[jcopley]

Just wondering if anyone has done any testing as to the accuracy of the speedo? Either via GPS or buddy? I know on my 03 Vol there was a 10% variance - when it read 50, you were really doing 45... at 80, you were really at 72... etc.

Yesterday I hit 120 but it didn't "feel" like 120... more like 105'ish. Also when cruising at what shows as 80, I'm not really passing folks as I would in the truck at 80 - am I really doing 72?

Just thinking the 10% variance might exist with the 109, too.

J

 

[Guest]

If they are like every other Suzuki I've owned 10% variance sounds about right. I haven't put the GPS mount on it yet so I haven't had a chance to check it out but I agree, at 75 or 80 I'm just keeping up with traffic.

 

[Zukii]

I have noticed the same thing I was waiting for the police to set up those radar carts on the side of the road to check it. My old C50 was about 10% off as well.

 

[Wanted]

I have mounted a GPS on mine and the first thing I did was test the speedo. (Pics are in another thread).

It was nearly exactly 8% off. I have owned two other late-model Suzis, and they were also 8% off. I expect that this figure is probably pretty consistent across the Boulevard line.

So, if you were doing 120 indicated, you were probably around 110 actual...

 

[sledzep01]

I believe thats the lawyers padding there...
If there was any chance it showed lower than actual someone would hold Suzuki accountable for their speeding tickets or something.

SledZep

 

[Wanted]

I believe thats the lawyers padding there...

Yes, this is why it's done. All manufacturers do it, though the variance is a bit different from brand to brand.

 

[ns2973]

Actually i have an article somewhere on why they read incorectly. Its not about them doing it on purpose, its physics. You'll notice actually that the margin of error increases w/ speed. Article explains it a lot better i'll get on finding it.

 

[Wanted]

You'll notice actually that the margin of error increases w/ speed.Â

Um, this is kind of obvious, isn't it? If it is a given percentage off, then of course, the actual margin increases with speed. If it were a flat amount, the speedo would show you going 8 mph at a stoplight.

 

[Guest]

This brings up another interesting question. Doesn't this give you false odometer readings and in turn false fuel mileage estimates?

 

[Wanted]

This brings up another interesting question. Doesn't this give you false odometer readings and in turn false fuel mileage estimates?

No, the odometer is accurate. The bike actually "knows" it's true speed. They just calibrate the speedos to read low.

(When I say "accurate", I'm talking agreement with GPS readings +/- 0.5 miles over the course of a 300 mile trip )

 

[JB2TONE]

If you are going 120mph, actually 112, does it really matter how accureate your fuel mileage is?

 

[Joshua_109]

So why don't they just calibrate it correctly? Seems kind of stupid to me to buy a $12000 INCORRECT speedometer! ?? Anyone?

 

[Wanted]

So why don't they just calibrate it correctly? Seems kind of stupid to me to buy a $12000 INCORRECT speedometer! ?? Anyone?

If you buy a $35,000 fully decked out Screamin' Eagle Ultra Glide, you'll find the same thing. Nothing to do with the price. Nothing to do with a lack of quality control. This is by design. ALL companies do it.

In many European countries, it is the LAW that bike sppedos must be calibrated to read low.

 

[Joshua_109]

Yeah I know they do it on purpose and by design but just seems stupid to me! :

 

[ditch]

I had my state trooper buddy run lazer on me when I first got it. We went from 50 all the way up to 95 and it was off 5 mph at every speed we tested. It was kinda fun running 95 past a trooper and not get a ticket :cop: :clap2:

 

[Guest]

If you are going 120mph, actually 112, does it really matter how accureate your fuel mileage is?

Point well taken :evil:.

 

[GSXR_Drew]

I think it is their design...it's naturally flawed. I had a 2004 Aprilia RSV1000R and it was dead on at over 100 mph...gps verified. I believe their sensor was on the back wheel near the rear brake. The Suzukis that I have owned in the past...about 5 different bikes, had the sensor at the front sprocket. Needless to say, when you changed teeth on either sprocket, it affected the speedo....so I think Suzukis error is based upon trying to get the speedo matched as close as they could to the front sprocket. Not really sure, just a speculation on my part.

 

[bollert]

Bike 70 MPH, car 65 MPH. Assuming car was accurate, 7.7% or 8 as stated above

 

[BradBike]

I ran today for 300+ miles and GPS showed 80 when speedo said 85.

 

[shredder]

Yeah, mine is readin high as well...

check out Yellowbox.com for a speedometer recalibrator.. .works really well.