Is there a way to set my speedo? (not the swimsuit)

[froldt]

My 82 GS750T seems to be running a bit fast in the speedometer. I thought that it might be, so I followed behind my girlfriend. When she got to 60 and set her cruise control, she flashed her caution lights. My speedo showed that I was running about 64ish.

Once I get her back running (the bike, Dirty Gerty, not the girlfriend), I'll test it out again, to make sure.

So is there a way to adjust/set it properly? And what is the actual way to test it, since I don't have a cop friend?

[Redman]

Dont know that speedos have any adjustment/clabartation. And they dont even come apart to get at anything other than to replace the lights.

Wonder if you have smaller than stock front tire (so has to turn faster for same speed, so reads higher)?

Other way to test/compare speedo reading is to go on interstate, go at a steady indicated 60 mph, keep one eye on mile markers and one eye on watch that can display seconds and 3rd eye on the road. 60mph = 1 mile per minute, or better yet 3 miles per 3 minutes. Or maybe someone might suggest that 90mph = 1 mile in 45 seconds

[txironhead]

If you're really lucky you can find one of those trailers that say "Posted speed limit 55, your speed ()" Of course, those don't always work on bikes (radar detectors failing to recognize a bike has saved my A$$ on several occasions).

If you can find out what the factory tire size was on your bike and compare it to what's on there now, it would help.

BTW, I just saw a Hot Wheels "radar gun" at Wal-Mart for $20. Claimed to be accurate to 100mph. Never got my old "Baja Breaker" up to that speed, but I thought it would be interesting to see if it would scan a bike. (MPH was listed as actual, not scale)

[focus frenzy]

If you're really lucky you can find one of those trailers that say "Posted speed limit 55, your speed ()" Of course, those don't always work on bikes (radar detectors failing to recognize a bike has saved my A$$ on several occasions).

If you can find out what the factory tire size was on your bike and compare it to what's on there now, it would help.

BTW, I just saw a Hot Wheels "radar gun" at Wal-Mart for $20. Claimed to be accurate to 100mph. Never got my old "Baja Breaker" up to that speed, but I thought it would be interesting to see if it would scan a bike. (MPH was listed as actual, not scale)

I saw that also!!!!
I may just go ahead and get one for the giggles factor of zapping at people with visable radar detectors.

[emjay]

..keep one eye on mile markers and one eye on watch...

And your third eye on the road? :?

[txironhead]

I saw that also!!!!
I may just go ahead and get one for the giggles factor of zapping at people with visable radar detectors.

Hadn't thought of that......now you've got my "evil twin" syndrome kicking in.....:twisted:

[focus frenzy]

Hadn't thought of that......now you've got my "evil twin" syndrome kicking in.....:twisted:

well I did some googling and found the range is very limited and the way it functions quality detectors ignore it.

did find some info on hacking them and cranking up the power, but you could just as easaly get one of the bushnel guns at radio shack and have usable range. (up to 1/4 mile)

http://bushnellspeedster.com/

[Billy Ricks]

The Speedster would be a great way to screw with people hauling arse. There are a few on Ebay for under $70 Buy It Now.

[kingofvenus]

I made the mistake of following a couple of FAST guys I knew once and ended in a corn field with a bruised body (and ego) and a smashed speedo. After replacing the plastic housings it sits in, it displays EXACTLY half the speed that the old girl is moving. The odo works as normal.

[marvinsc]

The Speedos on these Old Bikes are Notorius For Being 5-10 MPH "Optomistic". I've never heard of any way to Calibrate one. Most Folks Do what You Did to get an idea of How Optomistic their Bike is.

[mark]

My speedometer is a joke. Its about 10 mph off.

[t3rmin]

I checked mine with my GPS a while ago, and like everyone else, it's 3-4mph fast. Gives me an excuse to speed, though!

[Steve]

Well, I feel gypped.

I have checked my wife's 850GL against my GPS and found it to be accurate. \\/
Because of the way the GPS calculates speed, the speed that is displayed will vary about +/- 1 mph while trying to hold the bike speed steady. At a bike-indicated 70 mph, the GPS will show anything from about 69.1 to 70.5.

But most of you ARE right, the speedos are typically optimistic. Some say that the manufacturers did it for bragging rights (OUR bike will do 135), while others say they do it to slow us down and keep us safer (if you hold your speed to "70", you are actually doing 65). The government says that error is OK, but only if it is optimistic. Can NOT be pessimistic, where you are going faster than what is shown. My previous bike, a Kawasaki Voyager 1300 (with a digital dashboard), was off by 10-12%, which means I had to show 78 mph to do an honest 70. My current GoldWing is as accurate as my wife's 850. Have not seen either one of them off by more than 1 mph at any speed up to about 80. :shock:


.

[80sGSfan]

A possibility...

...something that may help:
You can check out Bikebandit.com and get yourself a new OEM speedometer cable. I paid $16 for mine (including shipping)...over the years it appears that the factory greased line gets a little mucked up. Replacing it with a new one may improve the accuracy of your speedo!