Miles are off.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 256
Likes: 44
From: Wellington, OH
Miles are off.
So I bought an 05 RK custom efi last year. Never had a chance to go on a long road trip until June of this year. I put 2635 miles in a week (MD, VA, NC, TN, AL, GA, MS, & LA) and noticed that on one leg, it was 184 miles to my hotel. My tripometer said I did 195 miles. Does anyone else have this problem? Anyone know how to fix this?
Last edited by Peanuthead; Aug 24, 2017 at 08:53 PM.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
How did you come up with the 184? Find a freeway on a light day and do a measured mile, or if you have a GPS use that as a measuring device. Ride five and check against the odometer.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 256
Likes: 44
From: Wellington, OH
I was using the GPS on my phone. My uncle was riding with me and his trip was 184.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 256
Likes: 44
From: Wellington, OH
I'll check and see if there are records of all the work done to it. I know the exhaust/mufflers and air filter/intake was changed before I bought it. If the gears were changed, is there any way to fix the mileage issue?
Do a side by side speed test with a friend you trust. I one of you has cruise decide on 2 or 3 speed on a good highway and you'll know.
Gearing and tire size are the main culprits. I ran a Goldwing metric for a while, lower profile and speedo was off about 3-4 MPH @ 70. That's about the error you're seeing.
Gearing and tire size are the main culprits. I ran a Goldwing metric for a while, lower profile and speedo was off about 3-4 MPH @ 70. That's about the error you're seeing.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
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From: Santa Clarita
I don't think you have a problem. It's about ten percent off...so is mine. Most of the vehicles I've had have been off the same amount. Just factor it in if you have to. Shouldn't ruin your riding experience.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 247
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From: Texas Panhandle
Speedometer on my 2014 Ultra Limited was about 6% off. If my reading was 70mph I was only doing 66 mph. I think most Harley speeds are off. Calibrated mine with my FP3 and validated it with a couple speedometer apps. Looks like yours is not that different.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: SW Ohio
That's Harley's way of saving a little money on warranty work. "Man....you're just over the miles on warranty. You'll have to pay for this repair out of pocket. Go around to the parts counter and ask for some Screamin Eagle lube, you're gonna need it to keep from screamin." 
