Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Jaxter on October 30, 2011, 12:19:39 AM

Title: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: Jaxter on October 30, 2011, 12:19:39 AM
has anyone used
Speedo Healer version 4?
http://www.holeshot.com/Concours_c14/c14slipon.html (http://www.holeshot.com/Concours_c14/c14slipon.html)
Title: Re: Speedometer Error
Post by: So Cal Joe on October 31, 2011, 06:17:49 AM
Haven't used it on the c 14 but a lot of people use it on the Gold Wings and are happy with it.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: stlheadake on October 31, 2011, 10:22:44 AM
Not to be flip, but I probably am, WHY?  That seems like a chunk of change to cure a minor MPH error.  I'm not trying to be a bone-head or anything, but I'm fairly satisfied that I am riding 'in the vicinity of' 80MPH.  84 or 76 doesn't really matter too much does it?  That's all I am wondering about.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 31, 2011, 10:54:28 AM
I think that could be said of any 'farkle' or modification.  The wonderful thing about this bike is that there are many mods and farkles to be had.....why add a turbo, why add an exhaust, why add a PC5?   I wouldn't have the Speedo Healer either but to each his own.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: ZG on October 31, 2011, 11:30:08 AM
Not to be flip, but I probably am, WHY?  That seems like a chunk of change to cure a minor MPH error.  I'm not trying to be a bone-head or anything, but I'm fairly satisfied that I am riding 'in the vicinity of' 80MPH.  84 or 76 doesn't really matter too much does it?  That's all I am wondering about.

Riding on a hwy with a 65 mph speed limit you're less likely to get a ticket at 76 mph, but at 84 mph you most likely would... Just my thoughts.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: Conrad on October 31, 2011, 11:33:58 AM
Not to be flip, but I probably am, WHY?  That seems like a chunk of change to cure a minor MPH error.  I'm not trying to be a bone-head or anything, but I'm fairly satisfied that I am riding 'in the vicinity of' 80MPH.  84 or 76 doesn't really matter too much does it?  That's all I am wondering about.

+1, seems like a lot of trouble and expense to go through to cure such a small error.   
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: stlheadake on October 31, 2011, 11:49:03 AM
I guess you got me on that one Jim, point well taken.  I have a cruise control, and others would never.  Que sera, sera 
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: VirginiaJim on October 31, 2011, 12:21:46 PM
I think we've found the error to be about 4.5% roughly.  Not enough for me to worry about.

More info on it...

http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/speedohealer (http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/speedohealer)
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: RedBombardier on October 31, 2011, 01:50:14 PM
If you are one to stay right below the posted speed limit it makes perfect sence.  Here in Ohio most cops do the ten over thing.  Eleven over will get you nailed every time.  Myself, I prefer the use of a GPS and radar detector.  Not exactly cheap either...
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: Son of Pappy on October 31, 2011, 04:55:21 PM
I'm more interested in what the Odo says, not that I'm selling, but some like a new bike every coupla years.  My GPS gives me my speed.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: TRBN on November 01, 2011, 10:25:39 AM
has anyone used
Speedo Healer version 4?
http://www.holeshot.com/Concours_c14/c14slipon.html (http://www.holeshot.com/Concours_c14/c14slipon.html)

Nope, but a 190/55-17 rear tire made my speedo within 1% accurate over the old 7-8% error.

Aaron
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: BudCallaghan on November 02, 2011, 11:35:13 AM
has anyone used
Speedo Healer version 4?
http://www.holeshot.com/Concours_c14/c14slipon.html (http://www.holeshot.com/Concours_c14/c14slipon.html)

I bought a Speedo Healer for my '09 two years ago and can vouch for its accuracy.  From zero to 150 mph the speedometer always matches the GPS reading and the Escort radar detector's GPS reading.  A product that does what it was designed to do, albeit at a high price.  For those of you who question spending excess money for an accurate speedometer bear in mind that from the cost of the bike and every conceivable accessory to simply taking a ride on it we're talking about frivolous spending when considering necessity versus luxury.  Prior to this reply, ten people offered their opinions but none of them answered the question that was asked by Jaxter.  Seems to be a frivolous waste of time and energy to question a frivolous dispersement of money. 
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: Conrad on November 02, 2011, 11:50:59 AM
I bought a Speedo Healer for my '09 two years ago and can vouch for its accuracy.  From zero to 150 mph the speedometer always matches the GPS reading and the Escort radar detector's GPS reading.  A product that does what it was designed to do, albeit at a high price.  For those of you who question spending excess money for an accurate speedometer bear in mind that from the cost of the bike and every conceivable accessory to simply taking a ride on it we're talking about frivolous spending when considering necessity versus luxury.  Prior to this reply, ten people offered their opinions but none of them answered the question that was asked by Jaxter.  Seems to be a frivolous waste of time and energy to question a frivolous dispersement of money.

ditto
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: gPink on November 02, 2011, 01:18:39 PM
I consider riding a necessity.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: RedBombardier on November 02, 2011, 02:57:10 PM
Prior to this reply, ten people offered their opinions but none of them answered the question that was asked by Jaxter.

