Dakota Digital Sportster Gauge Installed

Dakota Digital, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, recently released a 3 3/8-inch digital multifunction gauge for '04-later Sportster and Dyna models. The MCL-3204 gauge ($399.95) is available with either a red or blue display in a black or chrome bezel and features a fully adjustable speedometer from 0-224 mph, an arching tachometer with adjustable shift point that can also be displayed as a digital numeric readout, a gear shift position indicator, odometer with dual tripmeters, voltmeter with low voltage alert, clock, and much more. It even calls your mom when you forget, and it takes your laundry to the cleaners. It's a very handy gauge! So handy in fact, we wanted to install it on one of our Sportys.

Since we switched out the stock fuel tank for a Paughco tank on our '06 XLC1200 Sportster Custom, we needed a new riser setup since there was a clearance issue with the stock risers and new tank. The stock pullback riser and gauge housing on this model hit the Paughco tank, so we needed something new. We liked the look of the riser setup on the Nightster, especially because the top clamp repositions the gauge over the headlamp, which takes the tank clearance issues out of play. We called up The Motor Company and ordered up the two lower risers ($19.43 each), the top clamp and gauge housing ($54.55), and the back speedo cover ($16).

The install was simple. Had we only replaced the stock gauge, installation would have probably taken five minutes. The black bezel gauge and Nightster riser setup will add to the Sporty's blacked-out theme.

1. Here's a look at the MCL-3204 gauge from Dakota Digital with a chrome bezel and a blue digital display. We chose the black bezel with blue display to match the look of the Nightster riser setup and the restof the black bike.

2. The lower risers below, the top clamp with gauge housing above, and the backing plate to the gauge housing top left were exactly what we needed for this project. Because they sit low on the trees, we didn't need to change out the brake/clutch cables or extend any of the wiring.

3. The Sporty's been in mock-up stages for some time now, and the stock riser setup and Paughco tank were already off the bike. We started by bolting the Nightster lower risers to the trees. Then we attached the Nightster top clamp with the gauge housing to the risers.

4. We then took the rubber grommet off the back of the stock gauge and used it for the new MCL-3204 gauge. The new gauge is a true plug-and-play instrument.

5. After placing the new gauge into the Nightster setup and plugging it in, we installed the tripmeter switch (which acts as the main function switch for the new gauge) to the stock backing plate then secured the backing plate into position.

6. Installation of the new gauge/riser setup was done at this time. The blue display is bright during the day and automatically dims at night. You can adjust this feature to make it bright all the time or you can dim it or brighten however you like.

7. As for setting the functions of the new gauge, we simply turned the key and checked out all of the functions by pressing the main switch (stock tripmeter) on the back. The instructions are very thorough on how to calibrate all of the functions. One important thing is that you need to input your actual mileage to the new gauge within the fi rst 100 miles of riding, otherwise you have to send it back to Dakota Digital for it to be done. We're very pleased with the look of the new gauge and riser setup. And for less than $400 bucks, the gauge is well worth the scratch!