Speedometer error
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 2
From: Florida
I've never ridden any brand of motorcycle that gave an accurate speedometer reading. For that matter most cars will be off as well if you check them with a gps, they just aren't as far off. I've found most of my bikes to be reading right around 7% faster than actual speed. I don't believe there is a an actual good answer to why speedos are wrong. Some will say the manufacturer does it to keep us running slower, others say it's because the manufacturer can then give a higher top speed, and another I've heard is that it allows for a different size tire to not make your speedo incorrect in the wrong direction.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 265
Likes: 10
From: Northern Wisconsin
maybe they want the mileage warranty to expire sooner?
Or, possibly they figure if they have to have a window of error, make sure it's low and not high, so nobody will be suing HD for getting a speeding ticket when they thought they were riding legal..?
anyway, if you want to fix it, dakota digital can hook you up. or you can swap your speedo out for a marine unit that uses GPS as it's sensor....
Hogdoctor
Or, possibly they figure if they have to have a window of error, make sure it's low and not high, so nobody will be suing HD for getting a speeding ticket when they thought they were riding legal..?
anyway, if you want to fix it, dakota digital can hook you up. or you can swap your speedo out for a marine unit that uses GPS as it's sensor....
Hogdoctor
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 2
From: Coral Springs, Florida
Or.........the GPS is off. Bottom line is...........who gives a ***? Not me. Just jump on the bike and ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 232
Likes: 1
From:
Mine is also off by 3MPH on my 2008 Ultra Classic (stock wheels / tires)... very annoying
My Softail is right on.
My Softail is right on.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, New Jersey
I dont give a rats a$$ if my speedo is off by a mile a hour or three, its the dam gas gauge on my SE Deuce that I need to try to get more in line with reality! Other than that I am very happy (knocking on wood) with all the rest of the instrumentation on both of my rides.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
My old RK (96) had a certified speedo -- Dead on. My brother's bike, also certified, dead on. My buddies older dyna, certified speedo, dead on.
My 2008 SG - "Certified" noticeably missing from the speedo -- 10% off at 30MPH, 5% at 50, seems to find its own around 65.
Eh, it helps keep me from speeding through the packs of crotch-rockets riding wheelies down the street.
My 2008 SG - "Certified" noticeably missing from the speedo -- 10% off at 30MPH, 5% at 50, seems to find its own around 65.
Eh, it helps keep me from speeding through the packs of crotch-rockets riding wheelies down the street.