I am the owner of a Honda motorcycle [CBX1000] who lives in Hiroshima City, Japan. I am posting about FCR carburetor and CBX1000 customization. I also post about things other than cars and motorcycles. We will post information that will make bikers around the world happy.
The recommended installation position for the air-fuel ratio gauge is at the center of the meter.
My website, CBX-LALALA, mainly focuses on tuning FCR carburetors through DIY motorcycle work. I’ve translated and adapted the content from the Japanese website for an English-speaking audience. Here’s the Japanese version below: https://cbx1000.jp
I strongly recommend installing an air-fuel ratio gauge for carburetor tuning. Where do you mount your air-fuel ratio gauge? Many of you probably find yourselves staring at the gauge, especially during high-speed riding. You’re likely checking it constantly. When tuning on a straight road, the changing numbers can become quite distracting.
Let me first share where I have mine mounted. On my CBX1000, I’ve removed the voltmeter and placed the air-fuel ratio gauge at the center of the dashboard. Initially, I had it mounted on the handlebar, but it was inconvenient. In fact, I couldn’t even tune properly that way.
The CBX1000’s design allows for easy installation of the air-fuel ratio gauge without any modifications, simply by swapping out the meter. Of course, you do need to remove and disassemble the meter to get this done.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the best installation locations for the air-fuel ratio gauge and even offer some tips on how to avoid changing the mounting position altogether.
Alright, let’s get started!
Mount it in a position that requires minimal neck or eye movement.
As I mentioned at the beginning, the air-fuel ratio gauge needs to be installed in a highly visible position. When riding a large-displacement motorcycle, maintaining full throttle for just three seconds can easily push you over 200 km/h. At that speed, you can't afford to focus your attention on something like the handlebar switches. It's extremely dangerous and would only worsen the already risky situation of riding at full throttle.
So, where should the gauge be installed? This presents a challenge in terms of placement. If you already have a 52mm gauge, you can simply swap it out. For motorcycles with a fairing, you can mount a bracket inside the fairing to attach the gauge.
The real issue comes with naked motorcycles, where it can be difficult to mount the gauge in a clean and aesthetic manner. One quick solution might be to attach the gauge near the center of the meter using double-sided tape or a bracket. Another option is to make extensive modifications to the meter base to find a way to install it.
However, that's really a last resort.
HONDA CBX1000 air fuel ratio sensor-easily visible place
Here’s the setup on my CBX1000. The devices I have installed to gather external data, including meters, are as follows: ・Dashcam (aftermarket) ・Speedometer (in the stock position) ・Air-fuel ratio gauge (replacing the voltmeter) ・Tachometer (in the stock position) ・Oil temperature gauge (aftermarket)
As for the oil temperature gauge, I initially installed it around the right-hand switch area, but I’ve since relocated it inside the fairing.
Position the necessary gauges at the center of the meter.
The necessary meters differ between racing and street use. On the track, some machines may only have a tachometer installed, based on the idea that monitoring engine RPM is sufficient. However, a speedometer is essential for street use due to inspection requirements.
Since there are speed limits to observe, the speedometer needs to be mounted in a highly visible location. Depending on the motorcycle's intended use, gauges that don't require frequent monitoring can be placed in less visible positions. For example, a voltmeter or oil temperature gauge may only need to be glanced at occasionally, and they don’t fluctuate drastically, so it's not an issue if they're mounted in a spot that's harder to see.
Solution 1: Install a Logger
Some air-fuel ratio gauges come with logging output features, and there are also products available that act as loggers to record motorcycle data. Installing a logger is a highly effective solution. Even if the air-fuel ratio gauge is easily visible, it’s still beneficial to have a logger installed.
With a logger, you can monitor parameters like time and RPM while riding, and later check the recorded data for tuning and performance insights. This means you won’t necessarily have to mount gauges at the center of your dashboard to keep track of essential information.
Below is a logger that I’m interested in installing, though I'm not sure if it's the best recommendation. It’s not a kit, so there may be quite a bit of wiring and minor modifications required. I’ve heard that Moriwaki offers a kit for the Grom. Additionally, the logger requires an Android device for its display.
Solution 2: Install a Bikini Fairing or Windshield
Naked motorcycles typically have a clean look around the meter area. However, this simplicity can make it challenging to add additional gauges without compromising aesthetics. One popular customization for naked motorcycles is the installation of a bikini fairing or a windshield. Essentially, this method allows you to cover up any awkwardly mounted gauges, providing a more cohesive appearance.
This is a highly practical installation approach. Depending on the options you choose, you can find affordable solutions for under 10,000 yen. Furthermore, the installation process is beginner-friendly, making it easy for DIY enthusiasts to handle the mounting themselves.
Install the fairing
Oil temperature gauge – Mounting position
By installing a fairing, you can tuck additional gauges inside, making them less noticeable. In my case, my CBX1000 has a bit of a cluttered look because I’ve added various components with the intention of disassembly. However, if you protect the wiring for waterproofing, it can create a cleaner appearance. Properly managing the wiring not only helps maintain functionality but also contributes to an organized and aesthetically pleasing setup.
Solution 3: Install Low-Profile Gauges
The awkwardness in appearance may stem from the use of cylindrical gauges. An alternative solution is to install square digital gauges, which can provide a more streamlined look. While it may not achieve a completely tidy installation, it can certainly result in a much cleaner appearance compared to forcefully mounting cylindrical gauges.
In many cases, square gauges can be installed more smartly than round ones, making them a viable option for enhancing the overall aesthetic of your motorcycle. This approach allows you to maintain functionality while improving the visual appeal of your setup.
The photo shows the meter area of the YAMAHA XJR400R. Installing a cylindrical air-fuel ratio gauge in the center position of this meter setup would likely not result in a tidy appearance. Instead, opting for a square digital gauge could provide a more cohesive look. This type of gauge can integrate better with the existing design, enhancing the overall aesthetic while still delivering the necessary functionality.
The recommended installation position for the air-fuel ratio gauge is at the center of the meter.【summary】
When installing gauges, each option has its pros and cons, with prices reflecting their performance. Specifically, the costs and modifications required for a logger can present higher hurdles. However, even at a personal DIY level, it's feasible to install these components effectively.
Considering the time it may take to make your motorcycle non-operational for installation and sensor mounting, you could be without your bike for about a month. In this discussion, I've presented three solutions for mounting the air-fuel ratio gauge, ensuring that none should appear awkward.
The primary goal is to safely view the gauge while riding at full throttle. There may be a need to accept some degree of aesthetic compromise in the installation. Alternatively, removing the gauge when not tuning could serve as a fourth solution.
This post focused on the mounting position of the air-fuel ratio gauge. Until next time, see you again!
