don't always have my GPS on the bike. My Speed indicator still works just not the km counter.
any advice appreciated.
 
eviljimbo

eviljimbo

New member
I dont have the voyager ,I have anothe r model. What I will say is they are great for trying to solve any issues you have with their equipment.
 
eviljimbo

eviljimbo

New member
I have the vapor .. It was occasionally hanging up at speed . tried a few things as I talked top them on the phone , they eventually had one shipped to me as i shipped the faulty one back. they must of passed each other in the mail as it was already in transit before i had mine off the bike.
 
Swinada

Swinada

Member
I ordered the Vapor. I was going to order the Navigator as I found it on Amazon.com for 239.- however after trying to check out it told me they cant ship to Canada. I guess Vapor and my old Garmin 60CSx will have to do.
 
C

croissant_warrior

New member
volcon said:
After a mere 42k the odometer on my bike stopped working. I took the speedo apart and saw that the fix was to replace the speedo. I checked the price of a new one and decided to call Robert at MTR (604-838-4733) and get the trailtech vapor.

... coolant temperature read "---" which, according to the manual, means that the temperature sender is not connected. But, after hearing from Trailtech, it turns out that the unit will display "---" when the sender is connected and the temperature is below 38C. A ride showed that the unit does display temperature.
Click to expand...

Hey volcon - couple of questions on the temp reader on Vapor. Did you end up splicing the water hose like the manual says? Because I am thinking of taking a feed from the old sensor that went to the dashboard and wondered if that will work. Also, what did you set for the temperature warning lights?

~CW
 
volcon

volcon

New member
I cut the hose and installed the supplied Trailtech temperature sender. The factory temperature sender has a different curve so it's not workable as a replacement for the Trailtech sender. I've seen an installation where the where the sender mounting hole was re-threaded for the Trailtech sender. I don't think that this a good idea as there isn't much material around the mounting hole for correct depth of thread nor is there enough to drill/tap larger and use a bushing. I set the temperature warning to 120C
 
C

croissant_warrior

New member
Thanks Volcon.

Couple more things
- 120C is that the high temp warning, or the low temp yellow light warning?
- Were you successful with the RPM meter actually showing the 'real' rpm? In previous installations I did it was a mess. Where did you tap in?
 
volcon

volcon

New member
I didn't have any trouble with the tachometer. I just wrapped the pick-up lead around the sparkplug wire and held it in place with shrink tube as per instructions. I'll have to read the manual and check the temperature warning settings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top