Motosens?

[pago cruiser]

I sent these guys a request for gauges last week, and have not heard anything.  Their website appears functional.  Anybody ordered anything from them lately successfully?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I think they quit making them a year or two ago.

[MP]

I think they quit making them a year or two ago.

It was reported that because of demand, they started up again.  But, I do not know this for a fact.

MP

[R J]

Is there a phone # on their website?

If so, pop for a phone call and get the answer from the straight scoop so to speak.

[pago cruiser]

Thanks guys.  Guess I'll try my German this morning...

[1500Rider]

The company was bought out and started up again but no longer has a North American outlet or representative. A friend recently went about ordering some gauges but had to contact the fellow in Germany and could only order some via money order as they were not set up for internet transactions. That may have changed recently but I do not know for sure.

In any case, it was a lengthy process and any correspondence to the new owner needed to be translated to German. Might want to fire off another email and have it translated by one of the available online translators.

[pago cruiser]

Dang.
I missed my window this am, guess I'll google translate tonight to send my order again, and call in the am b4 I leave for work.
Dang again.  Maybe that's why the "Dealers" section of the site is blank...

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dang.
I missed my window this am, guess I'll google translate tonight to send my order again, and call in the am b4 I leave for work.
Dang again.  Maybe that's why the "Dealers" section of the site is blank...

If you have success getting the gauges let us know. I'm sure there are a bunch that would be interested in getting some.

[pago cruiser]

meathead
Now there's a thought.  Any way to gauge (he he ) how much interest we could drum up?
Assuming I can reach somebody, and order, oh... 10 fuel gauges and 10 temp gauges at one time might get them motivated...

Any takers?  I'm in for a pair.

Or... I noticed that Autometer has some similar gauges - found them on the Jegs site - www.jegs.com.  #4314 for the fuel level (and the ohms are even close - 0-90 as opposed to Motosens 0-94).  And #4347 for the temp gauge.  They even have little back shrouds for them - #2204.  Anybody been down this route?

[Woton]

Rather than have you search for this post from an earlier thread I'm hopefully pasting a response I submitted earlier in this regard.  I still am enjoying the gauges very much, have not installed the replacement clock but would continue to recommend not purchasing one, and I can only say that persistence with dealing with the German supplier Stephan paid off for me.

Good Luck...

I successfully purchased a Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Voltmeter, and Analog Clock from Motosens, Germany last fall.  The clock was problematic, and I requested and have received a free replacement which I have not yet installed.  The rest have worked well, but the water temp gauge has indeed fogged once since the install.  It cleared up and has not appeared to impact on function to date.

This was neither a simple nor inexpensive purchase, but I love the look and performance of the gauges.  And, I am very satisfied personally that I was actually able to make the transaction happen given the process.

First saw the gauges on a Valk at last year's Inzane and really liked the look.  Based on some long ago posts on the VRCC Board I hoped to use the Canadian company that used to carry the products, but heard back from them that they had discontinued the gauges.

So, I emailed Motosens in Bremen, Germany.  There is an English/German "Onlineshop" on the website where you develop your shopping list, but there's no online "shopping cart".  There are surprisingly many choices - analog vs digital, standard vs metric, dial color, bulb illumination color, etc.  Anyway, in the email I made sure that I exactly specified what I wanted, including a diagram of the configuration I wanted them installed in order to receive the right brackets, etc.

Within a week I received an email from Stephan Nielsen/Motosens.  It was in English but very broken.  Still, it was understandable, and detailed to the point where he even questioned my choice of bulb illumination color.  He provided a detailed invoice, mostly in German but with enough English to be clear.  I emailed back with a few questions - deciding to send it both in English and German using Google Translate.  Looking back I honestly believe Stephan appreciated this effort given some of his remarks, but he always replied to me in his broken English.

Wobray is correct - credit cards are not accepted at present.  Wiring the money to a bank in Bremen is the only option available.  That was gut-check time, but I swallowed hard and went to my bank who handled the transaction and charged me $10 for the wire transfer.  The transaction is in Euros.  The bank did question me about the wire transfer (in a good way, trying to look out for my interests) and I've laughed since then that it's hard to tell on how many international watch lists my name now appears!

