1992 KZ1000P Speedometer is off

I'm finding the speedometer to be off on the bike anywhere from 5 MPH when the speed limit is 30 or less and around 8 to 9 MPH off about 30.

I don't believe the tires I'm running could throw it off this much or could they?
I'm running:
110/90V-18
120/90H-18

Is there a way to calibrate the speedo?

Nearly thirty percent error seems really high to me. I don't know about the police bikes, but civilian model Kawasakis often read 5 - 10% high. A non stock size tire could add to that.
I have heard that there are shops that can recalibrate, but you could also install a temporary mount for a gps driven speedo that you could take off when u are not riding.

From Partzilla the stock front tire size is MN90-18, so the 110/90-18 is an equivalent size.
I think a 100/90 tire could result in a speedometer error by as much as 3-4% or so. ???

The police bikes had a calibrated speedo. The others did not. It might be possible to have it re-calibrated.
Steve

Even if it is just for those among us fearless to gut and or take an ND speedo or tach apart.... when someone actually figures out how to calibrate one of these instruments, write it up and post it ASAP!!! LOL!!
I think it does have something to do with how deep the four pole magnet is inserted into the conical cone, driving the needle shaft. But I have been proven wrong on this site a few times too!

I think you're right. As soon as I put in that O ring, my speedo got slower. It also stopped jumping but without a OD, it was worthless.
Steve

It's a cop bike! :woohoo: I wonder how many tickets were given because of that!

Bob Harrington of Z-Resto in GA. restores and calibrates old Kawasaki gauges. I'm not sure if he can change calibration to correct for your tire size. After restoring a set myself, the $95.00 typical price listed is a bargain. The set on my second restoration was done by Bob.
www.zresto.com/
The site mentions calibration, but doesn't give much detail, It is done by changing magnet strength in the gauge drive.

Z-Resto may not do anything after 1979 or 80. I think it's because the clamping ring is different & he doesn't have the correct press or something.

MDZ1rider wrote: Bob Harrington of Z-Resto in GA. restores and calibrates old Kawasaki gauges. I'm not sure if he can change calibration to correct for your tire size.... www.zresto.com/
The site mentions calibration, but doesn't give much detail,
It is done by changing magnet strength in the gauge drive.

I can't say with certainty, but I am quite skeptical there is a way to change the magnetism in any meaningful and or calibrated way.
I'm still thinking the four lobe's proximity to the drive cone is the way to "calibrate".
Now, doing that could still fall into that statement "... It is done by changing magnet strength in the gauge drive", as moving it closer or further from the cone would change the effect of the magnets, or strength relative to the cone.


Also, that clock spring in there, wound around the driven shaft, can't be just to return the needle to zero. I suspect that has some dampening effect too.

He also said something about a oil filled drum. There isn't one on these. I suspect the shaft is just sloppy and there is no way to fix that.
Steve

Yeah... I think we both might be fighting a worn shaft bushing and or bearing, causing the cone to wobbly a little.....