gps and speedo comparison
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 353
Likes: 5
From: Beasley Texas
gps and speedo comparison
I took a multi state trip recently with a garmin nuvi 200 i think stuck on my fuel door. The gps showed around 4 to 5 mph slower than my speedometer. Seems like it varied the amount of mph depending on the speed but was always slower. came home and rode with some buddys on a ride and their speedo pretty much matched mine. one rode a yamaha vstar. now this same gps shows true with my trucks mph. wonder whats goin on? The bike is a 09 electraglide standard. stock
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,979
Likes: 57
From: PA
I'm currently using a NUVI 255WT. Any GPS I've ever had always read slower mph than the vehicle's speedometer. I was always under the impression that vehicle manufacturer's purposely set them a few mph higher. I've NEVER had a GPS read the same as a spedo. Always a few mph slower.
I trust the GPS mph more than any vehicle's speedometer.
I trust the GPS mph more than any vehicle's speedometer.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Nothings going on! You are seeing the difference between the vehicle's speedo and external satellite measurement of your speed.
If you were to compare your actual speed with a brand new tyre then with the same tyre almost worn out there will be a difference, as there will be with a different brand of tyre. So a speedo reading can never be very accurate.
In addition speedos themselves are not very accurate by design. Manufacturers are only required to make them accurate to something like zero to +5%.
In other words everything is fine!
If you were to compare your actual speed with a brand new tyre then with the same tyre almost worn out there will be a difference, as there will be with a different brand of tyre. So a speedo reading can never be very accurate.
In addition speedos themselves are not very accurate by design. Manufacturers are only required to make them accurate to something like zero to +5%.
In other words everything is fine!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 278
From: USA
I'm currently using a NUVI 255WT. Any GPS I've ever had always read slower mph than the vehicle's speedometer. I was always under the impression that vehicle manufacturer's purposely set them a few mph higher. I've NEVER had a GPS read the same as a spedo. Always a few mph slower.
I trust the GPS mph more than any vehicle's speedometer.
I trust the GPS mph more than any vehicle's speedometer.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 9,237
From: Snow Hill, NC
If i am travelling i use my Nuvi 760 as a Speedometer...mine is off by about 4 MPH....the faster i go, the more i seem to care....
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
In our group we had 3 GPS and all showed exact speed by setting the cruise all 3 bikes were allover some where 3 to 5 miles higher then GPS going 75 MPH makes you wonder about the bikes. Me and wife have 07 and 08 UCs when cruising 75 on my bike she is pretty close to going 80 MPH.