Kept the bilingual emails flowing as I awaited my package and would always hear back from Stephan within 2-3 days.  Tracking the package through the shipper DHL was another challenge, but it was doable with effort although the information was not timely. My package arrived in about 3.5 weeks.  All was complete, as ordered, and again all functioned fine upon install except for the analog clock - which, even though Stephan sent me a free replacement without returning the faulty one, I would not repurchase if I had it to do over again.

Each gauge was 63 Euros apiece or about $86.  The clock was 41 Euros or $57.  Shipping cost 36 euros.  Total amount wired to Bremen - 474 Euros $670 US.

Have never tried posting photos to the board, but anyone wishing some photos of the gauges installed on the bike please shoot me an email and include other questions if any.  We'll also be at Inzane - in just over a week!!!

In closing, while this was a challenging process which required patience and a willingness to go above and beyond a bit to assure good communication with my German friend, the bottom line is the process worked.  I chose to spend the time and money it took to make this foreign transaction a success.  And again, I really love the gauges - both the look and the feedback I receive from them about the bike.

[BF]

I sent an email to them back around April/May or so.....never heard back. 

Yes, I'd be interested in buying at least two guages with some mounting hardware. 

[doc odin]

I'd be interested in a couple of gauges.  I've been looking at the Motosens gauges for awhile, thinking how great they'd look on my 97 tourer (mine's identical to your's Woton).  So, count me in if anyone is considering ordering some.  Woton, do you have any close up photo's of your bike?

[Woton]

I'm concerned that folks are not hearing back from Stephan.  I typically heard from him within 3 to 4 days of my emails.

Let me shoot some new photos of the gauges on the bike and I'll get them on Photobucket so I can post them to the board. 

Might be Monday or so - looks like a busy weekend.  Carolina Panthers tickets - YAY!   

[Woton]

OK...Let's see if I can post some photos of the Motosens gauges.

The first photo is the original configuration with the analog clock on the left.  I included a scanned diagram of exactly how I wanted the gauges installed on the bike in my email to Stephan at Motosens to make sure I received the proper mounting hardware.  The clock failed almost immediately, and although Stephan sent me another I did not install it.

The second photo is the current configuration.  I moved the water temp gauge to the former clock location.  The clock and thermometer you see on the handlebars are Clocks4Bikes products.  The function great and I also feel they look quite sharp on the bike. 

I would add to my earlier post about the Motosens purchases that the install was straightforward but tedious - mainly the difficulties involved getting the wires routed from Points A to B.

Questions and comments are welcome.

[Gryphon Rider]

Your gauges look great, Kelly.  I would have gone with Motosens if they were available when I put in my Autometer engine temperature gauge.  If I ever switch to an Interstate tank I might still go that route to get their fuel gauge and replace my other hodge-podge of dials with their versions, but I'll have to get my German-speaking sister to help me out.  Being a draftsman, something that leapt out at me is the Marty Feldman effect you've created with your speedo and tach.

[Woton]

Been sitting here ten minutes trying to come up with a snappy response to that...and I just can't come up with one!   

I've always been a bit ambivalent about the look of the visors as opposed to the clean look but they remain on......for now.

Had an airline pilot buddy ride the bike for the first time the other day.  Naturally, he liked all the input from the gauges.   I do wish they were simpler for folks to obtain.

[Yfx4]

Gryphon Rider,

Is that the Kury voltmeter in the center?

I am exploring options for oil pressure and water temp gauges to give better info than the idiot lights on my IS. I have not found anything I really like yet. The motosens ones are the closest I have seen. The actron and stuart warner gauges in the shoptalk section are a bugger to find.

[Gryphon Rider]

Gryphon Rider,

Is that the Kury voltmeter in the center?

I am exploring options for oil pressure and water temp gauges to give better info than the idiot lights on my IS. I have not found anything I really like yet. The motosens ones are the closest I have seen. The actron and stuart warner gauges in the shoptalk section are a bugger to find.

