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.

Steel Motorcycle Gauges & Instruments

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Drag Specialties Single Gauge Bracket - Black - 1995-2011 Harley-Davidson XL883 1995-2005 FXD Models
1 review $76.95

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

Drag Specialties Speedometer Relocation Bracket - Black - 2004-2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
2 reviews $105.95

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

Mooneyes MOON Pressure Gauge 0-100 psi
2 reviews $39.99

Drag Specialties Dual Gauge Bracket - Chrome - 1995-2001 Harley-Davidson XL1200 99-05 FXDX 95-00 FXDX-CONV
$141.95

Drag Specialties Single Gauge Bracket - Chrome - 1995-2011 Harley-Davidson XL883 1995-2005 FXD Models
$66.95

Drag Specialties Speedometer Relocation Bracket - Chrome - 2004-2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $89.95

British Standard Smiths Tachometer Replica - Grey Face 4:1 Ratio - For Triumph Motorcycles
4 reviews $79.61

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

Lowbrow Customs CAD Plated Triumph Tachometer Plug - 1969 and Up Triumph 1/2-20 L.H. Thread
14 reviews $7.98

Drag Specialties Cable Adapter for Mini Gauges - 12mm Cable to 5/8-12 inch
2 reviews $6.95

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

Colony #9646-1 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1936-1938 Harley-Davidson 74/80 Sidevalve 1936-1951 61/74 OHV - Parkerized
1 review $7.58

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 #9652-1 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1961-1980 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Zinc Plated
$7.17

Colony #2915-2 Speedometer Drive Block Off Plug 1957-1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
3 reviews $12.10

Lowbrow Customs Ignition Switch Mounting Hardware for Harley 125 / 165 / Big Twins
2 reviews $3.98

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

Colony #9649-5 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1939-1948 Harley-Davidson 74/80 Sidevalve - Parkerized
$7.96

Colony #3708-1 Instrument Panel Cover Plate - Left Side - CAD Plated - 1939-46 Harley-Davidson All Models
$7.70

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

Colony #3707-1 Instrument Panel Cover Plate - Right Side - CAD Plated - 1947-64 Harley-Davidson All Models
$9.90

Colony #3713-3 Instrument Panel Cover Plate - Right Side - CAD Plated - 1939-46 Harley-Davidson All Models
$9.90

Colony #3714-3 Instrument Panel Cover Plate - Right Side - Parkerized - 1939-46 Harley-Davidson All Models
$9.90

Colony #3629-2 Speedo Drive Unit Retainer - Parkerized - 1937-52 Harley-Davidson WL
$7.43

Drag Specialties Dual Gauge Bracket - Black - 1995-2001 Harley-Davidson XL1200 99-05 FXDX 95-00 FXDX-CONV
2 reviews $155.95

Colony #3542-1 Speedometer Cable Clip 1954-65 Harley-Davidsons
$6.05

Colony #3379-1 Speedometer Cable Clip 1929 Harley-Davidson JD and 1930-36 All Models
$21.99

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

Colony #2714-36 Instrument Panel Base Restoration Kit 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
1 review $49.50

Colony #2713-42 Instrument Panel Base Restoration Kit 1947-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$25.30

Colony #2862-2 Instrument Panel Dash Base 1938-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twins/45s - CAD Plated
$17.60

Colony #2671-2 Instrument Panel Light Shield Kit 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twins/45s - CAD Plated
$17.60

Colony #2919-2 Speedometer Drive Block Off Plug 1952-1956 Harley-Davidson K/KH - CAD Plated
$12.10

Colony #2629-4 Speedometer Mounting Kit 1936-Up Harley-Davidson Stewart-Warner Speedometers - CAD Plated
1 review $3.63

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 #9651-1 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1957-1961 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Parkerized
$7.58

Colony #9650-1 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1952-1956 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Parkerized
$7.58

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

British Standard Smiths Speedometer Replica - Grey Face 1:1.25 Ratio - For Triumph Motorcycles
4 reviews $90.29

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