fasteddy
Member
Since the speedometer reads 8% high, does it follow that the odometer also reads 8% high? Has anyone checked it out?
I have found it to be slightly high (on my Canadian Gen II) compared to GPS, but only a percent or so - less than the speedo.Since the speedometer reads 8% high, does it follow that the odometer also reads 8% high? Has anyone checked it out?
Nothing "wrong" with it. Speedometers almost always indicate a higher speed than actual. (Not just FJRs)Oh wow, so the speedometer being wrong is a thing?? I had no idea. I have an 08, and it very consistently shows me driving at 4kms faster than those flashing speed signs. So in the 40km to 60km per hour range. Interesting. Should I "care" about it being wrong?
Should I be doing anything about it?
Corrie
Hi Ross,Nothing "wrong" with it. Speedometers almost always indicate a higher speed than actual. (Not just FJRs)
Using a larger rear tire (190/55-17) will correct some of it (just a 0.8% circumference difference). Some people use a "Speedo Healer" but the odometer accuracy will suffer.
Absolute error is pretty much proportional to speed and generally in the 5-10% range - harder to tell precisely with the analog speedometer on a Gen I or Gen II compared to the digital readout on later models. From what I have read, the speedo error seems to be higher on Canadian bikes than US bikes. I don't worry about it. If I want to know how fast I am going, I can make a mental correction or just glance at my GPS.
My 2023 reads 8% high when compared to GPS and radar at various speeds. I have not checked the odometer. I believe that the speed sensor on the front wheel so changing rear tire size would not affect the speed reading. Simple question - has anyone checked the accuracy of the odometer?When I had my 2012 if the GPS app on my phone said I was doing 70 my speedo would say I was doing 73. My buddies 2010 Gold Wing would be almost dead on with GPS. We then decided to compare the odometers. At 100 miles shown on the FJR he had only traveled 96. While none of this is proof it is an indicator that because the FJR speedo registers high it is also racking up miles faster than actual. As for my 2014, it shows about 72 mph when the GPS app is showing 70. I guess the plus side is if you set the cruise a few mph over the speed limit, and I do, you should still be close enough to avoid a ticket.
I thought it got vehicle speed from the rear wheel...I believe that the speed sensor on the front wheel
I thought it got vehicle speed from the rear wheel...
Your Gen II numbers are pretty close to what I see. Exact numbers are difficult with the Analog meter. The accuracy of the speedo with the CT (compared to GPS) is remarkable.Gen II FJRs speedo was off the most - around 5mph at 80mph or so. Don't know the odometer but I assume 2-3% optimistic.
A 190/55-17 has only about 1.6 % greater circumference compared to a 180/55-17. (About 1 mph difference at 60 mph.) As previously mentioned, Canadian FJRs seem to have a larger speedo error than US models - certainly more than the less-than 2% improvement for a 190 tire vs the 180. (As I mentioned before, the calculation doesn't account for a small increase in circumference due to pinching the tire on a narrower rim.)This topic has been hashed over a number of times in the past 47 years. If you want to get your speedo in sync with your GPS all you need to do is change your rear tire to a 190-55. Not sure how that would work on a GenII but it worked on my 2014ES. It is dead on.
I do not question your mathematical calculations but I can assure you I have checked my speedo against GPS and the occasional roadside speed indicators. In every case my speedo is exactly in sync with the other devices. I also think I get a bit more miles out of a 190. Oh, I forgot to mention it makes it a lot easier to get the bike up on the center stand. As a 82 year old 145 pound jackass that is a plus!!A 190/55-17 has only about 1.6 % greater circumference compared to a 180/55-17. (About 1 mph difference at 60 mph.) As previously mentioned, Canadian FJRs seem to have a larger speedo error than US models - certainly more than the less-than 2% improvement for a 190 tire vs the 180. (As I mentioned before, the calculation doesn't account for a small increase in circumference due to pinching the tire on a narrower rim.)
The math is right although doesn't account for the "pinch" effect or the fact that tire wear reduces the radius (and circumference) over time. I wouldn't expect these to be major factors, but haven't done the calculations.I do not question your mathematical calculations but I can assure you I have checked my speedo against GPS and the occasional roadside speed indicators. In every case my speedo is exactly in sync with the other devices. I also think I get a bit more miles out of a 190. Oh, I forgot to mention it makes it a lot easier to get the bike up on the center stand. As a 82 year old 145 pound jackass that is a plus!!![]()
I do not question your mathematical calculations but I can assure you I have checked my speedo against GPS and the occasional roadside speed indicators. In every case my speedo is exactly in sync with the other devices. I also think I get a bit more miles out of a 190. Oh, I forgot to mention it makes it a lot easier to get the bike up on the center stand. As a 82 year old 145 pound jackass that is a plus!!![]()
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