I do believe they did answer, albiet indirectly.  The idea is, assuming it is a waste of money, there are other better, and cleaner ways to read speed.  The C-14 speedometer is nothing to write home about anyway.  Seems kind of anal anyway if one owns a GPS.  Most of us have better things to do anyway than continually check on speed. ;D
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: Jaxter on November 02, 2011, 07:04:00 PM
Thanks Bud...how hard is it to install and calibrate?
Different Farkles for different Folks.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: wally_games on November 02, 2011, 07:30:34 PM
I've found my speedo to read about 4.5-5% higher than actual (with a new 190-50 rear tire). If my speedo says I'm going 75 in a 65 zone, I'm really going about 71 and not likely to get a ticket. From what I understand, almost all Japanese bikes' speedos read faster than actual, some by as much as 10%.

As far as a potential odometer error, I've not found there to be an error on the few occasions that I've tried to check.

I, personally, wouldn't spend the money to fix the error, especially if that error changes as the tire wears. I just figure that I'm not going as fast as the speedo indicates, and just move on from there.

If I understand correctly (please enlighten me if I'm in error), my 2011's ECU limits the speed of my bike to 250 kph (a hair over 155 mph). I know that my bike has registered 162 mph on the speedo which would exceed that limit were it not for the speedo error. (162 mph less 5% error is 154 mph)
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: BudCallaghan on November 02, 2011, 08:41:38 PM
Thanks Bud...how hard is it to install and calibrate?
Different Farkles for different Folks.

Jaxter,

Installation is rather simple.  As I recall there are excellent directions (with pictures included) supplied with the unit.  It's small enough to fit easily under the seat where all of the electrical connections are made.  Go to:  http://www.healtech-electronics.com/. (http://www.healtech-electronics.com/.)  Click "SPEEDOHEALER", click "Installation", click "Click here to open "how tos" sent by our customers", Find the listing for your Concours and click "tutorial" and you will be offered a PDF document containing the detailed instructions.  When you download the file and print it you will have all the information you can use. 

Calibrating the unit is a piece of cake if you have a GPS.  Without a GPS, calibration will probably be an ordeal of sorts as you will definitely need an accurate barometer of your speed.  If you have the GPS, you're home free.  If not, either buy one or borrow one from a friend as it's damn near a necessity for a spot on calibration.

Every Japanese bike I have ever encountered has been equipped with an optimistic speedometer.  My '09 was 3 or 4 mpg above the actual speed in the 60 - 80 mph range.  My odometer, on the other hand is a pessimist as it tells me I have traveled 97 miles when I have actually gone 100 miles.  The odometer is not affected by the SpeedoHealer and will remain as is.

In reply to those who questioned my need for an accurate speedometer when a GPS reading is readily available.  I don't always have the GPS with me when I travel locally so the speedometer is my only source of speed information.  Yes, I can easily subtract the 3 or 4 mph difference or I can blow the $115 for an accurate reading.  It's a matter of choosing an accurate speedometer reading at all times or having an extra $115 in the bank.  It's anyone's choice to go for one or the other and is certainly polite not to question what someone else decides to do.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: Conrad on November 03, 2011, 04:50:12 AM
snip...

In reply to those who questioned my need for an accurate speedometer when a GPS reading is readily available.  I don't always have the GPS with me when I travel locally so the speedometer is my only source of speed information.  Yes, I can easily subtract the 3 or 4 mph difference or I can blow the $115 for an accurate reading.  It's a matter of choosing an accurate speedometer reading at all times or having an extra $115 in the bank.  It's anyone's choice to go for one or the other and is certainly polite not to question what someone else decides to do.

Sorry Bud, you're right. It's your time and your money to do with as you please.
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: TownsendsFJR1300 on November 05, 2011, 06:29:59 PM
Unless they changed it drastically, it also has an outlet with additional plug that locks in your highest speed with the push of a button (see below). Hold the button doen a little longer, it resets to 0.  It should also just plug into a 3 wire connector from your speed sensor.

On my FZ6, the speedometer was off about the same as the Concours which bugged me as I want to know exactly how fast I'm going (should I get stopped or to keep from getting stopped).  Once checked against the GPS and programmed, its dead on, no more guessing..   

I have a GPS, mount and its hardwired but I don't leave it on the bike.  This gives you the accurate reading of a GPS and the memory of your highest speed without worrying about your GPS walking away... Great farkle IMHO....
Title: Re: Speedometer Error - Speedo Healer version 4?
Post by: BudCallaghan on November 05, 2011, 07:02:45 PM
Unless they changed it drastically, it also has an outlet with additional plug that locks in your highest speed with the push of a button (see below). Hold the button doen a little longer, it resets to 0.  It should also just plug into a 3 wire connector from your speed sensor.

On my FZ6, the speedometer was off about the same as the Concours which bugged me as I want to know exactly how fast I'm going (should I get stopped or to keep from getting stopped).  Once checked against the GPS and programmed, its dead on, no more guessing..   

I have a GPS, mount and its hardwired but I don't leave it on the bike.  This gives you the accurate reading of a GPS and the memory of your highest speed without worrying about your GPS walking away... Great farkle IMHO....

Townsend is correct, there is an option to install a momentary button that will activate the speedometer needle to show your maximum speed since the previous reset and hold it there for about five seconds.  It works the same whether stopped or moving.  Hold the button for a few seconds and it will reset and record you next highest speed achieved in the time between the reset and the next time you momentarily press the button.  My Garmin also reveals the highest speed reached between resets.  Because your speedometer is corrected, both the speedometer and the GPS agree on the maximum speed achieved provided that speed was held for more than a few seconds.  If your maximum speed attained is only held momentarily the speedometer will show a higher reading than the GPS because the speedometer has no lag time whereas the GPS is always a couple seconds late.