Yes, the voltmeter is Kuryakyn. Look at the various Autometer gauges. There are some cool new ones that have come out in the last few years. I personally see no need for an oil pressure gauge. I don't think oil pressure has ever been an issue for Valkyries.

[sawdustar]

I've been interested and looking at guages for my valk as well....Motosens has been a no contact for me so I gave up on them.

Do I have any other choice than the non-existent Motosens?

[Woton]

Given the challenges folks are having in this regard I have decided to send another of my bilingual emails to Stephan Nielsen in Germany - asking him to respond to me about the current status of his business. 

I will post whether or not I receive a response from him/his company after giving him a reasonable time to reply.

[Firefighter]

I installed three motosens several years ago. I have an Interstate and mounted mine over the vent at the base of the windscreen. Volt, water, oil. Made a metal bracket to hold the pod gauges, also have two green lights under the temp. gauge that come on when the fan runs. At that time you choose between different light color, face and needle color, chrome or black, black with chrome bezel, pod or surface mount, etc. Mine were supposed to match the IS. They work great, I always know what is going on, especially when in the middle of nowhere. They do fog up a lot, especially early morning, or in certain weather conditions. I always thought it was because I mounted them over the vent and forced moist air into them. The only other complaint is the back light is dim for me, seems dimmer than Valk gauges, but I try not to ride at night anyway. Firefighter

[pago cruiser]

Woton,

Thanks; Your follow thru will be appreciated.  Looks like we have about three sets so far; may be able to gather some more interest if he (Mr Motosens) is interested in a group order.

I never did get the chance to call; and now I'm on the road travelling for work, so it won't happen this week.

Failing that, AutoMeter does have some interesting gauges, but not quite the ...panache... of the Motosens units.  If he is no longer building these, maybe he could share his source?  Maybe; folks are funny about that sometimes.

Regards

[pago cruiser]

Has anybody obtained any further info?

[Woton]

I was planning to report on Monday and give Stephan two weeks to respond, but at this point I have had no reply to my email contact.

Was hoping he would respond to a former customer, and I did advise that other folks were interested in purchasing from him.

If I do get a response I will post to the board.

Bummer...

[Woton]

Over the weekend I received an email from Stephan at Motosens Germany.

Here is his reply...

Hello Kelly,
the disadvantage of an "one-man's enterprise" is, precipitates, the whole company stands still.
I work off just whole e-mails which have come during the last weeks.
Motosens there is furthermore!!

Gruß

Stephan Nielsen

This is typical of his communication.  Still, one can pretty well understand what he is saying.  You can probably see why I always sent my mails to him in both English and German using Google Translate.

He IS still in business.  Why he has not responded to other VRCC members I do not know.  If you are really interested in the gauges perhaps you should try to contact him again.  I was willing to be persistent in this matter and it paid off. 

You may wish to read my longer post from earlier in the thread about the entire process of purchasing the gauges if you have not yet done so.

Good Luck...

[pago cruiser]

Woton,
Thanks for the follow up.  I did indeed read your posts: a bit of perseverance, but it worked out in the end. 
Sure wish someone spoke German on this forum (who wanted some gauges) to make this easier...
I'm still in for a pair (fuel and rad temp) if anyone else is so inclined.

From my email Sept 11:

Looking for Temp and Fuel Gauge for Valkyrie.

Classic line, Housing M (but with white face dials - your pics are confusing),
Illumination White, Fuel 94-3 ohm.
Also water hose adapter G31, and temp sensor G10.
(2) Z 39
(2) Z30
(1) Z50

Anybody else?

[pago cruiser]

Well, I've sent two more emails in the last 4 days.  The last two were in German using Google translate.

If he fails to respond, guess I'll find another path.

Funny business model he uses.  Folks want to throw him money, and he's too... disinterested to catch it?

[Woton]

If you have not already done so why don't you email him the list of the exact items you wish to purchase using the "Onlineshop" price list as your guide.  If you have a specific configuration you wish for the install then rough sketch it out, scan it, and attach it to your email.  Ask him to price the items and to make sure all hardware for your particular installation is included.  The English/German strategy increased my comfort level with the communication and it seemed to work.

