Mechanical to Digital Speedometer Conversion
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Adirondacks
Mechanical to Digital Speedometer Conversion
I'm converting a stock '90 FLHS to FLHR configuration. I've got the nacelle fitted up and a tank and instrument console mounted. Time to wire up the instruments. I have to figure out what I'm going to do about a speedometer. I've looked into Dakota Digital and can get a cable drive converter or inductive pickup to drive one of their speedometers. Cost will be $550 plus tax, minimum. Here's the question:
My FLHS has a cable driven mechanical speedometer and my transmission top cover isn't drilled for a speedometer pickup. Does anyone know if I can replace the top cover of my 5 speed transmission with a later model cover that's drilled for the OEM speedometer pickup and have the OEM pickup function with my 1990 transmission internals. I don't know what the sensor specifically detects within the transmission. If that would work I could then wire up the OEM sensor and use it to drive a stock Harley speedometer. It looks like that would be a whole lot cheaper than the Dakota Digital route which I'll do if I have to.
There's no realistic way to mount a mechanical speedometer into a Road King instrument console and I don't want to go to split tanks.
Thanks.
Frank
My FLHS has a cable driven mechanical speedometer and my transmission top cover isn't drilled for a speedometer pickup. Does anyone know if I can replace the top cover of my 5 speed transmission with a later model cover that's drilled for the OEM speedometer pickup and have the OEM pickup function with my 1990 transmission internals. I don't know what the sensor specifically detects within the transmission. If that would work I could then wire up the OEM sensor and use it to drive a stock Harley speedometer. It looks like that would be a whole lot cheaper than the Dakota Digital route which I'll do if I have to.
There's no realistic way to mount a mechanical speedometer into a Road King instrument console and I don't want to go to split tanks.
Thanks.
Frank
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Poolville
No you cannot just drill the cover.. infact the mounting area for the sensor is in the trans case. You would have to replace the case. Or if you go to a Baker OD6 builders kit the trap door can receive the hall affect pickup for the digital Speedo.. but then again I done believe Baker makes a builders kit for a 90 trans..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Feb 22, 2020 at 08:49 PM.
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From: Anywhere we stop
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 156
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From: Adirondacks
Thanks guys. I don't have easy access to a bike with a later model 5 speed so obviously didn't know where the sensor was. I guess the hole in the top cover must be for a shifting/gear indicator. I'm going to end up going the Dakota Digital route and will try the cable drive converter that MountainKowboy linked. If that doesn't work out I'll have to use one of the Dakota Digital inductive pickups for the rear wheel.
Appreciate the help.
Frank
Appreciate the help.
Frank
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 320
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From: Hudson Valley
GPS speed sensor would work, too with the electronic speedo of your choice, you could pick up a used speedo off a road king or a drag or twin reproduction
Dakota digital makes them
intellitronix is made in the USA for under $100
lots of made in China on amazon for cheap
Dakota digital makes them
intellitronix is made in the USA for under $100
lots of made in China on amazon for cheap
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 156
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From: Adirondacks
I've read that the GPS speedometers can lose the GPS signals at times in cities, dense forest, etc. Any accuracy to that claim?
Thanks.
Frank
Thanks.
Frank
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From: Brighton, MI
I don't have a gps speedo, but I have a few different types of GPS (auto, hiking, etc) and yes you can lose signal. However, that signal loss only really lasts a minute or two when walking. Probably half that time while moving in a car or motorcycle. YD
Novice
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Alabama
I haven't had a problem with my Speedhut losing signal. But I live in Lower Alabama where there isn't much in the way of high rises and tall dense forests.
Doug