Product Reviews

Product/Service: DataTool DG8 Digital Gear Indicator
Manufacturer/Provider: mfr-Acumen sold through-Revlimiter Racing
Reviewed by: Jeff Kufalk

Whether racing or street riding, there is a definite benefit in knowing exactly what gear you are in. Modern sportbikes are lacking this functionality in the instrumentation. However, the DataTool DG8 now fills that gap.

I talked to Shane from Revlimiter Racing and he indicated that he had the newest version of the DigiGear (the DG8). I ordered it from him and it arrived about 3 days later.

What's in the box:

Simply enough, the DG8 device, an instruction manual, a few zip ties and some mounting materials.

Installation:

Probably the most difficult portion of the installation is determining where the device should be mounted. Looking at available areas, I opted for the fairing stay, right next to the gauge cluster. The cable for the device comes straight out the back which makes mounting a little awkward, but it's manageable.

All of the wiring necessary on the bike is available at the main wire harness by removing the left top panel which goes from the tank cover to the upper fairing. Wiring is as follows (for the 2003 cbr600rr):

 
Item
Tacho
Speedo
Ignition
Neutral
Ground
DG8
Brown
Orange
Red
Green
Black
Wire Harness
Yellow/Green
Pink/Green
Black/Brown
Lt Green/Red
Green

To connect, do NOT cut these wires! Simply use a razor blade to strip out a portion (about 1/2") and then connect the DG8 wires. The connections MUST BE SOLDERED! I tried simply wrapping the wires and programming to ensure I had the correct wires, but this did not work. The connections were not good enough. Once I soldered and taped them, everything worked fine.

Programming:

Programming is simple, just follow the instructions. Basically, you reset the box into a "learn" mode, tell it how many gears you have, then fire it up and slowly cycle through the gears on a rear stand while the box learns the ratios. I didn't have to exceed 2k RPMs in any gear in order for the box to learn the gear. It was all quite simple.

The end result:

Manufacturer Boasts:

The Datatool Digital Gear Indicator is suitable for use on motorcycles equipped with an electronic speedometer and electric rev counter. The system relates the electronic pulses between the two, and once installed and setup, indicates the gear ratio selected.

The factory has released a new version for cable drive speedos like Ducatis. (You still need to have an Electronic Tacho.) Instant digital indication of gear in use.

Suitable for use with any motorcycle fitted with electronic speedo and rev counter.

Where can you get yours?

Talk to Shane from RevLimiter Racing who is a proud sponsor of this site! Let him know you read this review here!

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