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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> New Speedo underreads What now ? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1389702212 Message started by mpescatori on 01/14/14 at 04:23:32 |
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Title: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/14/14 at 04:23:32 OK, so a looong time ago I bought myself a nice speedo to fit on the handlebars next to the Tach, as you can see in the picture. http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/01/14/bikepics-2632730-800.jpg The pic was deliberately taken when the odo clocked egg-zactly 55 thousand Km 8-) So... I unfastened the cable from the tank-mounted speedo, fastened the cable (GT550 tacho cable) of the bar-mounted speedo and away I went into the sunset, happy as a lark right ? ::) WRONG ! :o Unfortunately... this speedo underreads by at least 10%... :-X I mean, at 4000 rpm the OEM speedo reads 100 Km/h (60mph) whereas this one reads a mere 90Km/h (55mph) >:( This is definitely no go ! At the moment I have 150790x15 rear tire, which will give a 5% higher final drive ratio; then I fitted chain drive which is 17/49 (=2.88:1) as opposed to the 2.94:1 of the OEM belt drive... which is another 2 % more... So I already have the bike running at least 7% faster than the tank-mounted speedo will read... (110km/h on gps Vs. 100~105 speedo reading) I sincerely cannot accept to have a bar mounted speedo reading overall 10-15 % LESS than my true speed ! (and distance... ::) ) Other than "chuck it", any suggestions ? These things are expensive, they come at around €100 (=$130) here in Italy ! :P |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/14/14 at 05:26:36 I just had a hunch and checked with RYCA's website, the speedo they sell is 60=2240 meaning 60mph (100Km/h) is 2240rmp on the speedo cable. Their speedo is rated at 160mph (260 Km/h) while mine is rated at 220 Km/h (140mph) See RYCA's speedo below compared to mine: http://shop.rycamotors.com/assets/images/Productimages/gauges2.jpghttp://p1.bikepics.com/2014/01/14/bikepics-2632730-800.jpg I could... splash yet another $130 on yet another speedo (I bought one, plain jane speedo, then found another with tripmeter and idiot lights, both rated at 220Km/h, each a nice $130) but isn't a 160mph speedo a bit overkill on a 75mph bike ? :-? unfortunately, although one reads 80mph at 12o'clock, while the other reads 110Km/h=70mph... both seem to be rated 2240:60... :-X |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by old_rider on 01/14/14 at 05:42:59 Have you used a gps to clock your speedo to see how far either one are off? Did you spin the GT550 by hand before you installed to see if it was turning freely? And how old is the GT550 cable? (slippage maybe? not sure if a slipping one would give a consistant reading) Sounds like you took all the ratio's into account, so other than cable problems, I would think it would be the speedo is off. I used to be a big fan of adjustable gauges and meters, what ever happened to those? |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/14/14 at 07:02:24 Thanks Old_Rider; The cable I used is an old surplus cable (= bought second hand off eBay.it) from a GT380/550, it is exactly the same as the Savage's speedo cable, only longer. One end has the offset tab to fit into the offset slot of the gearbox; the other end is square section just like the OEM cable. If the cable snagged, the needle would be hopping all over the place, no such thing. If the cable slipped, I would have different speedo readings at the same tacho speed, it isn't happening. So the cable is good. Adjustable speedos are electrical, and you set calibrate them via an adjustable resistor or coil or condenser in the RLC circuitry inside the speedo itself. This speedo, on the other hand, is mechanical, so all I can say is "gosh, will I have to get myself a 260 Km/h speedo for a 120Km/h bike"? Talk about overkill... ::) I may resort to using the longer cable to relocate the OEM speedo to the handlebars... when matched to the smaller tacho it will look ugly as Betty, but who knows... http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Zj2H_qIC80A/Sc8ucdgSuHI/AAAAAAAAAQw/RRS9-wBUm7Q/s320/Betty+la+fea1.jpg IIRC there's someone here n the Forum with the OEM speedo mounted on the bars ? :-/ |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/14/14 at 07:05:44 On the other hand, a 160 mph speedo could be converted into a 160 Km/h speedo with a "reduction converter", basically a "box with gears" where I plug in a cable from the gearbox and another (short) cable which spins 1.6:1, into this 160 mph speedo. The result would be a 160 Km/h speedo ! 8-) Anybody care to help me out ? I already have the basic project done ! |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by Dave on 01/14/14 at 07:11:48 I have seen little mechanical devices that change the ratio of the speedo drive - used when people change the rear end ratios or install larger tires. I have not looked to see if one is available to fit the Savage, and it might look a bit weird on the Savage as it is a little box that would have to be installed on one end of the cable (engine or speedo end), or the cable can be cut and the cable modified to install the box in the middle of the cable. I have a feeling that the cost will be more than just getting a proper reading speedo - but this company is one of the best for either providing you with a ratio adapter - or calibrating your speedo. http://www.nhspeedometer.com/ |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/14/14 at 08:05:19 665D5047565A41475C545946350 wrote:
Thanks, Dave, this is EXACTLY what I had in mind ! http://www.nhspeedometer.com/cable_100.jpg I would use the OEM speedo cable from the gearbox to the adapter, anopther OEM cable from the adapter to the speedo, and Presto ! 160 mph speedo becomes 160 Km/h (100mph) speedo ! 8-) Unfortunately their website seems to be locked, not one link worls... :-X I'll try emailing them, see what they suggest ;) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by verslagen1 on 01/14/14 at 09:03:09 If precision is what drives you, then a electronic speedo like Vepor VR-1 or Vapor trail tech might be easier. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by Dave on 01/14/14 at 10:45:52 687B6C6D727F797B702F1E0 wrote:
I did the Trailtech Vapor, and it is accurate - but it does not provide the Vintage look that a matched set of gauges hanging on the top fork yoke provides. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/15/14 at 01:47:16 Couldn't agree more :) after all, we ride a big single, not a wankel/electric/thorium powered slingshot ! :D http://shop.rycamotors.com/assets/images/Productimages/gauges2.jpghttp://suzukisavage.com/yabb2.2/Attachments/IMG_0810_001.JPG Is it my imagination, or does the rev counter on the digital wotsit start from 3ooo rpm and scream all the way to 10 thousand? :-? How can one make best use of the rev counter if you must shift by the time you reach 4500/5000 rpm? ::) ;) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by Dave on 01/15/14 at 04:42:31 I went with the digital route as I have changed my tire size, and am screwing around with the gearing to see what works best for me. I currently have a 25 tooth Kawasaki EN454 front pulley and a Kawasaki 65 tooth rear pulley from a KZ750. Not sure what the final set up will be - but I have the potential for 3 different ratios and since I am not changing my front wheel....my speedo stays accurate no matter what I do to the gearing. The numbers on the sweep tach don't start until 2 thousand and go up to 12 thousand - but there is a digital counter on the bottom right side of the screen for reading the digital rpms so you can accurately see your idle speed. Also you can program in a yellow shift light for whatever rpm you want, and a red warning light for the max revs. I believe I have my yellow light set for 5,500 and the red at 6,000....or something like that. The red lght is not a rev limiter.....so when it lights up you just know that you are over the rpm you have programmed in as a warning. There is also a recall button so you can see the max rpm, max speed, time on trip, time spent riding, engine temp, etc. I don't believe the 7,480 rpm shown is accurate - I have to install a little bigger resister in the tach wire, as there is a certain spot in the rpm range where the tach spikes for one breif jump in rpm even though the engine speed stays constant. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by verslagen1 on 01/15/14 at 07:21:10 7D464B5C4D415A5C474F425D2E0 wrote:
That presents another option, many of the '80's gs series have the same front tire size and have a front wheel driven speedo. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/15/14 at 07:53:03 Put a shorter rear tire on it? If its off 10%, & you KNOW its off 10%, then, while it may be irritating, just because its not "right", you know how fast youre going,, Heck, my gas gauge doesnt even MOve for like, 150 miles or so,, then it comes down fast, then hits "The Big E" & it will go another 40 miles or so, its FAR from an accurate gas gauge, but, it gives me enough info that I know what to do.,.& a speedo that actually off a known %age? Hey,, I can do a 10% adjustment in my head. Ive read your posts,,Im thinkin you can too,, |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/16/14 at 07:10:59 Yes, of course I can mentally adjust to calculate an eztra 10% to the shown speed. It is not as nice to know the odometer is underreading by 10%... :( It is already very annoying to know I have a 140mph speedo on an 80mph bike... ...imagine when the tach says you're doing 70-75mph... and the speedo struggle to read 60-65... :P |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/16/14 at 11:21:44 2A37223424263328352E470 wrote:
It is not as nice to know the odometer is underreading by 10%... :( Yeaaa,, thats a bit of a bummer, tryin to figure wher that "time to refill" moment is. But, you get to 110 on the Odo, youre at 100.. & the wonky conflict between the tach & speedo? I think that would be the one I disliked the most. Question IZZZ, just how much Munneee is it worth? Those "Impedance matching boxes" with the gears to make iot work out look pricey And, well,, kinda clunky to have in the speedo line.. In recent years Ive been forced to accept things & let things be "Less Than" what I really want, due to health. My makeup, all my life, has been what would easily be called anal.,Id spend hours hiding wires when Id move & set up the stereo. Id spend hours adjusting bearings on the 10 speed. To be fair, it was a very different design, the front sprocket kept spinning even when I stopped pedaling. It would change gears w/o pedaling & had a buncha bearings in places other bikes didnt & they were single, no races,,Anyway, Ive learned to let things go that arent "show stoppers". Im not sure how I feel about it, but Im not seeing any real "loss" by not doing things "To the gnats ass" like I did. I gotta tell ya, I was always impressed by Diggers pics. His garage was always spotless. Whoda guessed ASStronauts were anal? |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by verslagen1 on 01/16/14 at 12:15:21 263B2E38282A3F2439224B0 wrote:
The tach says SHIFT! The speedo says nudge... nudge... shift. stock carb/airbox, stage 1 cam, sporty muff... 70 to 88... uphill pedal harder. 8-) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/16/14 at 22:49:16 Hi Verslagen, sorry, that's not what I meant. I replaced the old rear tire with a 150/90x15 Pirelli (fits juuust right) whish is some 5% higher geared. Then I replaced the belt drive (2,94:1) with a chain conversion, 17/49=2.88:1 This means the OEM tank mounted speedo was already reading some 8% slower than reality - checked with a bar-mounted GPS. Now, the new tiny speedo reads yet another 10% lower... ...it means that there is close to 20% error between indicated speed and REAL speed ! :o Sorry, it's totally unacceptable :-X |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/16/14 at 23:51:07 Well,, wadderya gunna DO? 20% off is pretty much a useless thing.. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by Oldfeller on 01/17/14 at 05:52:26 There is only one completely accurate speedo, and that is an electronic speedo based off the front wheel that has been adjusted by 30 miles or more off the mile marker system. (sub in kilometers as needed) Sounds like you have backed your way into an issue with the mechanical system you are currently using. ======================= If you want accuracy, go electronic off the front wheel. But you wanted the Kool and Retro look and that's what you bought. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/17/14 at 06:35:45 Yup... :P |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/17/14 at 07:11:43 The other day I contacted NHSpeedos in Hollywood, and explained the problem... :-[ They replied ! :D :D :D So I wrote back, and I believe I will have to go with the tank-mounted speedo for yet some more time, while we agree on the correct course of action. BUT I see a nice bar-mounted speedo coming soon !!! 8-) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by Dave on 01/17/14 at 07:20:49 Know what would be really cool.....and is completely possible? A retro looking speedo case....with electronic goo stuffed inside. There isn't any reason that the Vapor or a similar speedometer electronics can't be built into a conventional looking can. In the meantime....if you want an accurate speedo and odo that doesn't cost much or take up much room.....you can mount a bicycle computer pretty easily. Just be sure and get one with a wire as the wireless ones are confused by all the electric signals bounciing off the Savage. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/17/14 at 07:54:41 Didnt a guy build some dashboard type stuff up a few years ago? Im kinda fuzzy on it, but Daves reply kinda tickled a spot in there,, I sure like the idea..It wouldnt Have to look like a tablet mounted on the bar. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/19/14 at 10:05:23 OK, so about a year ago I bought a reoplica vintage speedometer from an Indian website http://i.ebayimg.com/t/REPLICA-SMITHS-SPEEDO-160-KPH-ENFIELD-BSA-NORTON-TRIUMPH-/00/s/NDgwWDYzMw==/z/bIcAAMXQBwlRRwcL/$T2eC16h,!zUE9s39!ee0BRRwcLeY5g~~60_35.JPG The idea was NOT to fit it to the bike but to have a few "mantlepiece items". One thing I could try is to find another Savage speedo, have it refaced so that it looks like this one, replacing the ugly big fat lights with small LEDs... Basically, replacing the face with a similar one but printed upside down and replacing the needle with something "vintage looking" :) I'll consider it... Anyone have an extra speedo ? ;) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/19/14 at 10:24:49 Yep,, you can have it. Only wore it once, you pay shipping, http://spdo.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pSPDO1-4753596w110x150.jpg |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by S-P on 01/19/14 at 19:03:55 Anyone have an extra speedo ? ;)[/quote] I have a complete gas tank with a speedo in it. I'm not sure how much to ship it to Italy. But yeah... I have one. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/20/14 at 01:28:57 796660677A7D4C7C4C74666A21130 wrote:
Sorry, mate, you're not quite my type... http://i.imgur.com/nxEkYB2.jpg ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/20/14 at 01:29:28 5F58495A49425C4D59402C0 wrote:
I have a complete gas tank with a speedo in it. I'm not sure how much to ship it to Italy. But yeah... I have one. [/quote] Thanks SP, I only really need the speedo. Offers ? ;) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by Dave on 01/20/14 at 05:22:18 I have a stock speedometer you can have for the shipping cost. It is from an early bike and has the neutral and side stand light. It has 40,435 miles on it. Would I be shipping it to California? |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 01/20/14 at 10:23:24 Thats the only spare "speedo" I have to offer,, I wasnt planning on being IN it,, She does a fine job of showing that thing off,, dont she?> |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 01/20/14 at 11:00:39 ;) |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by mpescatori on 09/05/14 at 01:31:36 I'm bumping up this thread because : a. I need to work out if, by replacing my Z49 rear sprocket with a Z50 or Z51, I can make things work out again, and b. I haven't used the bike since... end january :-[ commuting on the Beemer, and the Savage has just been sitting there... :P |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by SavageCat on 09/05/14 at 05:55:13 This is a little pricey...but I think it gets you the look you want with the technology you need. GPS speedometers...several options. (scroll down the page and you'll see a few options) If I had the spare $$ I'd have one of these. http://www.legendary-motorcycles.com/miscparts.html Have fun. |
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Title: Re: New Speedo underreads What now ? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/06/14 at 22:56:52 Huhh? IF you KNOW the speedo is off AND by what %age,, where is the problem? |
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