Speedometer Question

Thinking 85 mph speedo began in late 70's and ended in early 90's, applicable only for U.S. models.

Perhaps non-U.S. models kept the 160mph version.

If the front wheel drive units were different, might also need a 160mph drive unit for the 160mph speedo.

Good Fortune!

When I had my CSR cable drive cluster on my bike it was 85MPH. I installed a ZN750 cluster which has an electronic tach (very easy to hook up) and a cable drive spedo 150MPH.

otakar wrote:

When I had my CSR cable drive cluster on my bike it was 85MPH. I installed a ZN750 cluster which has an electronic tach (very easy to hook up) and a cable drive spedo 150MPH.

But did the ZN750 cable drive 150mph speedo indicate correct road speed when driven by the CSR front wheel speedo drive unit and speedo cable?

If so, perhaps other model's 160mph speedo might also function correctly in place of the CSR's 85mph version (and without involving any change of front wheel drive unit).

Good Fortune!

My spedo is off by about 2%. This is checking it with a GPS. But I am also running 1978, four bolt disc, LTD wheels with an LTD spedo drive unit and LTD cable. I also got rid of that shitty leading axle and installed a set of "J" forks, so the bike wont handle like a truck now. With the stock leading forks I had to drag it into off ramps. With the "J" forks a little of counter steer and it gos by itself.

otakar wrote:

My spedo is off by about 2%. This is checking it with a GPS. But I am also running 1978, four bolt disc, LTD wheels with an LTD spedo drive unit and LTD cable. I also got rid of that shitty leading axle and installed a set of "J" forks, so the bike wont handle like a truck now. With the stock leading forks I had to drag it into off ramps. With the "J" forks a little of counter steer and it gos by itself.

Imo 2% is an excellent result.

Was the LTD drive unit originally paired with an 85mph or a 160mph speedo?

Am thinking that KZ1000CSRman and hocbj23 could use the answer to the following question:

With all the modifications considered, is a 160mph speedo indicating correct road speeds when being driven by an 85mph speedo drive?

Good Fortune!

The drive unit wasn't paired to anything it was just bought on eBay separately.

Ive got a cable drive,a cable and a 160 speedo. I guess I could remove my elec. drive,hook this one up and answer all our questions, but somebody should have an answer here without going to that much effort.Im too lazy.HELP.lol.bj

Where both a 160 and 85 with cable drive are at hand, one method of comparing the internal ratios would be using a drill (chuck the drive end of cable) to spin each speedo at the same rpm and see where the needle points.

Or just send the speedo for KZ1000CSRman to test. If it reads wrong, the drive gear may also be needed.

With the good info from otakar, am inclined to believe the 160 will work okay with the existing drive unit.

Good Fortune!

Here's the diagram from kawasaki.com of the 1982 KZ1000CSR meters.

Perhaps the drawing is close enough to help decide which 160mph speedo otherwise matches the exterior appearance.

[Click on image to enhance view.]

Yeparoonie. I have all that stuff including a cable so I should be able to help the man out.Still havent heard if he is running elec. or cable speedo. I hope he is running cable tach drive as well.I am going to leave my elec.drive stuff alone for now-85 mph or not.lol.bj

hocbj23 wrote:

...hope he is running cable tach drive as well....

According to kawasaki.com, oem 1982 KZ1000CSR meters were both cable driven.

Wonder where's the pic KZ1000CSRman intended to post.
Maybe got scared and ran for cover. :lol:

Good Fortune!

Beats me. I hope not.Its just old bike stuff.We CAN solve his problem.Lol.bj