Speedometer Accuracy
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 163
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From: West Greenwich, RI
Speedometer Accuracy
I just returned from a trip and noticed the speedometer read 3 MPH higher than the GPS. This was confirmed by several radar detector displays along the highway. Is this within factory specs? BMWs are known for reading higher than actual. I haven't experienced this with my FLHS. Does my speedometer need to be re-calibrated, or is this acceptable?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 174
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From: Shorewood, IL
RE: Speedometer Accuracy
How fast were you going when you checked it? A speedo should be no more than 5% off in either direction plus or minus. That is set by the federal government. So if you doing 60MPH, then your speedo is within spec, if not, then it might need to get recalibrated.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 472
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From: Niagara Frontier, NY
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Speedometer Accuracy
ORIGINAL: Moby
I just returned from a trip and noticed the speedometer read 3 MPH higher than the GPS. This was confirmed by several radar detector displays along the highway. Is this within factory specs? BMWs are known for reading higher than actual. I haven't experienced this with my FLHS. Does my speedometer need to be re-calibrated, or is this acceptable?
I just returned from a trip and noticed the speedometer read 3 MPH higher than the GPS. This was confirmed by several radar detector displays along the highway. Is this within factory specs? BMWs are known for reading higher than actual. I haven't experienced this with my FLHS. Does my speedometer need to be re-calibrated, or is this acceptable?
FWIW, BMW speedos are usually even more optimistic that this.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
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From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Speedometer Accuracy
This topic has come up a few times on here and i've noticed that most guys' bikes and mine included (I've done the same test with a GPS)read 3 mph FASTER on the speedo than the GPS says. So the speedogives a3 mph HIGHER reading than you're actually travelling.
IE: At 70 mph on my bike's speedo the GPS says I'm doing 67 mph.
I guess if I had my druthers and it's not exact, I'd want my speedo to tell me a higher speed rather than a lower speed cuz that keeps the CHP off my a$$!
IE: At 70 mph on my bike's speedo the GPS says I'm doing 67 mph.
I guess if I had my druthers and it's not exact, I'd want my speedo to tell me a higher speed rather than a lower speed cuz that keeps the CHP off my a$$!
