Speedo 2240:60?
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Speedo 2240:60?
I'm bringing a 1981 XL back to life. It has an aftermarket Fat Bob style tank with a dashboard mounted, HD OEM speedometer that is wrecked and I want to replace.
There are no markings on the speedometer to identify the type (1:1, 2:1, 2240:60). When I replaced the front wheel mounted speedometer cable I counted the revolutions it makes at one full turn of the OEM 19" wheel.
The cable turns more than twice for each revolution of the wheel - about 2.3:1 would be my estimate. Is that what a 2240:60 drive does?
Why does this oddball drive even exist?
Thanks!
There are no markings on the speedometer to identify the type (1:1, 2:1, 2240:60). When I replaced the front wheel mounted speedometer cable I counted the revolutions it makes at one full turn of the OEM 19" wheel.
The cable turns more than twice for each revolution of the wheel - about 2.3:1 would be my estimate. Is that what a 2240:60 drive does?
Why does this oddball drive even exist?
Thanks!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 127
From: Iowa
I can tell you that all ironhead sportsters (whether tranny driven or front wheel driven) came from the factory with 2:1 speedometers.
On my '82, my stock speedometer says I'm going about 10% faster than I really am, and my odometer shows I've traveled about 10% farther than I really have. I had to replace my speedo once, and the stock replacement speedo was exactly the same as the original. So 2:1 isn't very accurate, IMHO.
On a 2:1 speedo, "2000 rpm of the cable equals 60 mph" on the speedo dial. On the 2240:60 speedos, it's "2240 cable rpm equals 60 mph" on the dial.
This is mostly a guess on my part, but it seems to me they're trying to improve the accuracy with the newer 2240:60 speedo, since 2240 is just a little bit more than 10% of 2000.
On my '82, my stock speedometer says I'm going about 10% faster than I really am, and my odometer shows I've traveled about 10% farther than I really have. I had to replace my speedo once, and the stock replacement speedo was exactly the same as the original. So 2:1 isn't very accurate, IMHO.
On a 2:1 speedo, "2000 rpm of the cable equals 60 mph" on the speedo dial. On the 2240:60 speedos, it's "2240 cable rpm equals 60 mph" on the dial.
This is mostly a guess on my part, but it seems to me they're trying to improve the accuracy with the newer 2240:60 speedo, since 2240 is just a little bit more than 10% of 2000.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Thanks for the help! It certainly makes sense, explaining the 2:1 nomenclature brought it all together, although why it isn't termed 2000:60 is beyond me.
There aren't as many style selections in the 2240:60 style. You have to really want one I guess.
I bought one this afternoon and will be matching it to the drive that came with the bike. I'm sure it will be fine.
Thanks again!
There aren't as many style selections in the 2240:60 style. You have to really want one I guess.
I bought one this afternoon and will be matching it to the drive that came with the bike. I'm sure it will be fine.
Thanks again!
I have never looked into these different speedometer ratios, so I personally have no clue as what ratio to look for, or even what the ratios mean. I would trust everything that yellowstone kelly had to say because I have known him on these forums for many years.
What I have done is, when needed, replaced with a used or aftermarket Harley Davidson model and not even given a thought to those reference numbers. And quite frankly I do not give a Tinkers D@mn if it is 10% or whatever % off
What I have done is, when needed, replaced with a used or aftermarket Harley Davidson model and not even given a thought to those reference numbers. And quite frankly I do not give a Tinkers D@mn if it is 10% or whatever % off
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3,072
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From: Dallas, Texas
If my memory serves me correct, the 2240:60 was used in the early mid 90's with the reed switch to cancel the turn signals. Late 90's HD changed to the electronic speedo & turn signals. You will need a Big Twn speedo with a 2:1 ratio.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Wisconsin
Texas, Reed switch...more research needed I guess. There's turn signals and they work but who knows how or if they self cancel at all.
Iron Mick, This is the same bike you advised me on a few weeks ago...New topic.
Iron Mick, This is the same bike you advised me on a few weeks ago...New topic.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Dallas, Texas
Mick, this is an AFTERMARKET FAT BOB conversion tank with BIG TWIN speedo. Looks like you missed this little detail. LOL
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Dallas, Texas
Spurlee, take a photo of the speedo - face and back side. Let's see if it can be identified. There are still Fat Bob tank conversions out there by different manufactures. Some use 2:1, some use 2240:60.