Speedometer question.
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Princeton WV
Speedometer question.
I have a 06 RK with 60k when I traded for it.The other day I was riding at my usual 5 mph over the limit when I noticed I was being passed and left behind.Another time I was riding in the fast lane and my daughter passed me in her Jeep.Later I ask how fast she was going and she said about 70 and I was showing almost 80.Anybody else noticed this.If it is reading too fast then it is putting miles not actually ridden.I may not have 60 k on it.Anyway to check and so fix this? I posted this somewhere else and even asked how to post threads but then my eyes opened and i see Post New Thread.Sorry my bad but I'm a real New by
Each bike I have owned, Honda, Kawasaki and Harley seem to be off by 5mph or so. The gauge's always show I'm going faster than I really am. I have not had mine checked on a dyno or anything, just using the roadside radar units that are put out once in a while and comparing my speed Vs the wife as she is driving behind me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
GPS will be accurate.
But think about it - so many variables - aftermarket tires with different profiles, differences in inflation, etc.
No vehicle manufacturer wants to be sued by riders who say they were tricked into thinking they were going slower than they actually were, when they get a ticket or get into an accident.
So its by design that speedometers (in cars and bikes) display that you are going faster than you actually are.
But think about it - so many variables - aftermarket tires with different profiles, differences in inflation, etc.
No vehicle manufacturer wants to be sued by riders who say they were tricked into thinking they were going slower than they actually were, when they get a ticket or get into an accident.
So its by design that speedometers (in cars and bikes) display that you are going faster than you actually are.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 92
From: Michigan
Its is what it is for total miles now, no changing that but from this point on you may be able to program it with a good aftermarket tuner. If the bike runs well then I wouldn't go out and spend $3-400 on a tuner just to calibrate, not sure its even possible with that year.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
Most motorcycles are off by a percentage of speed, which will get bigger as you go faster. Some are way off and some are pretty close.
I would borrow a GPS and secure it to the bike where you can easily see it, then compare to your speedo at different speeds. Say like at 40 mph and at 70 mph so you have an idea how fast you're actually going on streets and hwy.
As far as odometer miles, perhaps a tuner may help? Is it worth it for just that? idk, that's your call.
I would borrow a GPS and secure it to the bike where you can easily see it, then compare to your speedo at different speeds. Say like at 40 mph and at 70 mph so you have an idea how fast you're actually going on streets and hwy.
As far as odometer miles, perhaps a tuner may help? Is it worth it for just that? idk, that's your call.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,081
Likes: 1,127
From:
Use a GPS to check.
Comparing it to what others say and looking at cars passing means very little.
Their speedometer could be wrong or they guessed at speed.
Should be within 5 mph of GPS at highway speed unless something was changed on bike.
Comparing it to what others say and looking at cars passing means very little.
Their speedometer could be wrong or they guessed at speed.
Should be within 5 mph of GPS at highway speed unless something was changed on bike.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Most motorcycles are off by a percentage of speed, which will get bigger as you go faster. Some are way off and some are pretty close.
I would borrow a GPS and secure it to the bike where you can easily see it, then compare to your speedo at different speeds. Say like at 40 mph and at 70 mph so you have an idea how fast you're actually going on streets and hwy.
As far as odometer miles, perhaps a tuner may help? Is it worth it for just that? idk, that's your call.
I would borrow a GPS and secure it to the bike where you can easily see it, then compare to your speedo at different speeds. Say like at 40 mph and at 70 mph so you have an idea how fast you're actually going on streets and hwy.
As far as odometer miles, perhaps a tuner may help? Is it worth it for just that? idk, that's your call.
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