speedometer correction

camoweasel · Full Member Joined: Sep 14, 2006 Posts: 50

Has anybody else hear noticed how the speedometers on these bikes were generally off by about 10 mph? I don't know the official correction rate but I do know that at 65 mph I am really going about 55 mph. I do not know how this would hold true at higher speeds? The reason I ask is because the other day traffic was really flowing on the interstate and my speedometer was showing me speeds of 90-100 mph. I was wondering if anybody hear knew the correction rate for speeds these fast? My tach was between 5000-5500 rpms in 5th gear.

xsjohn · Posted: May 10, 2007, 5:11 am Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

Friend followed me on the express in his ford truck for a couple of miles I was going 65 and so was he........

John Underwood

INXS650 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 22, 2007 Posts: 645

My tach is about 4K at 63 MPH. I do have the 18T front sprocket, and the 34 rear. My speedo only goes to 85, so after that it is a blur. Tach is around 6K when burying the needle.

jayel · Posted: May 10, 2007, 7:52 am Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

speedo is front wheel driven, tire/rim size on the front would be the only thing to affect it, gearing won't

xs1961 · Posted: May 10, 2007, 10:11 am Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

Strewth , your speedo must be faulty,I know the jap instruments arent the most accurate but I dont think any of my XS speedos were out by more than 5% !
I run a non-standard 18" front wheel on my bikes (rear rims,so I can use drum-brakes) and even then my speedo is only reading 4mph out at 60!

mo650chopper · Posted: May 10, 2007, 12:41 pm Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

One way to check accuracy, at least the odometer but usually applies to speed readings as well, is to check and see how close the reading is to the highway mile markers. According to one local police department last year mine was reading 15 miles an hour slower than my actual. What makes it evenmore magical is the F-350 Dually truck passing me was going 5 MPH slower than me according to the fine police officer. Logic wasn't one of his strong points!

jayel · Posted: May 10, 2007, 4:19 pm Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

important to remember a dry dragging cable or drive gear at the wheel will slow your speedo down giving inaccurate reading, oil the cable and drive gear

camoweasel · Full Member Joined: Sep 14, 2006 Posts: 50

It just seems as if I am going slower then what the speedo reads. My front tire size is 100/90-19.

mo650chopper · Posted: May 10, 2007, 10:45 pm Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

Hey jayel what do use to lube the cable and drive gear?

jayel · Posted: May 11, 2007, 6:43 am Post subject: Re: speedometer correction

something like 3 in 1 (light oil) for the cable to wet it, then cover it with grafhite powder (doesn't get gummy when cold) drive unit a good moly or lithium grease works well

bulldog1980 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 28, 2007 Posts: 175

jayel... you seem to know your bikes inside and out if your ever in the cedar rapids area drop me a line.. would greatly appreiciate someone giving me a hand with my bike that seems to know what the hell the are doing... my buddies come over and stand around and watch me piss with my bike while empting my beer supply... well i help with the empting at times but it get frustrating... wise_odin @ yahoo.com

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