Adapting vintage speedometer to my bike?
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: Houston, TX
Adapting vintage speedometer to my bike?
I am interested in adapting an old HD speedo onto my '05 Deluxe. Something from the 1941-1967 era... Is this even possible? Is there some type of adaptor that will make it work? Thanks for any help!
PS I already posted this in the tech forums, but I get so few answers over there compared to when I post here.
PS I already posted this in the tech forums, but I get so few answers over there compared to when I post here.
Last edited by spike95; Aug 16, 2008 at 02:12 AM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 29,598
Likes: 19
From: Oregon
I don't know. You don't have a mechanical drive gear for the sending unit.
Some of the older bikes picked up the signal with a front wheel drive gear. You might be able to adapt that and a cable up to the housing. I don't know how far you'd have to go in adapting that front end. I'd try to get a good look, even if pics, of the correct vintage bike's front wheel.
Right now your pickup is electronic and it's in the top of the tranny.
You also get your turn signal canceling from that same unit at the tranny so you might want to leave that in place and try to add the front wheel parts, cable and speedo.
I believe Harley switched from mechanical to electronic speedos in the earlier 90's. I know my 86 Heritage is mechanical. That means it has a pointer needle for the speed and and mechanical odometer. You might be able to adapt that equipment and then just change the face (dial) on the speedo rather than the whole speedo.
I do believe that Harley at least not long ago offered a nostalgic style electronic speedo but I don't remember where I saw it. Someone else here will know. It still didn't have a sweep needle or mechanical odo, I believe.
Some of the older bikes picked up the signal with a front wheel drive gear. You might be able to adapt that and a cable up to the housing. I don't know how far you'd have to go in adapting that front end. I'd try to get a good look, even if pics, of the correct vintage bike's front wheel.
Right now your pickup is electronic and it's in the top of the tranny.
You also get your turn signal canceling from that same unit at the tranny so you might want to leave that in place and try to add the front wheel parts, cable and speedo.
I believe Harley switched from mechanical to electronic speedos in the earlier 90's. I know my 86 Heritage is mechanical. That means it has a pointer needle for the speed and and mechanical odometer. You might be able to adapt that equipment and then just change the face (dial) on the speedo rather than the whole speedo.
I do believe that Harley at least not long ago offered a nostalgic style electronic speedo but I don't remember where I saw it. Someone else here will know. It still didn't have a sweep needle or mechanical odo, I believe.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
Rather than fooling around with a mechanical speedo get a different face for your electronic one. There are businesses that will put anything you want on there, including an old tombstone or similar design.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
Now this is one I have not tackled yet. I don't own 'new' iron, or I prob'ly would have by now. It would be one of those, no way I can afford to pay someone to do it, projects. (which all mine are) Stuff like this gets super time consuming. Hunt and peck, put it together, take it apart. But it is fun, and the results are usually way good.
I'd use JBake's approach, but right now, without investigating it, absolutely no idea what you are looking at for $$, but talking front wheel modification or replacement, etc.
I retroed the 78, to include the pre-67 speedo. Matches the tombstone taillight. But for me, simple change out of base plate and speedo. 1488 on the clock of my "NEW" scoot.
My ONLY complaint, no one makes a decent tank bib for the pre-67 speedos any longer, that looks worth a chit, or matches the new saddlebags, etc. But Casper's Leather should be able to stitch one up for it this winter, and we do our own spots and conchos.
BUT I like the way you think. Sure, you could just change the face on the electronic, but EVERYONE does that. Go for it. I would, but then I have been known to do some off the wall chit, and believe me, NOT all of it turns out good. But what a learning curve life has been.
I'd use JBake's approach, but right now, without investigating it, absolutely no idea what you are looking at for $$, but talking front wheel modification or replacement, etc.
I retroed the 78, to include the pre-67 speedo. Matches the tombstone taillight. But for me, simple change out of base plate and speedo. 1488 on the clock of my "NEW" scoot.
My ONLY complaint, no one makes a decent tank bib for the pre-67 speedos any longer, that looks worth a chit, or matches the new saddlebags, etc. But Casper's Leather should be able to stitch one up for it this winter, and we do our own spots and conchos.BUT I like the way you think. Sure, you could just change the face on the electronic, but EVERYONE does that. Go for it. I would, but then I have been known to do some off the wall chit, and believe me, NOT all of it turns out good. But what a learning curve life has been.
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