'07 VFR800 Speedometer innacurate?

Greetings brothers, newbie here. I bought a somewhat poorly maintained 07 VFR a couple weeks ago (only 19000 miles tho, and included some nice bells and whistles). Before that I had a 2023 honda CB500x, and a difference I've noticed - and just now confirmed - is that the VFR's speedometer seems off by about 5MPH (that is, it often reads higher than the speed I'm actually at). How can I fix this? Is this something I can take to the mechanic?

Sorry if I'm breaking any rules with this. First post and all that. Thanks.

 

Hi and Welcome to the MadHouse

No Rules broken - as this post is in the right place. The short answer is that ALL speedometers are set slightly low as it needs to allow for changes in tire pressure and diameter which affects the rolling circumference of the tire ane the distance covered per revolution. There are things called speedo healers out there - I cannot personally say if they work - doubtless others will advise. I have a TomTom GPS on my 8th Gen and it consistentaly says my displayed speed is over by 4mph (6kph) - however as it shows my true speed I tend to trust the GPS and ignore the dash display.

When you get time please add a post in the "introductions" section of the forum - tell us a bit about your riding history and motorbikes. Don't forget to add a photo of your VFR - it is easy - click the "upload a file" link follow the prompts to select and upload a photo on your computer use the "more options" to decide how you want the photo displayed.



In the meantime take care - ATGATT



SkiMad

 

Ya. That's about how much my 06 is out as well. Like SkiMad does, I use the GPS for my speedometer. I bought the GPS not long after purchasing the bike brand new. It did not seem to matter what bike I rode, I ran into the same thing whether is was my VFR, my BMW GS or my Africa twin. They are all out about the same amount.

Welcome to the house of ill repute. We are a motley crew on the face of things but there are really some great wrenches here who love to jump in to help out given the chance. Most of them are really worth while taking advice from. A warning though. When it comes to mechanics, I am not one of them. Hell. I stripped the threads tightening my oil drain plug.

Your 07 should give you so many more miles than what it already has on the clock. It is a work horse and forgiving of poor maintenance. I have flipped the odometer on mine twice now. Over 228,000 km on that beauty now. It is in for some TLC at the shop, mostly changing out the brake lines for braided SS. A few other small stuff that I could have fixed myself but I just don't like doing it. But the engine on this thing has never failed me. A couple stators and a new clutch basket but with that kind of mileage, that is maintenance.

Pix please!