Speedo Computers..... Which one?

[meanstrk]

I am in the market for a good computer such as the Sigma bicycle set up, but am looking for something that is viewable at night as well. Seems that most of these set ups do not have back lighting, but this is going to be a requirement for my use.
 
Anyone try a set up that has backlighting in it?
 
I see that I had to reregister as well...... I guess everyone had to, huh?

[VAX]

Rider Werehouse has a light/computer combo at this url:
 
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Sigma-Speedometer-p-17158.html

[meanstrk]

I did see that one, but the light is a seperate item on that unit.
 
I am looking at the Vetta 110 20 unit now. It is also wireless and has a backlight in it.
 
Reason I am looking for one is because it seems that the dash on my Aprilia has taken a dump on me and I need to be able to have, at the very least, speedo and odometer functions, but I also need to be able to see it at night!
 
Thanks!

[bubba zanetti]

Have you thought of just going for a used simple GPS? You can get all the bike computer's information, plus more.

Check out a used Garmin or Magellan. I have a Magellan Explorist 300 I got as a gift from a travel agent. I see them going for $75 -100 and there are many cheaper units out there. The maps are mediocre in mine compared to modern units. Though  I can navigate fairly well on most major roads. But for altitude, speed etc they are great and I have come to enjoy having it along on even short trips.

[slowduc]

i'm not sure of the vetta's capabilities, but make sure it has a high enough top speed for whatever you are doing. i used to have one on one of my bicycles years ago and remember the magnet being a ring which probably will not work on a motorcycle.
 
i have a sigma bc906 which i am still working with (the way i have it set up, i need a more powerful magnet to get it to read). it's not wireless because the wire is just barely long enough for use on my bike. i've heard the wireless computers will pick up (or cause?) interference from your bike's electrical stuff. i'm not sure if that's true or not, but it's something to keep in mind. i plan to do a write up once i get everything working perfectly.
 
anyway, here's a backlit sigma computer which seems like it would do the trick for you:
http://www.sigmasport.de/en/produkte/bikecomputer/topline_wired/bc1606l/?punkt=features
 
they also offer wireless versions if you want to go that route.
 
and since you have a pasta rocket, you can also set the language to italiano if you're into that sort of thing.

[meanstrk]

I was looking at the Vetta 110 20 which seems to have everything I would need. How is the visibility with the lighting? Are the numbers easy to read at a glance?
 
I am thinking that a wired set up will be the best way to go with all the fairings this thing has.....

[etachell]

I would also opt for the GPS unit.  Get a cord and plug to run it off the bike's electrical system.  Most units have a setting for the backlight to stay on at all times.

[meanstrk]

Two problems associated with GPS are:
1. Cost. GPS, even a cheap one, will not be as cheap as I want to deal with
2. Instant speed update. It takes a moment for the speed to update on GPS and that moment is when I could be getting busted for not knowing "exactly" how fast I am going. I have seen first hand where GPS did not update as fast as the rider was going and need instant update capability. I don't care about mapping and all that stuff, but rather, DO need the speedo and odo readings.
 
I can get the cycle computers for anywhere from $20 up to "the sky is the limit" and would prefer to keep it under $50 if possible. Biggest problem I have with the cheaper units is:
1. Battery powered.
2. Back light time out to conserve battery power.
 
I suppose I could deal without the back light if absolutely neccessary since I really don't ride at night much anyways, and then it's more of a "by braile" style of speed maintenance anyways, with the occasional glance.
 
Thanks for all the assistance so far! Keep the ideas coming! I HATE to have my beloved Futura parked for any length of time due to this crap.

[mtrider16]

http://www.trailtech.net/motorcycle_home.htm
 
I have just bought a Vapor as the Endurance didn't have a back light.  The endurance works pretty good, I think I need to adjust my magnet location though, as it acts up when I am over 75mph.
 
David

[JonS]

I put a Sigma on my Honda because I wanted more info that the old insturments gave. It works great! The best twenty$ I've ever spent on a bike. As stated, the Sigmas are the only ones that will go as fast as a motocycle. Mines wired as the remote ones are very limited. I made a little bracket to hold the sensor close to the wheel. I don't think that is necessary on all bikes though.

[jschmidt]

Worth a look:
http://www.electrosport.com/electrosport_speedo_3900.html

Or here:
http://www.aimsports.com/moto/index.html

[Global Rider]

Problems associated with GPS are:

Instant speed update. It takes a moment for the speed to update on GPS and that moment is when I could be getting busted for not knowing "exactly" how fast I am going. I have seen first hand where GPS did not update as fast as the rider was going and need instant update capability. I don't care about mapping and all that stuff, but rather, DO need the speedo and odo readings.

Not trying to sell you on a GPS, but FYI, Garmins update every second. Any digital readout speedometer updates at a given rate...usually every second.

So when you're accelerating hard, your "instantaneous" velocity isn't displayed on any speedo computer.

[KillerB]

I've installed the Sigma on the last 3 bikes I've owned.  It gives you all the things the GPS does for a fraction of the price.  

The best thing about it is that when I walk away from the bike I don't have to disconnect and take my Sigma with me so it doesn't get ripped off.  I wouldn't be leaving my GPS sitting on the bike while I'm at work for 8 hours.

[Shane]

IIRC, Sigma now sells one that has an incorporated backlight.

I just didn't want to spend the extra ten bucks.

Have Sigma's on both bikes, wouldn't do without, even with GPS too.

YMMV,
Shane

[slowduc]

The best thing about it is that when I walk away from the bike I don't have to disconnect and take my Sigma with me so it doesn't get ripped off.

neither do i  
since the sigma twists off the mount, no one's taking this one unless they're in for a challenge.  now, if they happen to have a cordless drill and the correct bit, i guess they can drill out the rivets and i'm screwed.  if they DO get it, i'm not all that worried since the computer is only $20.