Odometer inaccurate

[rogerm60]

I purchased a 2015 Honda 1800 with Roadsmith conversion from "Honda of Russellville" in Arkansas earlier this month (July). I put about 300 miles on the trike before heading to Leadville, Colorado. The trike performed well with the exception of a few small problems. One of which is the odometer is about 10% off when tested against mile markers and the guys riding with me on other bikes/trikes.

I really didn't get a satisfactory answer for this problem with Russellville, so called Roadsmith direct. Their response was Russellville uses different sized rear tires which cause the odometer to be inaccurate. Sort of a lame answer in my opinion as to why someone would do that, but nevertheless it's a problem. I sure would appreciate hearing from someone that has experienced this problem, and what cure there may be for it. Also the Nav system experienced some dead pixel's on the screen which I'm certain the Honda warranty will take care of.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

First off, welcome to the forum. Different sized tires would cause that issue. I'm sure one of the Honda guys will chime in about how to adjust for it. On my Harley, it was relatively easy.

[The Captain]

If you notice, the Honda speedometer is off as well. It reads about 7% high and has been off since I bought it as a two wheeler in 2006. While the different sized tires can cause a variance I thought the speedo/ODO get their info from the front wheel. I might be wrong on that one but I do know on the 1500 the speedo got its info from the front but that was a mechanical speedo with a cable.

[Gold Rush]

First off, welcome to the forum. Different sized tires would cause that issue. I'm sure one of the Honda guys will chime in about how to adjust for it. On my Harley, it was relatively easy.

Haven't seen this topic in quite a while. I strongly suspect Roadsmith told him the real cause. My 2015 speedometer and odometer were spot on when I bought it and still are now that it's converted with the Roadsmith HTS1800 kit.

There is a correction device called the yellow box (go to yellr.com) ...... It alters the pulse which drives the speed pulse from the transmission to the speedo itself. I think that is the most successful cure. Not cheap but effective.

[mhgoldwing]

Honda of Russellville routinely changes the rear rims and tires on RS units I know for sure. They use 17" instead of 16". If done correctly, the speedometer/odometer should be as close as factory. BUT, you have to select a tire with the same diameter. My buddy bought one but hasn't said anything about his being off. Mine is off 3 mph according to GPS but I can live with that.

[07BlueCSC]

Why worry about a little speedometer inaccuracy.

Just find out what it reads at true 55 or 65 and do not worry about it.

[Solidbob]

I purchased a 2015 Honda 1800 with Roadsmith conversion from "Honda of Russellville" in Arkansas earlier this month (July). I put about 300 miles on the trike before heading to Leadville, Colorado. The trike performed well with the exception of a few small problems. One of which is the odometer is about 10% off when tested against mile markers and the guys riding with me on other bikes/trikes. I really didn't get a satisfactory answer for this problem with Russellville, so called Roadsmith direct. Their response was Russellville uses different sized rear tires which cause the odometer to be inaccurate. Sort of a lame answer in my opinion as to why someone would do that, but nevertheless it's a problem. I sure would appreciate hearing from someone that has experienced this problem, and what cure there may be for it. Also the Nav system experienced some dead pixel's on the screen which I'm certain the Honda warranty will take care of.

Might be a Lame answer to you but it is correct. All their HT & HTS kits come with 16x7 wheels either Aluminum or Chrome Upgraded that work with their Ford Rear-end.

The only other option is for a Black Matte rim &Tire in 17x8 for the F6B with a low profile tire.

Shaft Driven Differential

Our differential is constructed from standard automotive ring and pinion gear sets. The original application of our differential was a Ford car. We cut down this brand new cast iron housing and make an Independent Suspension differential out of it. The components inside it are all brand new including the 2.93:1 ratio ring and pinion. We keep the speedometer correct with that ratio and tire diameter.

So I would say its a Russellville problem!!

[Konrad]

Mine is off 3 mph according to GPS but I can live with that.

I have a 2006 GL1800 with 50,000 miles on the clock. The speedo and my external GPS have always differed by 3 mph at any speed - both before and after triking with Roadsmith. If I set the speedo on 73, my GPS will tell me I'm doing 70. Same speed ratio at 40, 50, 60 or any other speed. I have never had a bike that was right on the money.

[paws]

We offer this for your consideration...

We have always owned Japanese bikes.

They have all been "off" on the speedometer - by about 7 mph.

If the speedo said we were running 70, typically we were only running about 63'sh or so.

This became painfully obvious running with the Harley riders - the American bike has a correct speedometer. They would always rag us about riding those slow old Jap bikes and we were always afraid we would get a speeding ticket riding with them.

Years ago we corrected the Kawasaki Voyager VII's we had by changing the gear tooth.

