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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Cycle Standard Mini Electronic Speedometer - 2.4 inch - Black Face
14 reviews $161.75

British Standard Smiths Speedometer Replica - Grey Face 1:1.25 Ratio - For Triumph Motorcycles
5 reviews $103.55

Mooneyes MOON Pressure Gauge 0-100 psi
5 reviews $49.00

Cycle Standard Mini 2:1 ratio Mechanical Speedometer with Trip Meter - 2.4 inch
12 reviews $92.02

British Standard Smiths Tachometer Replica - Grey Face 4:1 Ratio - For Triumph Motorcycles
5 reviews $93.05

Cycle Standard Single Gauge Bracket - Black - 1995-2011 Harley-Davidson XL883 1995-2005 FXD Models
2 reviews $84.99

Drag Specialties Speedometer Relocation Bracket - Black - 2004-2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL (EXCEPT 883C/1200C)
1 review $121.85

Drag Specialties Dual Gauge Bracket - Black - 1995-2001 Harley-Davidson XL1200 99-05 FXDX 95-00 FXDX-CONV
2 reviews $219.37

Cycle Standard Single Gauge Bracket - Chrome - 1995-2011 Harley-Davidson XL883 1995-2005 FXD Models
$88.99

Cycle Standard Mini 1:1 ratio Mechanical Speedometer - 2.4 inch
5 reviews $56.69

Drag Specialties Speedometer Relocation Bracket - Chrome - 2004-2013 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL (EXCEPT 883C/1200C)
2 reviews $115.49

Drag Specialties Cable Adapter for Mini Gauges - 12mm Cable to 5/8-12 inch
3 reviews $14.79

Colony #7715-6 Dash Plate Mounting Kit All 1936-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$29.37

Lowbrow Customs CAD Plated Triumph Tachometer Plug - 1969 and Up Triumph 1/2-20 L.H. Thread
15 reviews $9.59

Lowbrow Customs Ignition Switch Mounting Hardware for Harley 125 / 165 / Big Twins
2 reviews $5.93

Colony #3379-1 Speedometer Cable Clip 1929 Harley-Davidson JD 1930-1936 All Models - Parkerized
$21.99

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

Colony #3708-1 Instrument Panel Cover Plate Left Side 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson All Models - CAD Plated
$7.70

Colony #2671-2 Instrument Panel Light Shield Kit 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson Big Twins/45s - CAD Plated
$19.36

Colony #3542-1 Speedometer Cable Clip 1954-1965 Harley-Davidson Models - Parkerized
$6.05

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

Colony #2057-2 Speedometer Drive Block Off Plug 1957-1972 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $17.14

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

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

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

Colony #3707-1 Instrument Panel Cover Plate Right Side 1947-1964 Harley-Davidson All Models - CAD Plated
1 review $9.90

Colony #3629-2 Speedo Drive Unit Retainer 1937-1952 Harley-Davidson WL - Parkerized
$7.43

Colony #3761-5 Dash Cover Mounting Kit 1936-1946 Harley-Davidson Twins - CAD Plated
$4.95

Colony #9961-12 Handlebar Clamp & Gauge Mount Kit Acorn 1995-Up Harley-Davidson FX/XL - Chrome Plated
$15.94

Colony #3628-2 Speedo Drive Unit Retainer 1937-1952 Harley-Davidson WL - CAD Plated
$7.43

Colony #3627-2 Speedo Drive Unit Retainer 1937-1952 Harley-Davidson WL - Chrome Plated
$8.25

Colony #8016-4 Chrome Plated Acorn Dash Mounting 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson FX - Chrome Plated
$14.74

Colony #9648-1 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1941-1952 Harley-Davidson 45 Solo - Parkerized
$14.85

Colony #9647-1 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1937-1952 Harley-Davidson 45 Solo 1937-1956 Servicar - Parkerized
$7.17

Colony #9015-3 Dash Mounting Kit Cap Head 1986-Up Harley-Davidson FXR (Except 88-Up FXRS) - Chrome Plated
$10.76

Colony #9940-9 Fuel Gauge Housing Trim Panel Button Allen Kit 1994-Up Harley-Davidson FXD/FXDS-CON/FXDX - Chrome Plated
$9.16

Colony #2776-9 Headlight Bracket Mount Kit 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1940-1957 45s - Chrome Plated
$24.20

Colony #2769-4 Kick Starter Pedal Mounting Kit 1917-1941 Harley-Davidson - Parkerized
$14.30

Colony #2729-1 Carburetor Bowl Valve Cover Cap 1933-1952 Harley-Davidson 45s 1933-1948 Sidevalve Servi-carK/KH - CAD Plated
$6.05

Colony #3762-5 Dash Cover Mounting Kit 1936-1946 Harley-Davidson Twins - Parkerized
$4.95

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

Colony #3714-3 Instrument Panel Cover Plate Right Side 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson All Models - Parkerized
1 review $9.90

Colony #3713-3 Instrument Panel Cover Plate Right Side 1939-1946 Harley-Davidson All Models - CAD Plated
$9.90

Drag Specialties Dual Gauge Bracket - Chrome - 1995-2001 Harley-Davidson XL1200 99-05 FXDX 95-00 FXDX-CONV
$219.37

Lowbrow Customs Oil Gauge Adapter Tappet Screen Fitting 1966-1999 Harley-Davidsons
9 reviews $21.79

Drag Specialties Oil Pressure Gauge Mounting Kit 1984 - 1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
8 reviews $37.05

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
$19.36

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

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
$15.94

Colony #9649-5 Speedometer Cable Clamp 1939-1948 Harley-Davidson 74/80 Sidevalve - Parkerized
$13.20

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

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

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

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

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