1985 GS550ESF Speedometer Inaccurate

[curtie94]

Hey guys I have a 1985 GS550ESF and the speedo reads about 7-10mph slow. I have a set of Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 the correct size per the manual and decal on the bike. I would have to check the sidewall again for an exact size. I have tried another speedometer and it reads the same. Im assuming its not the speedo. Anyone have experience with incorrect speedometers? Also the trip meter does not work.

[Rob S.]

All speedos are 'incorrect,' (unless. they bear a "police certified" label). You say 7-10 mph slow, but at what speed? If it were that much off at displayed 20 mph, that would be a lot. But if it displayed 120 mph at an actual speed of 113, that would be pretty much in line with production bikes (or cars), which are always 'optimistic.'

But it sounds like yours is 'optimistic.'

[curtie94]

At 25mph I'm going 30mph. Indicated 50mph I'm going 60mph. It just seems a bit excessive to me. I have other bikes that are more accurate

[alke46]

My 1000E is off by 8 mph only the opposite of yours. Indicated 80 is actually 72. So to see triple digits, which I like doing , I need to see 108+ on my speedo.

Maybe we should park our bikes in a locked garage for a few days and see if they can arrive at a happy medium.

I am not suggesting safe sex between the two machines. Not there's anything wrong with that.

[Gorminrider]

Hey guys I have a 1985 GS550ESF and the speedo reads about 7-10mph slow. I have a set of Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 the correct size per the manual and decal on the bike. I would have to check the sidewall again for an exact size. I have tried another speedometer and it reads the same. Im assuming its not the speedo. Anyone have experience with incorrect speedometers? Also the trip meter does not work.

Too bad-the tripmeter is your best fuel gauge. It might be fixable taking the gauge apart but I wouldn't recommend it...Best if you can find a good second-hand replacement... With the normal tires, the odometer and the tripmeter (if it works) are the only accurate device on these speedometers because they are directly driven by the cable. The speedo needle is magnetically driven.

Maybe the Newest vehicles might have accurate speedometers, but I've never had any vehicle with original speedo that didn't read at least 5% high compared to the odometer on a measured mile or a gps on a long straightaway or the roadside displays they put up to discourage speeding.