Tachometer is an instrument that
measures the speed at which an engine shaft is rotating. The reading is
usually in terms of revolutions per minute. A motorcycle tachometer is similar with
a speedometer in many ways, like construction and operation.
Types of Tachometer
Generally, there are two types of tachometers. They are:
- Contact Type
- Non-Contact Type
Tachometers used in automobiles are similar with the speedometer in
terms of construction and operation. There is also another type of
tachometer which is often connected directly to the shaft of whose speed
it indicates. They are small electric generators whose voltage output,
which is proportional to speed, is applied to a voltmeter whose dial is
adjusted in speed units.
There is yet another type of tachometer which operates by counting the
pulses of current or voltage in the ignition system. They work only for
engines which have ignition system. The readout of a tachometer is
usually in the form of an analog dial. But the digital display types are
gaining popularity.
Maintenance of Tachometer
Though motorcycle tachometers requires minimum maintenance, when there is an
erratic output signal that results in unstable velocity control, they
should be checked.
