Shovelhead Speedometer
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Ohio
Shovelhead Speedometer
Hopefully somebody can help me here. Quick background on my bike, its a 1977 FLH, Shovelhead, with a Baker 6-Into-4 transmission. The transmission has a port for an electronic speedo, but it seems that would only work if it was in a newer motor with an ECM, etc. Thus, I've resorted to the fact that I need a mechanical speedo. It hasn't worked since I bought the bike and the trip reset pin is snapped off (no cable, I assume this was due to the transmission swap.) I know you can get a front wheel drive speedo set-up; was wondering if anyone has used these or had any luck with them. I know I need the 2240:60 ratio for my 16" front tire. Also, under the speedo, there is a hole in the frame where it looks like the original cable would've been fed through, but if I were to run a front wheel speedo, it seems like the cable might get in a bind. I haven't really torn everything apart yet (been working on other parts of the bike) but wanted some input. Thanks in advance for any help you all can provide.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Harley used a transmission driven speedo on FLHs up to the early 80s, so that port may be for a cable driven speedo? Mark of Baker occasionally corresponds on HDF, although he may not see this post. I suggest you email or phone him for advice. Baker is a sponsor so bound to be keen to help. If they can advise on a suitable cable speedo drive, the appropriate speedo will naturally follow!
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Ohio
grbrown - Thanks for the insight and response. I agree with your thought that the 'port' is most likely where the old trans. speedo cable would've gone. The new Baker transmission has a provision for electronic speedometers only, so I will have to run a front wheel speedo. I decided to go with a 21" front wheel/tire combo, but if I remember correctly, the 21" has the same 2240:60 ratio as the 16"...? Speedo isn't really a necessity at this point...I can guess haha
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Your's would still be the 2-1 ratio harley didn't go to that oddball 2240:60 nonsense till after 1980 sometime . Check the Vtwin catalog listing on line if I remember they have a chart that what years for which ratio drives . Gonna be off at least 10 to 15 mph anyway you go , always are .
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5th Gear
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From: Ohio
Thanks for the info Twizted. What's the deal with the MPH gap, being 10-15 MPH off?...just cheap stuff, bad design or what? If that's the case and it's pretty much a certainty, then I'm not going to screw with it...only reason I wanted to fix it is just because I want to know how fast I'm going and use it as a reference and maybe keep myself from having any run-ins with law enforcement.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Honestly I think it's a combination of things , gearing changes , belt drives changing the primary ratio's , tires dia. changes and some being aftermarket stuff since the late 70's , the OEM gear was close but never accurate . Don't think I've ever owned one that read within 5mph of right , brit or harley . I've always done a poor mans check with somebody on 4 wheels giving the readings while I checked my mine and I figure the error in when I do pay any attention to the speedo , rode by feel for so many years without speedo's it's reflex .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Mar 29, 2013 at 01:53 PM.
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Ohio
Haha I figured as much. My bike is all stock but the transmission; typical 1977 ~74" Shovel, closed chain primary, Baker 6-Into-4 transmission. I've had the bike for a year now and haven't really paid attention and have used the poor man's method as well. I might just keep doing that and direct those funds elsewhere on the bike. If I get hassled about speed I guess I have an excuse haha... Thanks for the input bud, that's a beaut of a bike you've got yourself.
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