KPH speedometer Q?

[Don R]

I have an 881 GS1100e with the 85 mph speedometer, I just saw a kilometer speedometer for sale and realized it goes way past the 85 mph equivalent I'm wondering if they are swappable and if the drive is the same? Has a swap ever been done? A guy could make a few mph marks in the usual speed limits areas.

[Rob S.]

I have an 881 GS1100e with the 85 mph speedometer...

Do you mean 1981 1100E? I thought only the '82 11E had that speedo, which is easily replaced with an '83 11E 140 MPH speedo. (I made that switch on mine.)

Is yours the 'lunchbox' model? (Big rectangular gauge?)

[rphillips]

All the lunch boxes were 85 mph. after 3rd. gear had no idea how fast you were going... Did we ever figure out who thought that was a good idea? Must have been somebody from our govt.

[trevor]

All the lunch boxes were 85 mph. after 3rd. gear had no idea how fast you were going... Did we ever figure out who thought that was a good idea? Must have been somebody from our govt.

You can blame Ronnie Regan for that one....thought it would slow people down.....that's more American "Freedom" right there.....lol...in Canada the speedos were as intended by the manufacturer

[twowings]

As for the 85-mph speedometer, that came into being through another piece of legislation a few years later. On Sept. 1, 1979, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration added a provision into a regulation focusing on speedometer accuracy to place an emphasis on the 55-mph mark, and for a maximum speed reading of 85 mph. Though the 85-mph mandate only lasted until the first months of President Ronald Reagan’s first term in the White House in 1981, most manufacturers kept the reading at the bottom right of their speedometers until the vehicles were redesigned years later.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

So, thank you Jimmy Carter.

[twowings]

This was in the era of the "Energy Crisis" bull. 55 mph speed limits for you guys and our 400 series of highways were reduced from 70 to 60 mph and then to 100 kph (62 mph). The end result was a massive increase in speed fines and insurance costs because of this.

[trevor]

As for the 85-mph speedometer, that came into being through another piece of legislation a few years later. On Sept. 1, 1979, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration added a provision into a regulation focusing on speedometer accuracy to place an emphasis on the 55-mph mark, and for a maximum speed reading of 85 mph. Though the 85-mph mandate only lasted until the first months of President Ronald Reagan’s first term in the White House in 1981, most manufacturers kept the reading at the bottom right of their speedometers until the vehicles were redesigned years later.

Hey I was just back in Woodstock...I have left my ST1100 there so I have a bike to ride while visiting home.
What's your actual name?
Cheers

[Don R]

Yes, 1981 lunchbox with the television where the headlight goes in front, not sure how that 881 number happened. L0L! In retrospect it's a silly idea.

[Don R]

I bought a used mph speedometer pod but the trip odometer on the bike started working. The gas gauge also went to full when I topped off the gas so I'd say it just needs the exercise. The silver trim looks a little better on the replacement so maybe this winter I'll take one apart.