2013 Fat Bob Speedometer calibration
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 83
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From: In my house
2013 Fat Bob Speedometer calibration
My FXDF's speedometer is off about 4 mph. If the speedometer reads "30 mph", the traffic radar thingy in town reads "26". The radar is accurate, at least when compared with my other vehicles.
I'm not sure how far it is off at other speeds. In other words, I'm not sure if the error is linear across the range of mph readings. I'm getting passed on the interstate when the speedometer reads "75 mph". When I'm in my car and going 75, I'm the one doing the passing... most of the time.
Went to the dealer and asked them what would be necessary to get the speedometer calibrated and they said, "You just live with it. No speedometer reads perfectly." I asked if they could get at the ECM and adjust the speedometer like you can with MasterTune and they said, "No. Harley doesn't let us at the ECM."
I then asked what could be done and they said they'd have to look at the speed sensor or some crap and that if it was faulty, it could be replaced. I said, "Great! That's covered under warranty, right?" They said, "Depends on how far it's off."
I have an appointment on this Thursday for service. Before I drop the motorcycle off, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if a dealer can't get at the ECM to recalibrate the speedometer?
I'm going to call them back later this afternoon and ask if they found out how far the speedometer has to be off before it's considered a warranty issue.
Don't get me wrong, I can live with a small margin of error. But I think 4 to 5 mph off is starting to get in the range where it should be calibrated.
Plus, it's brand new. I'm like that guy from Dyson Vacuum. I just believe things should work properly. That's why I bought a Harley-Davidson
I'm not sure how far it is off at other speeds. In other words, I'm not sure if the error is linear across the range of mph readings. I'm getting passed on the interstate when the speedometer reads "75 mph". When I'm in my car and going 75, I'm the one doing the passing... most of the time.
Went to the dealer and asked them what would be necessary to get the speedometer calibrated and they said, "You just live with it. No speedometer reads perfectly." I asked if they could get at the ECM and adjust the speedometer like you can with MasterTune and they said, "No. Harley doesn't let us at the ECM."
I then asked what could be done and they said they'd have to look at the speed sensor or some crap and that if it was faulty, it could be replaced. I said, "Great! That's covered under warranty, right?" They said, "Depends on how far it's off."
I have an appointment on this Thursday for service. Before I drop the motorcycle off, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me if a dealer can't get at the ECM to recalibrate the speedometer?
I'm going to call them back later this afternoon and ask if they found out how far the speedometer has to be off before it's considered a warranty issue.
Don't get me wrong, I can live with a small margin of error. But I think 4 to 5 mph off is starting to get in the range where it should be calibrated.
Plus, it's brand new. I'm like that guy from Dyson Vacuum. I just believe things should work properly. That's why I bought a Harley-Davidson
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
Most of the cars and bikes I've had have read high by about 10%, like yours does. My Fat Bob does too.
Couple of reasons why the makers do this...To avoid them getting blamed for your speeding tickets and to make it feel as though an under-performing bike is capable of a bit more speed that it is.
Check it at a few speeds with a GPS then just remember to take that off your indicated speed to get your real speed.
Couple of reasons why the makers do this...To avoid them getting blamed for your speeding tickets and to make it feel as though an under-performing bike is capable of a bit more speed that it is.
Check it at a few speeds with a GPS then just remember to take that off your indicated speed to get your real speed.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 215
From: Illinois
I definitly wouldn't worry about being 4 mph under. That's very little difference, anyway it's being 4 mph is when you would need to worry about it. Keep it the way it came from factory unit you ever decide to regear your bike.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake, MN
My Fat Bob speedo is also off. However, being a little under helps when you round a corner and the law man is radar gunning people...
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I didnt realize people looked at the speedos anymore....
FWIW, my 13 Fatbob is off like this also. I hardly speed and Im usually flowing with traffic so I barely look at how fast Im going. Doesnt really bother me if it was off 10mph or just dead alltogether.
FWIW, my 13 Fatbob is off like this also. I hardly speed and Im usually flowing with traffic so I barely look at how fast Im going. Doesnt really bother me if it was off 10mph or just dead alltogether.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,580
Likes: 215
From: Illinois
After I did my 30t front and 70t rear pulley my speedo said I was 9mph faster.
At 69 mph on my bike I was 60 on the GPS.
There has to be an easly accesible adjustment on power commander units for the speedo. Thundermax made it an easy adjustment and they recommended using the GPS method.
At 69 mph on my bike I was 60 on the GPS.
There has to be an easly accesible adjustment on power commander units for the speedo. Thundermax made it an easy adjustment and they recommended using the GPS method.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
generally i've used speedohealer on bikes where the speed is more than a 5mph off at 65.
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