Speedo Questions (Calibration / Universal)

Mekial82kzp · 07-01-2009

I've been woundering if it's posible to calibrate a speedo on a '82 kz1000p? Or has anyone used a universal speedo and how can it be universal when there are so many speedo drives and tire sizes? I've seen one on jcwhitney motorcycle section, here's the address...

CHROME SPEEDOMETER 2-1/4 : JC Whitney: Motorcycle Parts & Accessories

what would you sugest? experiences, etc. thank you.

RichLockyer · 07-01-2009

Most speedo drive units on the wheel are geared for the wheel and tire diameter that they were originally "attached" to, so the mechanical speedos themselves are very close to being "universal".

There's no way to calibrate one without modifying the drive.

Modern "universal" units are electronic, and can operate from a magnetic actuator triggered by the transmission output shaft, the rear wheel hub, or even the front wheel hub... basically the same as a bike speedometer.
Those units are normally programmable, based either on the wheel circumference, or the number of pulses over a given distance.

suzy1052 · 07-01-2009

I use a 25.00 bicycle computer.

Mekial82kzp · 07-03-2009

One thing that gives me confusion is that the speedo drive that is used on my bike and it's gears are used for multiple bikes, most of which use 19" wheels and my bike uses 18" wheels. But the speedo itself is different... Does anyone know how to calulate a ratio for the speedometer? and does anyone know about speedo drive calibration? Can I interchange gears from other bikes to calibrate? Thanks.

Mekial82kzp · 07-03-2009

btw I've thought about that bicycle speedo and have seen it used on motorcycles before but I'm partial to the analog gauges. thanks.

RichLockyer · 07-03-2009

It's all based on the tire diameter, not the wheel diameter.
Generally, tires mounted to 18" rims are a bit wider than those mounted to 19" rims.
The Vulcan 900 Custom runs a 21" wheel, the Classic runs a 16", but both the 130/90-16 and 80/90-21 are within 5%.

If you have changed your rim and are no longer running a tire that is the stock diameter, then there's no way to readjust that speedo, short of finding a hub drive unit that'll fit your rim, but came from a bike that uses the same size tire you are using now.

Mekial82kzp · 07-03-2009

ok, could you tell me the differance between the 2240:60 Ratio and the 1:2 Ratio speedometers that I've found?

RichLockyer · 07-03-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekial82kzp

ok, could you tell me the differance between the 2240:60 Ratio and the 1:2 Ratio speedometers that I've found?

No clue... all of the mechanical Honda and Kawi speedos are the same.

elr658 · 07-04-2009

2240:60 is the somewhat universal Japanese speedo calibration. If you use the drive which came off the P-Bike, you'll be cool.

2:1 is used on HDs with the speedo drive on the rear wheel.

07-01-2009	#1 (permalink)
Mekial82kzp .... BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maricopa, Az Posts: 218	Speedo Questions (Calibration / Universal) I've been woundering if it's posible to calibrate a speedo on a '82 kz1000p? Or has anyone used a universal speedo and how can it be universal when there are so many speedo drives and tire sizes? I've seen one on jcwhitney motorcycle section, here's the address... CHROME SPEEDOMETER 2-1/4 : JC Whitney: Motorcycle Parts & Accessories what would you sugest? experiences, etc. thank you.

07-01-2009	#2 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 28,016	Most speedo drive units on the wheel are geared for the wheel and tire diameter that they were originally "attached" to, so the mechanical speedos themselves are very close to being "universal". There's no way to calibrate one without modifying the drive. Modern "universal" units are electronic, and can operate from a magnetic actuator triggered by the transmission output shaft, the rear wheel hub, or even the front wheel hub... basically the same as a bike speedometer. Those units are normally programmable, based either on the wheel circumference, or the number of pulses over a given distance. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Ultra-Classic Patriot Guard Rider *Please put your bike year/model in your sig line or fill in your profile before asking for help.*

07-03-2009	#6 (permalink)
RichLockyer Patriot Guardian Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chino, CA Posts: 28,016	It's all based on the tire diameter, not the wheel diameter. Generally, tires mounted to 18" rims are a bit wider than those mounted to 19" rims. The Vulcan 900 Custom runs a 21" wheel, the Classic runs a 16", but both the 130/90-16 and 80/90-21 are within 5%. If you have changed your rim and are no longer running a tire that is the stock diameter, then there's no way to readjust that speedo, short of finding a hub drive unit that'll fit your rim, but came from a bike that uses the same size tire you are using now. __________________ - Rich 2006 1600 Ultra-Classic Patriot Guard Rider *Please put your bike year/model in your sig line or fill in your profile before asking for help.*

07-04-2009	#9 (permalink)
elr658 Eddie Lawson is God! BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Seymour,CT Posts: 4,653	2240:60 is the somewhat universal Japanese speedo calibration. If you use the drive which came off the P-Bike, you'll be cool. 2:1 is used on HDs with the speedo drive on the rear wheel. __________________ 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000R1 #658 1983 Honda CB1100F Blue. www.myspace.com/79cb750f

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07-01-2009	#3 (permalink)
suzy1052 Foil Inspector BTK Intermediate Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ankeny,IA Posts: 122	I use a 25.00 bicycle computer.

07-03-2009	#4 (permalink)
Mekial82kzp .... BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maricopa, Az Posts: 218	One thing that gives me confusion is that the speedo drive that is used on my bike and it's gears are used for multiple bikes, most of which use 19" wheels and my bike uses 18" wheels. But the speedo itself is different... Does anyone know how to calulate a ratio for the speedometer? and does anyone know about speedo drive calibration? Can I interchange gears from other bikes to calibrate? Thanks.

07-03-2009	#5 (permalink)
Mekial82kzp .... BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maricopa, Az Posts: 218	btw I've thought about that bicycle speedo and have seen it used on motorcycles before but I'm partial to the analog gauges. thanks.

07-03-2009	#7 (permalink)
Mekial82kzp .... BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Maricopa, Az Posts: 218	ok, could you tell me the differance between the 2240:60 Ratio and the 1:2 Ratio speedometers that I've found?

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