Can a Tachometer be added to the 250 Rebel

[bikeman1969]

I've been tossing the idea of adding a tachometer to my 86 Rebel 250. my question would be is there a pratical reason to do this of is it really not needed. I basicly know when to shift by feel. I assume that, adding a electronic Tach, can be done, as long its made for a motorcycle. I'm interested in any of your thoughts.

I have a totally unreleated question. Being very new at riding, I'm curious as to what is the best way to slow down to a red light or stop sign from a 40+ MPH speed. Should i systmaticly down shift so that the engine's transmission helps to brake the bike to a stop or should i simply pull the clutch in and use a combination of front and rear brakes to slow to a stop.

Thanks for all your past responses. It's good to have a place to like this to get some questions answered.

Brian

[Snorebaby]

Hey bikeman1969!

As for the tach, it is all in what you want to do with YOUR bike. I stress "your" because that is exactly what it is....your bike. Since you are "very new to riding", you will find some folks who will criticize what you have done because THEY don't like it. Just remember it is your bike and it is there to please you and not them (Just a bit of wisdom to share). If that is what you want to do, I don't see why it can't be done.

With stopping from 40+ (under normal conditions) I always use front brake only while downshifting. I usually flash my brake light (2 or 3 times in each gear) while downshifting to alert the cages behind me that I am slowing down. I rarely use my back brake, only when already stopped and I am on an incline and would roll back if I let go of the front brake. I also only use it to ASSIST me in a quick slowdown and can't downshift. I was taught to downshift when I learned to ride, so that is what I do. IMHO, downshifting will put you in the correct gear if needed for emergency purposes.

I am also interested in how others stop from 40+. That is an excellent question!!

[GearJammer]

Great post, Snorey! I absolutely concur with you on the personalizations of one's own bike.

I don't feel a need for a tach & as you mentioned, BikeMan, shifting by feel or sound seems to be sufficient. Have seen Snorey mention the same elsewhere on the boards. But if you desire a tach, it can be done. The most common choice for the 250 Rebel seems to be an inexpensive digital tach. Not sure which brand, but hopefully someone else does ?

On slowing down from 40 mph, I do essentially the same as Snorey does. Light braking with the front brake, downshifting when the rpms are right to utilize the braking effect of the downshift, sometimes alternating between front & rear brake while incorporating the downshifts as well.

The front brake offers the majority of a bike's braking ability. Have seen the braking percentage figures for the front brake go up over the years....60% front/40% rear....70% front/30% rear.....some think even close to 90% front/10% rear (tho' I tend to disagree there, LOL!) Ballpark, I'd guess 70/30 or 75/25.

A very good point made by Snorey is to pump the front brake lightly a few times to signal to anyone behind you that you are indeed braking/slowing down. A bike can theoretically slown down by coasting & downshifting, but we can't expect those behind us to be psychic, LMAO! A few brake light "taps" can give them a head's up & prevent potential disaster.

Another reason I prefer to utilize the front brake a bit more than the rear brake is due to the reality of the braking percentage mentioned. I try not to "overuse" the rear brake in the hopes of conserving brake pad material, which might be needed for emergency stops at whatever point in time.

Bottom line, a combination of front brake/downshift or combo of alternating front & rear brake/downshfit while giving vehicles behind you a head's up with the brake light taps.

[Are (yes it is my name!)]

Here's some info regarding the tachometer: http://www.rebel250.com/rebelforum/viewtopic.php?t=6005&highlight=tachometer

I'm planning on mounting one myself. Just need som cash to get that tach :lol:

Are