Is a speedometer a legal requirement on a motorcycle?

No, it is not. Most states require that the motorcycle has brakes, a mirror and lights, but a speedometer or a tachometer are not typically required. It is difficult to ride without a speedometer simply because you have to obey speed limits. If you don’t have to obey speed limits, then you tend to ride at the speed that suits whatever you are doing and the terrain you are riding on. There are many Speedometer apps available for smartphones, so an alterative to a traditional speedometer is simply a cell phone mount on your handlebars. This can allow you to track your speed, distance, and use navigation while riding.

What is the difference between mechanical or electric gauges?

Mechanical gauges use gears and typically a rotating cable to determine the number of rotations of the wheel. The size of the mechanical gear and the number of teeth on the gear is mathematically calculated to determine the speed. Electronic gauges use sensors to accomplish the same task. These sensors usually involve a pick-up and a magnet that sends a signal to a computer on the motorcycle. The number of signals is translated to a speed reading or measurement that is displayed by your speedometer.

What is the difference between an tachometer and a speedometer?

A tachometer measures the speed of the engine. RPM stands for revolutions per minute and this is unit of measure the tachometer typically uses. A tachometer uses and electronic pule to determine how many times the ignition fires per minute. A speedometer measure how much distance is covered in a time span. MPH stands for miles per hour and KPH stands for kilometers per hour. A speedometer will measure distance by using a mechanical method, or an electronic method to determine the wheel revolutions. An electronic speedometer will use a pick-up on the wheel or inside the transmission to determine the wheel revolutions. A mechanical speedometer will use gears and a cable to accomplish the same job.

Ready Chrome Motorcycle Gauges & Instruments

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Cycle Standard Mini 2:1 ratio Mechanical Speedometer with Trip Meter - 2.4 inch
10 reviews $77.19

PanAm Oils Inc. Oil Pressure Gauge 0-60 psi - Chrome
8 reviews $30.50

Lowbrow Customs Rocker Box Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter Fitting - Chrome - 1971 - Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, 1971 - 1985 Sportster
9 reviews $24.19

Cycle Standard Mini 1:1 ratio Mechanical Speedometer - 2.4 inch
4 reviews $58.69

Cycle Standard 45 Degree Elbow 1/8 inch NPT Male To Female - Chrome
5 reviews $13.60

Cycle Standard 1/8 inch NPT x 1/8 inch NPT 90 degree Street Elbow - Chrome
6 reviews $9.29

V-Twin Manufacturing Oil Pressure Gauge Mounting Kit 1984 - 1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
7 reviews $30.29 $33.65

Colony #9016-3 Dash Mounting Kit Button Allen Head 1986-Up Harley-Davidson FXR (Except 88-Up FXRS) - Chrome Plated
$6.78

Colony #7716-2 Dash Cover Mounting Center Screw & Stud Kit All 1947-1967 Harley-Davidson
2 reviews $23.18

Colony #8724-18 Handlebar Clamp & Gauge Acorn Head Mount Kit 1983-1994 Harley-Davidson FX/XL - Chrome Plated
$20.27

Colony #2057-2 Speedometer Drive Block Off Plug 1957-1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $15.58

Colony #8483-2 Dash Center Screw Kit 1947-1967 Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
1 review $8.78

Colony #3706-5 Dash Cover Mounting Kit 1936-1946 Harley-Davidson Twins - Chrome Plated
$5.50

Lowbrow Customs Oil Gauge Adapter Tappet Screen Fitting 1966-1999 Harley-Davidsons
9 reviews $18.14

Lowbrow Customs Rocker Box Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter Fitting - Chrome - 1966 - 1970 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, 1957 - 1970 Sportster
2 reviews $24.19

Colony #9962-6 Handlebar Clamp & Gauge Mount Kit 1995-Up Harley-Davidson FX/XL - Chrome Plated
$9.31

Colony #9636-8 Handlebar Clamp & Gauge Mount Kit 1983-1994 Harley-Davidson FX/XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $15.94

Colony #9014-3 Dash Mounting Kit Acorn 1986-Up Harley-Davidson FXR - Chrome Plated
$10.76

Colony #8775-4 Dash Mounting Kit Button Allen 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson FX - Chrome Plated
$9.16

Colony #7715-6 Dash Plate Mounting Kit All 1936-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$26.40

Cycle Standard Mini Electronic Speedometer - 2.4 inch - Black Face
13 reviews $167.70

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