Harley speedo question.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Arizona
Harley speedo question.
So I took my 88 Softail out for a good ride now that it is together. Most things seem to be working the way they should but my speedometer is WAY off at highway/interstate speeds.
Around town the speedometer seems to be somewhat close. I got on the nearest highway and thought it was reading fast but wasn't certain because traffic was light and I tend to go quicker than other traffic around me.
I moved on to the interstate and started cruising with the flow of traffic. I believe that I was running around 80 MPH. I glanced down and my speedometer was reading between 100 and 110 MPH.
Once home I pulled the dash cover and confirmed the speedometer had the right ratio for the year. That being said, I don't think the front wheel is original to the bike and it has the wheel driven speedometer. What should I be looking for to fix this? I presume a new drive....
Thanks guys and gals...
Travis
Around town the speedometer seems to be somewhat close. I got on the nearest highway and thought it was reading fast but wasn't certain because traffic was light and I tend to go quicker than other traffic around me.
I moved on to the interstate and started cruising with the flow of traffic. I believe that I was running around 80 MPH. I glanced down and my speedometer was reading between 100 and 110 MPH.
Once home I pulled the dash cover and confirmed the speedometer had the right ratio for the year. That being said, I don't think the front wheel is original to the bike and it has the wheel driven speedometer. What should I be looking for to fix this? I presume a new drive....
Thanks guys and gals...
Travis
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
You must have the correct drive ratio speedometer, and the correct drive unit.
What is the drive ratio of your speedometer, and what model bike is it?
What is the drive ratio of your speedometer, and what model bike is it?
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Feb 1, 2014 at 03:40 PM.
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From: Arizona
Hi Dan... Thanks for the help again...
Its an 88 Softail with the 21 inch front wheel. I have no idea if it started life as a 16" front wheel or a 21". I suspect a 21" because it has a cast rear wheel.
The speedometer is a 2240:60, while not original to the bike I believe that's the correct ratio for the year.
The speedo is tight and not bouncing around. The only thing I can think is that it has the wrong drive at the front wheel. I'm just not sure if I am missing something in my train of thought.
Thanks for your insight.
Travis
Its an 88 Softail with the 21 inch front wheel. I have no idea if it started life as a 16" front wheel or a 21". I suspect a 21" because it has a cast rear wheel.
The speedometer is a 2240:60, while not original to the bike I believe that's the correct ratio for the year.
The speedo is tight and not bouncing around. The only thing I can think is that it has the wrong drive at the front wheel. I'm just not sure if I am missing something in my train of thought.
Thanks for your insight.
Travis
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,096
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From: South Carolina
That is the right speedo ratio for your bike.
The drive unit should also be for a 2240:60.
The size of the wheel actually does not change anything, because the outside diameter of the tires is almost the same for a 16 and a 21.
My parts manual shows P/N 67120-84B for all Softails except the Heritage, which uses P/N 67125-86A. I think the difference is the width of the unit.
The drive unit should have a number on it.
The drive unit should also be for a 2240:60.
The size of the wheel actually does not change anything, because the outside diameter of the tires is almost the same for a 16 and a 21.
My parts manual shows P/N 67120-84B for all Softails except the Heritage, which uses P/N 67125-86A. I think the difference is the width of the unit.
The drive unit should have a number on it.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Feb 1, 2014 at 07:52 PM.
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From: Arizona
Speedo drive was shot. I didn't see a part number on it so I am not sure if it was just incorrect or what the deal was. Works now. All I think it really needs now is to do the base gaskets, they weep a bit. I will wait til the next cold snap to do that. I believe the forks need a oil change as well.... 80 degrees today though and that stuff can wait...
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,693
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From: Ontario Canada
Speedo drive was shot. I didn't see a part number on it so I am not sure if it was just incorrect or what the deal was. Works now. All I think it really needs now is to do the base gaskets, they weep a bit. I will wait til the next cold snap to do that. I believe the forks need a oil change as well.... 80 degrees today though and that stuff can wait...
Maybe should have left it alone then you would have the fastest Harley around.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Livingston, La.
wheels
Your bike came with a 16 inch wheel both front and rear. The 21" front is a new trend that is going on now. Your Evo is doing a common thing for Evo's by leaking at the base gaskets. If you do a search you will find many a story about this problem. Use good gaskets to make repairs and not MOCO ones.
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From: Arizona
I have been fortunate with my other Evo and not had many leaks. My primary is starting to weep a little but not bad at all. I also had the pleasure in discovering that the p/o did no tighten or put locktite on the 4 clutch plate bolts.... I thought I had certainly lost my clutch on the little experience...
I know the 88 Softail was available with a factory 21 but just not certain if mine came with it or not. I don't plan on changing it to a 16 so now that it reads correct I am a happy camper...
I know the 88 Softail was available with a factory 21 but just not certain if mine came with it or not. I don't plan on changing it to a 16 so now that it reads correct I am a happy camper...
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From: South Carolina
Softails have been available with 21 inch front wheels since the year they were introduced (1984), and before that there were 21 inch front wheels on the wide glide.
The new 21 inch trend has been going at least since I was a teenager (and I`m almost 60 now).
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Feb 16, 2014 at 07:26 PM.
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