140mph speedo confusion

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  • cl4yd0h
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    140mph speedo confusion

    I pulled the dash on my 1980 1100ex to replace the speed bulb because it wasnt lit up and found the bulb was good.

    I knew this bike was supposed to have an 85mph speedo and was equipped with a 140 but I assumed it was replaced with a later year.

    after looking at it, it seems a different 140 face was glued in place as I can see glue residue on the cutout. And then perhaps somebody changed a gear somewhere to correct the speed?

    I tried to search for other 140mph speedos but they were a different design on the face, this face does not allow light to pass and doesn't match the tach.

    was this a common practice? I am confused at exactly what I have got here but having it not lit will surely be frustrating. Maybe the light can't pass because it is two layers?

    Anyways I've attathed a picture and would like to know if someone could tell me what I be got here.. it doesn't apear to be a suzi part

    Thanks

  • blowerbike
    Forum Guru
    GSResource Superstar
    • Aug 2008
    • 7057
    • Ohio Closer to KY Than Cleveland

    #2
    this was a common service years ago...

    Comment

    • Rob S.
      Forum Guru
      Past Site Supporter
      • Dec 2013
      • 9385
      • New York City

      #3
      Originally posted by blowerbike
      this was a common service years ago...
      Is that so?

      They change the gear, the faceplate and you've got a 140 speedo?

      Where is the gear that's changed, down at the front wheel? I wonder how their accuracy compares with stock (which I know is usually optimistic).

      I'm still glad I sprang for the genuine article.
      1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

      2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

      Comment

      • Gregory
        Forum Sage
        Past Site Supporter
        • Sep 2012
        • 2064
        • Southlake - DFW - North Texas

        #4
        I have wondered about taking out the pin and adding extra numbers on my 82 gs1100e speedo. It would be easy to mark the correct speed spots if I had three hands and a gps on.
        82 gs1100e FAUX Skunk
        80 gs1000s

        Comment

        • blowerbike
          Forum Guru
          GSResource Superstar
          • Aug 2008
          • 7057
          • Ohio Closer to KY Than Cleveland

          #5
          Originally posted by Rob S.
          Is that so?

          They change the gear, the faceplate and you've got a 140 speedo?

          Where is the gear that's changed, down at the front wheel? I wonder how their accuracy compares with stock (which I know is usually optimistic).

          I'm still glad I sprang for the genuine article.
          i have no clue....i never did them but i worked on 80-82's with the modded MPH readings.
          back before the internet...yeah time did exist when paper publications was the shlt...you would open up a magazine and buy parts and services like the ones in this thread.

          Comment

          • Guest

            #6
            There was a company out of CA in the 80s that converted the 85 speedos to 140 speedos. They would recalibrate the speedo and stick on the new numbers. They advertised in the magazines of the day. Seriously doubt they are still in busy.

            Comment

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