Since installing my vacuum gauge (
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=878) I have found that the reading is far too variable to be of any more use than a very vague reference point.
I hardly look at it anymore since I kind of know where it is sitting at any given point. However, I keep it installed since it also acts as a diagnostic tool (and it looks kind of cool).
Vacuum at idle is largely dependent on ambient and engine temperature. When I first installed the gauge it was cooler outside and my first test was with the engine cold. On a hot day with the engine warm the gauge hovers around 19 in. Hg without a problem (17 to 22 is normal for cars - I have no clue what is normal for a bike).
So, overall I guess I'm trying to say that you can try to keep the needle at a certain point, but even
slight throttle changes, inclines, declines, and rpm highly affect the reading.