Odometer not correct
Odometer not correct
I have a 15 Heritage with the aftermarket HD Speedo/tacho with all the pretty lights features, anyway, on a trip last week we all set our odometers to zero. After about 500 miles or so mine was off by about 20 miles. I zeroed it against highway mile markers and it's losing about 2 miles per 100 miles.
I suppose it's no big deal and it will have lower mileage when I come to sell it.
I suppose it's no big deal and it will have lower mileage when I come to sell it.
I don't know RaSh, my friends said I was traveling faster than their speedos said but I ride fast and led the group most of the way. When I was doing 80/85 they said I was closer to 85/90mph.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
I have a 15 Heritage with the aftermarket HD Speedo/tacho with all the pretty lights features, anyway, on a trip last week we all set our odometers to zero. After about 500 miles or so mine was off by about 20 miles. I zeroed it against highway mile markers and it's losing about 2 miles per 100 miles.
I suppose it's no big deal and it will have lower mileage when I come to sell it.
I suppose it's no big deal and it will have lower mileage when I come to sell it.
2% is not unusual. I track my odometer mileage against my GPS over long distances.
At first I blamed the odometer, but I noticed the variance changed over time and rides so I kept looking.
Long story short, tire circumference is the culprit. In a post long ago I actually went through the math. As tires wear the reduced circumference accounts for the difference.
Actually I've learned that Michelin Commander IIs are right on target when they are new. Others, not so much.
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
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From: Oxford, Nc
Take the time it takes to go between mile markers and divide that number into 3600. So 45 seconds means 3600/45=80 mph. And 50 seconds = 72 mph and 60 seconds = 60 mph. Just divide 3600 by the time.
Who knows, you may have the accurate odometer after all.
2% is not unusual. I track my odometer mileage against my GPS over long distances.
At first I blamed the odometer, but I noticed the variance changed over time and rides so I kept looking.
Long story short, tire circumference is the culprit. In a post long ago I actually went through the math. As tires wear the reduced circumference accounts for the difference.
Actually I've learned that Michelin Commander IIs are right on target when they are new. Others, not so much.
At first I blamed the odometer, but I noticed the variance changed over time and rides so I kept looking.
Long story short, tire circumference is the culprit. In a post long ago I actually went through the math. As tires wear the reduced circumference accounts for the difference.
Actually I've learned that Michelin Commander IIs are right on target when they are new. Others, not so much.
If this is true then every motorcycle would have incorrect odometers as tires wear? Not doubting you it just means you couldn't believe any bike's mileage.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Florida
Go to any motorcycle site and search odometer accuracy. You will see riders from all makes and models complain about it.
It is a real sore spot for the super sport bikes who are try to determine their max speed. They pretty much rely on GPS readings.
The IBA tells riders to be cautious of relying on their odometers and recommend riding additional mileage if they are.
Last edited by Jonesee; Jul 18, 2015 at 09:00 PM.