This was my basic process, and he did respond to my specific request with an draft invoice for review.  Check the codes for each part closely because I caught an error in the first draft, and enclose further questions with your reply.  Be aware that you can not use a fuel gauge if you do not have an Interstate.

Perhaps his strategy is to only respond to inquiries for pricing a specific order...

Again, good luck...

[pago cruiser]

Yep,
I did.  Here is the English version.  I sent (2) English, then (2) german. 

"Looking for Temp and Fuel Gauge for Valkyrie.

Classic line, Housing M (but with white face dials - your pics are confusing),
Illumination White, Fuel 94-3 ohm.
Also water hose adapter G31, and temp sensor G10.
(2) Z 39
(2) Z30
(1) Z50

Can you please confirm that the gauges come with wiring kit?  All I need are the
connectors at the gauges.

I'm a VRCC member.  Still offer 10% off?"

Still nuttin.  nada.  zip.

Yep again, fully aware the gauge needs a sensor. 

I saw an HD the other day with some silver faced gauges that looked real close to the Valk's.  May try to hunt them down.

Sigh.

[Woton]

I hope you receive a reply and can move forward with your order.

Damn, I missed that 10% discount...

[BF]

Sent another email awhile back........got nothin'.  Even if I could order some, it's just too difficult to communicate with them. 

Forgetting the Motsens and ordered a couple Autometer guages from Summit Racing. 

[pago cruiser]

Hey BF - Could you post what you found/ordered?
I have been trying to find a fuel and temp in 1.5" to 1 5/8".  Seems plenty in 2", not so much in the smaller size.
Sure wish we could determine Motosens's source; a darn shame he just does not want to sell here.

I went to the German ebay site, but could not find him on there either.  I have bought some stuff on that site, without anywhere near the problems with Mr. Motosens. 

[BF]

Hey BF - Could you post what you found/ordered?
I have been trying to find a fuel and temp in 1.5" to 1 5/8".  Seems plenty in 2", not so much in the smaller size.
Sure wish we could determine Motosens's source; a darn shame he just does not want to sell here.

I went to the German ebay site, but could not find him on there either.  I have bought some stuff on that site, without anywhere near the problems with Mr. Motosens.  

The Autometer's may be a bit larger than what you want.  They're 2 1/16".  However, after looking at them, I think they're gonna be a great addition. 

Specifically, I ordered this....

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-1391

this....

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-1385

and two of these....

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atm-2203

Plan to fab my own mounts and mount them spaced apart, one on top of the other, inbetween my speedo and tach.  The voltmeter going on top and will be just a tad higher than the speedo and tach.....and the clock is going under the voltmeter (again....fairly evenly spaced apart from each other) hangin' just a tad lower than the speedo/tach.  

I've already got them.....they came today.  Did a little test fitting to see where they'll look good and figured they'd look pretty sharp mounted there.  

Also ordered a couple "cool white" replacement bulbs from Superbrightleds.com hoping to match the cool white bulbs that I already have in my speedo and tach.  

[James III]

I had tried several times last year and, after Woton and I had conversed via email about the involved process. Also tried after Inzane again but no luck. Really wanted a set of Motosens. If a group order would work I'd be in!

James

[pago cruiser]

BF - No fuel gauge?  No temp gauge?
I like the housings for those; also like that they are steel.  Wish I could find some Valk gauge backs is steel or alum or something; Hard to powdercoat plastic; the plastic melts about the middle of the curing cycle..

[BF]

BF - No fuel gauge?  No temp gauge?
I like the housings for those; also like that they are steel.  Wish I could find some Valk gauge backs is steel or alum or something; Hard to powdercoat plastic; the plastic melts about the middle of the curing cycle..

I didn't order any, but Autometer does have them.

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetail.aspx?gid=4274&sid=17&gnid=-1&zid=2&cid=2&tid=-1&sectionHash=gauge_tab-tab

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugedetail.aspx?gid=2959&sid=17&gnid=-1&zid=2&cid=2&tid=-1&sectionHash=gauge_tab-tab

http://www.autometer.com/cat_gaugeop.aspx?sid=17&tid=&cid=2&zid=2&gnid=#gauge_tab-tab