When did digital speedometers become popular?

[TomThrust]

I remember sportbikes when they had 180-200mph. I quit paying attention to bikes for a few years and now they all seem to have the analog tach and digital speedometer.

Is it just to keep the front windscreen smaller or is it seen as more advanced to be digital?

I kinda liked the dial speedometer, but that surely wouldn't stop me from buying a new bike.

[88LX50]

the digital ones are more accurate and more efficient for space under the screen. I personally prefer the analog for ease of reading though.

[ThreeFingerPete]

why do you like the analog? Once you get used to it, you can't beat the ease of the digital speedo, IMO.

however, i gotta have an analog style tach, it just looks wrong without it.

[88LX50]

i prefer the analog speedo b/c i dont have to read anything, I can just look at its general position in a glance plus it is also what I learned on, and everyone knows that when you learn one way, its hard to like any other.

[ScottJ]

The R6/R1 (1999/1998) had the digital speedo since their respective inceptions I believe. I believe FIRMLY that the tach should remain analog on bike instruments. For that reason I don't care so much for the new Kawasaki gagues..course thats a pretty minor thing.

[ThreeFingerPete]

I don't think that's minor, it's the part of the bike you look at most if you ride it.

i can't see how you can possibly read the kawi's tach at all, unless it's pitch black outside.

that's actually what made me put the z1000 out of the running when i was looking.

[TomThrust]

I think the guages are importand too. If you don't think they look cool then it takes away a little of the enjoyment of the bike. Kinda like how some people think you need to eliminate the rear fender to make the bike look cooler even though it has zero effect on performance and you don't even see it when you're riding.

[BottleRocket]

Gauges always need to be digital speedo and analog tach. It just works

[88LX50]

Gauges always need to be digital speedo and analog tach. It just works

unless your bike doesn't have that setup, then you take what you got and like it. :)

[ThreeFingerPete]

lol, yup.

[sickwindsor]

I try not looking at the speedometers cause when it really matters your want your eyes in front of you so it didnt really matter to me cause i had a digital.But if I did want it at a glance id want the analog.

Luke