Finally got my '98 Valk Tourer out for a good run...

[Printer Mike]

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.

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...

[woefman]

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.

[Udo]

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.

[Grandpot]

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.

[roboto65]

Yep get some Dyna Beads and put them in and call it a day

[Bone]

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.

[Hef]

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

[Thunderbolt]

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

[Printer Mike]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

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.

[MP]

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

[Printer Mike]

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.

[f-Stop]

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