Speedo Calibration 85 vs 140 mph

[gs11ezrydr]

I am wanting to put a new set of gauges on my 82 gs1100ez and my current speedo reads 85 mph max and the set that I am looking at are the 140 mph units.I was wondering if any one would know if I would need a different speedo drive unit down at the front wheel to be accurate and read a true 140mph or what? If so what year and model would I look them up for also? I would appreciate any and all info before I throw down the bucks and get something that I could not use. Thanks

[hikermikem]

Pretty sure the front wheel speedo drive units (for the same size wheels, e.g, 19") are all the same, but the speedo's are known to be inaccurate...

I use a GPS to compare speeds against, then just remember the difference - the speedos usually run a bit faster than reality.

[gs11ezrydr]

Yea still got the 19" wheel and I couldn't find any other optional part numbers for any of the drive units. And as far as accurate I know it's a joke ain't it lol. I'm satisfied with in the general ball park for now. Thanks again

[four_shot]

Yup, hikermikem pretty much sums it up.

[hikermikem]

And as far as accurate I know it's a joke ain't it lol. I'm satisfied with in the general ball park for now. Thanks again

It's funny, some speedos read quite true, while others, as you have stated, are pretty "optimistic."

Lubing the cable can help a lot...

[gs11ezrydr]

"Optimistic" I'll remember that as the speeding ticket is being written.

[sedelen]

I put a set of '83 GS1100ED gauges on my '82 GS1100EZ, they seem to work well, didn't change out anything else. How accurate? at least as accurate as the '82 85mph gauges.

[Chromedome]

Hi Guys an Gals, many times iv tested speedos on Fords Toyota Mitsubishi Vauxhall "GM" against the sat nav and always the speedos read higher, no doubt the sat nav was correct, strange to say my GS 1100L was closer than any of the above but still optimistic !!! your guages sure look good, but i cant figure why you have guages to read 140 if the speed limit is 55 ? in the U.S. LOL, just a Suzuki thing.

[posplayr]

I put a set of '83 GS1100ED gauges on my '82 GS1100EZ, they seem to work well, didn't change out anything else. How accurate? at least as accurate as the '82 85mph gauges.

Just so you know that is an 82 tach with a 83 speedo. Since I imagine the sweep is the same I'd say there is a little less resolution due to the increased scale

[sedelen]

your guages sure look good, but i cant figure why you have guages to read 140 if the speed limit is 55 ? in the U.S. LOL, just a Suzuki thing.

Those 140mph gauges are for more than just looks.
I can't drive 55!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvV3nn_de2k

This guy can't drive 55 either!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNA2HATZ6pg

[sedelen]

Just so you know that is an 82 tach with a 83 speedo. Since I imagine the sweep is the same I'd say there is a little less resolution due to the increased scale

Just so you know, you're absolutely 100% wrong
Not quite sure why you think that, but the '82 tach had a 9K redline, the '83 had the 9.5K redline.
Here's a pic of my '82 gauges with the 9K redline tach and the 85mph speedo. I rest my case.

[posplayr]

Just so you know, you're absolutely 100% wrong
Not quite sure why you think that, but the '82 tach had a 9K redline, the '83 had the 9.5K redline.
Here's a pic of my '82 gauges with the 9K redline tach and the 85mph speedo. I rest my case.

What do you think I have in the attached photo? None of the 3 look like yours (other than the 9.5K redline). The last set came on my ED.

[Chromedome]

Guys an Gals, thats what i thought, we have a speed limit here of 70, i cant drive it eithor !

[mrbill5491]

Hi Guys an Gals, many times iv tested speedos on Fords Toyota Mitsubishi Vauxhall "GM" against the sat nav and always the speedos read higher, no doubt the sat nav was correct, strange to say my GS 1100L was closer than any of the above but still optimistic !!! your guages sure look good, but i cant figure why you have guages to read 140 if the speed limit is 55 ? in the U.S. LOL, just a Suzuki thing.

Update: The further West you go the higher the speed limits. Texas has a couple highways with 85 mph limits, NM has 75 mph limits here and there. zoom zoom zoom....though 75 = 90 no?

[AJ]

Would love to find a '83+ speedo unit for my '82, but the prices are through the roof.

Fortunately, my Hayabusa has a speedo with much higher top speed, as it will easily exceed the limit on my 1100E speedo, and do it in first gear. Yeehaw!