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Author Topic: Finally got my '98 Valk Tourer out for a good run...  (Read 1978 times)
Printer Mike
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Posts: 217

Eatonton, Georgia


« on: August 25, 2009, 09:00:52 PM »

Here's what I learned on a 250 mile day trip, mostly high speed super slab:

According to my GPS, the speedo has an approx. 5 mph error around 60 (indicates 65, GPS indicates 60)...approx 10 mph error at 122, GPS indicates 112.

High speed crusing will get me to reserve fast! Only 80 miles. coolsmiley

I need to get my front tire balanced.

Now, I don't ride like this normally. I just wanted to know. I love my Valk and just want it to perform at its best. Any thoughts on calibrating a speedo? The miles traveled is close. On a 87 mile run, the bike's odometer indicated 87, and the GPS indicated 88.

I figured my Valk would easily do 125 top speed on level no wind road. The bike has Cobra 6 into 6 exhaust with stock jetting...could that be affecting to top end?

Thanks for opinions...
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Never give up!
woefman
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Posts: 288


Arizona


WWW
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2009, 10:41:17 PM »

off the cuff.....

I would think those pipes could lead to poor mileage. But I think anything over 3k on tach also does.
I would think those Pipes would optimize Top End.

Not sure your history, it sounds as if the bike is new to you. If so , I have a buddy who runs
GL1800 Goldwing tires because of price and I was wondering if you checked your tire size maybe if bought
bike used it may have the wing tire on it and this could cause the MPG to be off.
This would also lose top end the gearing would be lower so it take more RPM to do say 65 mph

I thought the Valkyrie Speedo read correct ( I could be wrong but based on riding with traffic mine feels on anyways) , but I know from experience GL1800's are off 5mph So I bought a Speedo Healer elctronic box for my wing.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2009, 08:08:37 AM by woefman » Logged

Honda` GL1800 Goldwing
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Udo
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Posts: 105


Germany, Krefeld


« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2009, 03:43:51 AM »

I guess, the speedos are all a bit optimistic. A speedo heeler would not work, on Std + Tourer the speedo is not electronic. I´ve mounted a speedo for a bycicle and adjusted it, so it is precise. A GPS would also show the correct speed, if you have a straight road.
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Grandpot
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Posts: 630


Rolling Thunder South Carolina Chapter 1

Fort Mill, South Carolina


« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2009, 03:51:16 AM »

Printer Mike:

Everything you said sounds normal for a Valk.  I have an I/S and my speedometer reads just like yours.  A lot of older posts from others reflect the same.

Get your tire balanced. cooldude
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crazy2 Experience is recognizing the same mistake every time you make it.crazy2
roboto65
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Posts: 878


Conroe,TX


« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2009, 04:00:31 AM »

Yep get some Dyna Beads and put them in and call it a day coolsmiley
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Allen Rugg                                                       
VRCC #30806
1999 Illusion Blue Valkyrie Interstate
1978 Kawasaki KZ 650 project
Bone
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Posts: 1596


« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2009, 04:11:43 AM »

I have a Timex Speed + Distance System (GPS) for sporting events. I strapped the wrist watch around the handlebars between the risers of my 98 Tourer.
Speeds up to 50 I was getting a 3 mph difference. 40 mph was actually 37 mph. When my speed was into the highway limits 55 to 75 I was getting 5 mph difference as you stated. I always run speed limit plus 5 mph and have never been stopped for speeding.
This May I was running 80 mph in NM into a strong wind. The bike started stumbling showing 90 miles on the odometer. Switched to reserve hoping it was just needing gas, sure was the problem. I was surprised never using that much gas in such a short distance.
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Hef
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Posts: 708

Opdyke, IL 62872


« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2009, 06:39:22 AM »

I have a 2000 Standard and the speedo is also off 5 mph (speedo reads faster than you are actually going) at least from 55 mph and up. Not a problem once you know it, you just adjust your speed accordingly. Ride Safe, Hef
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Thunderbolt
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Posts: 3725


Worthington Springs FL.


« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2009, 05:33:16 PM »

that way they don't have to back themselves up in court.  They are most all about 5 mph high at 60 or so.
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Printer Mike
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Posts: 217

Eatonton, Georgia


« Reply #8 on: August 27, 2009, 12:27:50 AM »

Thanks for the feedback, everyone! cooldude

All said, I believe I will be a very happy Valk owner. I like to tinker, and if I figure out a way to a DIY speedo calibration, I will share.
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MP
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Posts: 5532


1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar

North Dakota


« Reply #9 on: August 27, 2009, 04:37:57 AM »

The speedo is off 6% or so, but the odometer is very close.  If you change the gearing to correct the speedo, you will get the odometer off.

MP
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"Ridin' with Cycho"
Printer Mike
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Posts: 217

Eatonton, Georgia


« Reply #10 on: August 27, 2009, 06:55:10 PM »

The speedo is off 6% or so, but the odometer is very close.  If you change the gearing to correct the speedo, you will get the odometer off.

MP

MP, yes, I understand that. I was hoping to figure out a way to cause the indicator needle to move less without changing the speed of rotation. Maybe there's a calibration adjustment in the "guts" of the speedo...such as, an adjustable spring. Slightly more spring tension would equal less movement of the indicator needle.

There's got to be a way...

BTW...I know there are options other than the stock speedo, but, I woulld like to keep the machine as stock looking as possible.
« Last Edit: August 28, 2009, 06:31:20 AM by Printer Mike » Logged

Never give up!
f-Stop
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Posts: 1810


'98 Standard named Hildr

Driftwood, Texas


« Reply #11 on: August 27, 2009, 07:26:19 PM »

Assuming the tachometer is accurate - I have no reason to believe that it is not - you can always check your speed off the chart from the Rattlebars link.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/RPMandSPEED.html

« Last Edit: August 27, 2009, 07:28:04 PM by Valk Boy Jr. » Logged

 
Had my blinker on across three states!
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