When we purchased the Honda trikes we came across a product called Dakota Digital and set it using the GPS. It was an easy install and the product has performed as advertised. The speed is now right-on and we can relax as we pass the radar man because we know exactly what speed we were travelling.

Perhaps this speedo correction might help with your odometer.

Regards,

Jim and Carla

[Gold Rush]

We offer this for your consideration...

We have always owned Japanese bikes.

They have all been "off" on the speedometer - by about 7 mph.

If the speedo said we were running 70, typically we were only running about 63'sh or so.

This became painfully obvious running with the Harley riders - the American bike has a correct speedometer. They would always rag us about riding those slow old Jap bikes and we were always afraid we would get a speeding ticket riding with them.

Years ago we corrected the Kawasaki Voyager VII's we had by changing the gear tooth.

When we purchased the Honda trikes we came across a product called Dakota Digital and set it using the GPS. It was an easy install and the product has performed as advertised.

The speed is now right-on and we can relax as we pass the radar man because we know exactly what speed we were travelling.

Perhaps this speedo correction might help with your odometer.

Regards,

Jim and Carla

Hadn't heard for that particular item but I bet it is as good as The Yellow Box.. Looks like a little shopping is in order.

[Papa Zook]

There is also a popular product that is called the speed healer for around $100.

http://www.healtech-electronics.com/products/

[dirtdobber]

With the factory front tire on our hts it was almost dead on. I changed to a bt45 tire and now its 3mph slow. Figure that out.

[Gold Rush]

With the factory front tire on our hts it was almost dead on. I changed to a bt45 tire and now its 3mph slow. Figure that out.

Now there's a mystery for you...... The GL1800 does not use the front wheel to drive the speedo like the GL1500 does. What other changes did you make about the same time DD? Maybe changed the rear tire pressure you run with. That could have slight affect.

[Mick]

http://shop.12oclocklabs.com/index.p...&product_id=59
My 07 was off almost 5 mph at 70 mph so I got one of these from Motomummy. All plug and play. But I wonder if when going to optional 17 and 18 in rims and tires on trikes how much more the speedo and mileage is going to be off. Supposedly from 12 on with the wings they fixed the speedo and had it spot on.

[cavie]

I'd put money on the fact your speedo was off 7-to 10% before it was triked. Figure out how much it's off and ride on! There are bigger things to worry about in life.

[Gold Rush]

I'd put money on the fact your speedo was off 7-to 10% before it was triked. Figure out how much it's off and ride on! There are bigger things to worry about in life.

Can only speak for myself but my 2015 is dead on the money when I compare it to my Garmin 660. It was the day I rode it off the show room floor and also the day I rolled it out of my shop after the conversion was completed. I to was under the impression all third generation (2012 and newer) GL1800s had accurate speedometers from the factory.

[Shimpy]

Can only speak for myself but my 2015 is dead on the money when I compare it to my Garmin 660. It was the day I rode it off the show room floor and also the day I rolled it out of my shop after the conversion was completed. I to was under the impression all third generation (2012 and newer) GL1800s had accurate speedometers from the factory.

Honda corrected the speedometer in I believe 2009. My original wing was a 2003 and was optimistic by usually 4 mph. My 2010 is within 1 mph of right on. After triking it about 3 or 4 years ago it is still the same even though the Honda rear end while 2 wheels was 2.750:1 ratio and the Champion Nisson rear end I now have is 2.930:1 ratio. I guess tires are of course different diameter than original 2 wheels and allow the trike to maintain near the same speedometer reading.

[Ozarkryder]

I have always figured that motorcycle speedos were off - all I've had except the Harley have been optimistic. I have a friend with a 6 month old sportbike that reads 12 mph fast at an actual 70mph. He test rode the same bike at a dealer and that speedo was the same. The 1990 FLHS reads 1 or 2 miles fast, it is a mechanical drive on the front wheel, and tire brand and wear seem to have a slight effect on the speed reading. The '04 GL1800 Champion is 4 miles fast, and 2013 Triumph Bonneville reads 68 at 65 actual mph as read on the GPS. Generally it isn't a worry to me - I ride with the flow of traffic or am passed a lot so I don't much pay attention what the speedometer reads. If I want close accuracy I can use the speedo app on the phone or the GPS.

[schiel1]

I have an 2012 and checked it when i first bought it new alongside a gps and it was dead on. I think it was the first year Honda fixed it. Just had a csc conversion with 17"low profiles on. I guess i need to recheck speed.

[schiel1]

Rechecked my speedo.
2012 w/ 2015 csc conversion.*
17" csc low profile tires.*

70 mph on bike dash
71 on gps*

I can live with that