Analog instrument pod to replace all-digital cluster on Monster

[Charlie98]

Love my new '13 M796... hate the all-digital instruments.  I mean... at least give me an analog speedo!

Has anyone ever attempted or seen an analog cluster swap for the digital one?  It sounds pretty farfetched, but I've seen nuttier...

[koko64]

If I'm not mistaken, with an ECU reflash, you can run custom gauges, but I'm unsure what the deal is with the later bikes that run integrated electronic functions through the dash. Talk to sponsor Motowheels about a reflash to achieve your goals.

I have seen some café racers with beautiful clocks from Acewell. They have traditional looking clocks with digital tech features. I'm sure there are other brands like Motologic iirc. A few guys here have done it, but cant remember to which models. For a clean look some clocks even run a GPS for speed readings for a minimum of cables and wires. Getting a good custom set up that utilizes all functions like indicators, warning lights, etc and keeping it tidy seems to be where all the work is.

In the meantime, try a search while waiting for someone with FHE to chime in.

[Charlie98]

Just an update on my OP...

I was PM'ing another member (another forum) about the concept, he seemed to think it was workable with a few caveats.

I'm favoring the instrument cluster off a S2/S4 type bike... it's the newest pre-all digital cluster I can find that looks like it would be fairly easy to mount up.

Does anyone know:

1)  Does the cluster read directly from the speed and tach pickups, or are they routed through an ECU?
2)  Has anyone stripped their instrument cluster off completely and the bike still ran? (Digital cluster)

[ducpainter]

The two clusters/ecu's are from different manufacturers.

You have a Siemens , I think, ecu, and the S2R/S4R was Magnetti Marelli.

I believe the Magnetti read speed from a wheel sensor and rpm from the ecu.

I'm not going to be much help.

I am skeptical...prove me wrong.

[Charlie98]

The two clusters/ecu's are from different manufacturers.

You have a Siemens , I think, ecu, and the S2R/S4R was Magnetti Marelli.

I believe the Magnetti read speed from a wheel sensor and rpm from the ecu.

No, you are correct...  but what I'm wondering is if the raw signal from the sensors of the newer 796 would 'read' on the older Magnetti cluster, bypassing the Siemens ECU.

[Speeddog]

Your bike has the 'comb' style trigger wheels, such that it can do the ABS.

MM gauges are looking for either 4 or 6 pulses per wheel revolution, depending what bike they're from.

IMO, no.

[Charlie98]

Your bike has the 'comb' style trigger wheels, such that it can do the ABS.

MM gauges are looking for either 4 or 6 pulses per wheel revolution, depending what bike they're from.

IMO, no.

That's the info I needed to know.  The more I look into this... the worse it gets.

I wish someone would make an aftermarket analog pod that would swap right in...  Seems like it would be easy enough.  You could have your cake (analog, easily readable gauges) and eat it, too (diagnostic info, etc.)

[koko64]

I don't mean to be cheeky suggesting this, but why don't you grab an old M900 and do a retro style project with it as a second more classic styled bike? Have one of each, modern and retro .

[Charlie98]

I don't mean to be cheeky suggesting this, but why don't you grab an old M900 and do a retro style project with it as a second more classic styled bike? Have one of each, modern and retro .

Because there is only so much room in the garage!  If I were to get another Duc, it would most likely be a track bike or a Multi.  Yes, I'm aware how diametrically opposed those two are.  Your idea does have it's merits, however...

[koko64]

We do our best here to enable 

[DarkMonster620]

Once ECU is reflashed you can install one of these,
http://motogadget.com/en/analog-gauges/analog-tacho-classic/chronoclassic/chronoclassic.html

[kopfjäger]

That's just a tach. I thought he was looking for an analog speedo (?)

[Charlie98]

That's just a tach. I thought he was looking for an analog speedo (?)

Yes.  I wish Ducati would make the speed as noticeable as the tach... the tach is fine.

Those MotoGadget dials are nice, and that's actually what got me thinking about a swap in earnest.  Aftermarket may be the better way vs the Ducati gauges... it might wind up being easier.

[kopfjäger]

I run one, never looked back.

[Charlie98]

I run one, never looked back.

You don't have rearview mirrors?   

Well, I just don't know how compatible they would be with the Siemens ECU...