Almost every motorcycle comes with a speedometer to help monitor the speed. However, most riders wonder whether they really need this tool and some will remove it immediately after buying a new motorbike. So, do you need a speedometer on your motorcycle? The answer to this question is, yes.
In most countries, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without a speedometer. Some areas have assigned speed limits and you can only keep the speed of your motorbike under the range if you have a speedometer that is working properly. While some people manage to control the speed without checking the speedometer, the device eliminates the guesswork.
Furthermore, a speedometer will help you shift gears without stalling the engine. Some speedos feature programmed LED lights that flicker to inform the rider when it is time to shift the gears. The lights also blink in event of an overt-temp situation.
Other Reasons Why You Need a Speedometer
Even though the main purpose of a speedometer is to show the speed of your bike on an MPH (miles per hour) and KPH (kilometers per hour) basis to help you stick to the set speed limits and shift gears, the device comes with other helpful features. Even more, you are unlikely to benefit from the features if your bike does not have a working speedometer. Here are some of the tools that only come as part of the speedometer.
Odometer
An odometer is among the tools that will come as part of a speedometer. The tool shows the number of kilometers or miles that your motorcycle has covered. This tool is needed in some legal works and you can rely on it to know when it is time to service your motorbike.
Fuel Level and Pressure Gauge
A speedometer also comes with a fuel and pressure gauge, which shows the amount of fuel in the tank along with its pressure. Mostly, you will have to check the amount of fuel in the tank before going on a trip so that you can refill it if necessary. The fuel can finish very fast and mess up your whole trip if it is at the very bottom. Even more, knowing the amount of fuel in the tank is important for people who would want to monitor the fuel usage over time.
The fuel gauge further allows you to monitor the pressure level. Motorcycles have a set fuel pressure limit and you should try to maintain it so that the engine can inject fuel easily. Minimal fuel pressure helps keep the fuel flowing into the engine.
Tachometer
A tachometer or a revolution counter is an instrument designed to measure the rotation speed of a motorcycle engine. It displays the number of revolutions per minute (RMP) in an easier-to-read format so that you can know the amount of work your motorcycle engine is doing and know when to shift the gear for better fuel economy.
Coolant Temperature Gauge
Keeping the temperature of your motorcycle’s engine within the optimal operating range guarantees a safer driving experience and helps avoid severe damages. Most motorcycle speedometers come with an electrical temperature gauge to inform the rider about overheating and allow them to stop the engine before damages occur.
The Accuracy of Speedometer Data
The motorcycle speedometer will not always show precise measurements. Issues can arise and change the measurement inputs. Here are some of the common problems.
A Faulty Speedometer
This is the most prevent problem. If the speedometer is faulty, you will get inaccurate data. So, each time you notice a change in the readings of your speedometer, contact your mechanic to know whether the device is in the right shape.
Sensor Damages
If the speedometer is working properly, sensor damages may be behind the inaccurate readings. Faulty sensors can show over or under-readings and they are among the leading road risks. A single sensor replacement can eliminate the problem.
Bad Wiring
Bad speedometer wiring can also affect the accuracy. Also, the bad wiring can result in needle wavering, squealing noises, or even the speedometer needle not moving at all. In such cases, you will have to check the cable and replace it if it is broken.
Inaccurate Speed Indicator Calibration
This is another common issue that can affect the accuracy of your motorcycle speedometer data. In the EU, speedometers are around 10 percent inaccurate on over-read.
Other Factors that Can Affect the Accuracy of Your Motorcycle Speedometer
In addition to the above problems, a speedometer can display the wrong data due to the following factors.
- Worn Out Tires: Manufacturers calibrate motorcycle speedometers to unused or new tires. So, wearing out of tires, traction decrease, and diameter reduction will affect the accuracy of your speedometer.
- Tire Pressure: Speedometers are calibrated with the default tire pressure. Therefore, a change in pressure will also affect the accuracy.
- Rim Size: Similar to tire pressure and worn-out tires, the change of the motorcycle rim’s diameter affects the accuracy.
- The Motorcycle Load: Speedometers are only calibrated with the weight of the motorbike. That means that any additional load, such as equipment, new gears, or extra passenger will affect the accuracy.
- The Speedometer Needles: The length, size, and shape of the speedometer needle can make a difference when it comes to the accuracy of your speedometer.
Wired Vs. Wireless Motorcycle Speedometer
The market offers both wireless and wired speedometers. Wireless speedometers do not come with any wires and they are therefore easy to install. Unfortunately, they require separate batteries as the source because they cannot drive power from the motorcycle cigarette plug or battery. You will have to ensure that the batteries are fully charged or carry extra ones when traveling for accurate speed recording.
Wired speedometers on the other hand do not require any battery pack and they are more dependable. Still, their installation can be tricky, especially for beginners. The wires can be messy when the device gets entangled with other parts. Manufacturers will offer an instructional guide to make the installation work easy.
FAQs
Q: Is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a speedometer?
A: Yes, driving a motorcycle without a working speedometer is illegal in most countries. Many areas have assigned speed limits and you can only stick to the speed limits if your motorcycle has a working speedometer. The speedometer is also considered an important safety tool for the rider.
Q: Do You Require a Speedometer on Your Motorcycle?
A: You do not need a speedometer to drive your motorcycle. Unfortunately, if a cop spots you and hands you a speeding ticket, you will find it hard to argue with them because you will not have an idea of how fast you were moving. Also, a motorcycle without a properly working speedometer can be unsafe and impractical. In addition to increasing the risk for citation by cops, changing the gears will be a problem.
Q: Does a 50cc Motorcycle Require a Speedometer?
A: No, a speedometer is not necessary for a bike below 100cc or the pre-1936 motorcycles. You only need a speedometer if your bike is younger and is above 100cc.
Conclusion
Motorcycle speedometers are made to keep people alive. A properly working speedometer will tell you how fast you are moving and whether you are within the legal speed for the weather and road conditions. The tools entered the market in 1910 but they became a standard in the motorcycle industry after many years. Early speedometers were mechanical and the electronic ones entered the market in the 1990s.