Buying Trailtech computer, do I need billet protector? comments?

[wrkaholic]

Guys, I am adding a trailtech computer (endurance) to my WR426. I have the headlight removed with a YZ number plate. My handlebars are renthals. I am thinking that I only need the stock handlebar mount. The billet mount is expensive, and I am not convinced I need it. Any comments on guys owning them out there. Thanks in advance for any advice. ?

[trailriderjoe]

I wouldn't put one on without the billet surround!

The computer itself isn't very strong, it's just a plastic shell. Oh by the way, if you start to eat batteries (like I did last fall) take it apart and clean it especially down around the keypad. Water and dirt I suspect were shorting it out and killing battery life. Since the bath in October I haven't used up a pair of batteries. Before I was knocking them out at about a pair every two weeks!

[Jim_bo]

I put one on my son's bike without the protector. First fall, it broke off and he lost it. $70 down the drain.

Jimbo

[Indy_WR450]

Agreed they are very delicate and you must get the billet protector. Also remove the trailtech for washing your bike. ?

[JVP]

Buy it or wreck it! ?

[emcdan]

Mine got yanked off by a small vine after about one month. Never even knew it was missing. Ended up buying a new computer and the billet holder. It is necessary! I have smacked a few trees since that would have destroyed it again.

[Dan_Lorenze]

I have many friends that have owned Trailtechs.. They're nice at first but after a few good rides they rattle apart and stop working. My dad and brother both agree, they're glorified (s?) bicycle computers that don't hold up...

Dan

[dez4ever]

I have many friends that have owned Trailtechs.. They're nice at first but after a few good rides they rattle apart and stop working. My dad and brother both agree, they're glorified (s?) bicycle computers that don't hold up...

Dan

Hey Dan,

I've got better than 5000 miles on mine and I do pretty much the same kind of riding you do (lots of wide open desert & lot of technical stuff) and I have not had one problem to date with mine...it has even had a couple of good end over end crashes and it still works like the day I put it on.

Just my .02

[PBDBLUE]

I have many friends that have owned Trailtechs.. They're nice at first but after a few good rides they rattle apart and stop working. My dad and brother both agree, they're glorified (s?) bicycle computers that don't hold up...

Dan

Actually I had a few problems at first but after I mounted the Trailtech solid to the handlebar clamp I've had no more problems. I think if it's not mounted solidly to the bike it vibrates excessively and shakes itself apart. I'm using an aluminum bracket that I fabricated myself but I think the billet protector will work well too.

[Indy_WR450]

Mine is a year old and still on the original battery. It still displays well. I do have rubber mounted handle bars that may reduce vibration. ?

[PBDBLUE]

Actually I used to have mine mounted on rubber but found a certain engine RPM's it would start vibrating severely. I went to a solid mount and that actually reduced the vibration significantly. Whatever works ?

[SBG]

I like the trailtech, but I've found the weak link to be the wires where the shrink tube is. Mine got weakened from the suspension cycling and that is the weakest area and split on me. The wires should be a bit heavier in that area, or the shrink tube should have a spring pushed around it so it doesn't collapse and weaken.

I have to agree that they are over glorified bike computers too, but I guess it depends on how they are mounted whether it will last or not. I also recommend dialectric grease on the contact areas, and you can actually run a bead of rtv around the unit where it slides into place to keep water ot and help dampen vibes.

[PBDBLUE]

Also I think the Endurance model is somewhat more durable than the older model.

[Pooley]

I've had my computer (without protector) for 2 years with about 2000 miles on it, all in singletrack and forest road connectors. I've had my share of get-offs, run-ins with trees and even pretended to be a submarine once or twice. My computer still works, and has used only 1 battery. I have the computer mounted right behind the headlight/number plate so it is very well protected. I used the Trailtech supplied adjustable, handlebar mount with a strip of rubber innertube around the bar to mount it. I have little to no diffuculty reading this at just about anytime its safe to look down, even at 85mph. The billet protector may help but so far I haven't needed one.

[JVP]

I had trouble at first with a bad Computer. TrailTech replaced it without any problems. It has so far worked good after 600+ miles. I agree it is a glorified bike computer, but it is nice to know when you are going to run out of gas on those long rides. ? Use the Dilectic grease on the contacts.

[PumpkinHumper]

Keep simple green far away from your trailtech. It does bad things to the display.

I have had one for over 2 years with no problems. Same batterie still.

[wrkaholic]

Well, I picked up the Trailtech order with the billet protector last night - I get 15% off at a local shop. I have not finished the install, but, I can tell you that the billet protector is really, really nice. A real quality piece. The price is high, but, at least you get a great piece of aluminum. I mounted the computer and billet protector to the handlebar clamps and this is a nice setup. I have my light and stock odo removed with a YZ number plate and this new setup with the trailtech looks nice, very functional and readable. I have not done the pickup yet. I got home late last night. Bottom-line, the computer is very small, light, and delicate, I cannot see mounting that on my dirt bike without the alum. mount/protector. Without it, in time, I am sure I would break it.

BTW, another nice feature of the aluminum mount is that you can "easily" release the computer from the mount using a tab. No wires to disconnect or anything like that. A great feature when washing the bike. I will let you know more when I get the thing working. ?

[wrkaholic]

BTW, does anyone know the computer settings for a Dunlop 756 front tire - 100/80/21? I would like to get the speed ? as accurate as possible. Thanks in advance.

[Desracer]

The sender pickup to the magnet can cause many different settings. I run the preset one in the computer and its right on when its working right. Be sure to run the sender cable up the brake line past the middle of the bike then curl back the keep the strain off the cable wires. Make sure to put in the small black spacer over the billet mount as per instructions or it will break.