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How to: A Streetfighter Speedometer Solution w/ Pics
This is a write-up on how to install a bicycle computer on your Katana. These are cheap and quite useful as you calibrate it to your front wheel size, meaning even if you change sprocket sizes the speedo will be unaffected. I chose to go with the Sigma Sport BC 1606L. It has a clock, adjustable odometer capable of 99xxx miles, and gives some neat information such as average speed, max speed (claimed accurate up to 180mph), and has several other cool features. I ordered it from ModernBike.com for $32 shipped. Whichever one you choose be sure to get the wired one, the alternator can interfere with the wireless models. Sigma's computers are very popular as even the older models are proven accurate above 160mph.
Now for the install. Total time: ~30minutes
First you must decide where to mount it. The unit comes with a magnet fitted for a spoke. I broke the plastic shroud from it and removed the bare magnet. Next I decided to test a few mounting positions. I found just inside the rotor to work sufficiently. I used some wire to hold the magnet and sender in place, spinning the front wheel to make sure I wouldn’t rip anything off when I got things where I wanted. Once content I mixed some JB Weld and put a good coat over the magnet (clean everything first). You should allow this to cure for at least a couple hours (I left mine to sit overnight), and don’t be afraid to cover the magnet as it will still read.
Now for the mounting of the pickup sensor. I chose to secure this with JB Weld as well. Once again I used wire to test positioning. The instructions state the max mounting distance from the magnet should be no more than 5mm. I placed mine as close as I felt comfortable, spun the wheel and watched to make sure it was picking up a signal. I removed the small pad on the back, cleaned the area, and slapped some epoxy on it. I gave a nice tug on the wire to make sure nothing would move overnight while it cured.
It's up to you to decide where to mount the computer end of this. The holder has a curved back that fits nicely on the handlebar w/ the included double-backed tape. I plan to use an LED for lighting at night, as I don't like having to hit a button for the backlight to stay on 3 seconds. Keep in mind that depending on the model and mounting location you may have to extend the sender wire, mine has about 2 inches of slack to it as it sits.
To calibrate wheel size you measure the circumference of your wheel and enter it as millimeters into the computer. I secured some measuring tape to the center and wrapped it around by spinning the wheel. My measurement came out as 1897mm, your measurement may vary. It is recommended to double check calibration by GPS, stock speedo, or a friend in a car.
Overall I find this to definitely be a worthwhile mod. I could not use the stock speedometer due to installing dual headlights, but even with the factory speedo its nice to have one of these for the features. The Sigma Sport BC 1606L even memorizes and detects settings for 2 different bikes. This requires an extra $10 sender unit, but is convenient if you want to use it on a bicycle or another motorcycle. Takes 5 seconds to swap.
Now for the install. Total time: ~30minutes
First you must decide where to mount it. The unit comes with a magnet fitted for a spoke. I broke the plastic shroud from it and removed the bare magnet. Next I decided to test a few mounting positions. I found just inside the rotor to work sufficiently. I used some wire to hold the magnet and sender in place, spinning the front wheel to make sure I wouldn’t rip anything off when I got things where I wanted. Once content I mixed some JB Weld and put a good coat over the magnet (clean everything first). You should allow this to cure for at least a couple hours (I left mine to sit overnight), and don’t be afraid to cover the magnet as it will still read.
Now for the mounting of the pickup sensor. I chose to secure this with JB Weld as well. Once again I used wire to test positioning. The instructions state the max mounting distance from the magnet should be no more than 5mm. I placed mine as close as I felt comfortable, spun the wheel and watched to make sure it was picking up a signal. I removed the small pad on the back, cleaned the area, and slapped some epoxy on it. I gave a nice tug on the wire to make sure nothing would move overnight while it cured.
It's up to you to decide where to mount the computer end of this. The holder has a curved back that fits nicely on the handlebar w/ the included double-backed tape. I plan to use an LED for lighting at night, as I don't like having to hit a button for the backlight to stay on 3 seconds. Keep in mind that depending on the model and mounting location you may have to extend the sender wire, mine has about 2 inches of slack to it as it sits.
To calibrate wheel size you measure the circumference of your wheel and enter it as millimeters into the computer. I secured some measuring tape to the center and wrapped it around by spinning the wheel. My measurement came out as 1897mm, your measurement may vary. It is recommended to double check calibration by GPS, stock speedo, or a friend in a car.
Overall I find this to definitely be a worthwhile mod. I could not use the stock speedometer due to installing dual headlights, but even with the factory speedo its nice to have one of these for the features. The Sigma Sport BC 1606L even memorizes and detects settings for 2 different bikes. This requires an extra $10 sender unit, but is convenient if you want to use it on a bicycle or another motorcycle. Takes 5 seconds to swap.
When you are stopped for a minute or so it will revert to showing the model name and time on the screen, but as soon as you begin moving again it will display speed. Pretty cool because you can compare your trip time and distance when you get to your destination.
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