Posts: 8,035
Threads: 21
Likes Received: 186 in 108 posts
Likes Given: 136
Joined: Apr 2025
As far as I know there is no requirement for that. It could be just easier to do as some bikes go it Canada, etc.
Now I have to go look at my car speedo...
Ok, Google is my friend. Has to be one or the other or both: https://www.federalregister.gov/document...er-display
Posts: 7,024
Threads: 94
Likes Received: 502 in 276 posts
Likes Given: 901
Joined: Apr 2025
^^, agree with that.. we also have a busy speedo here in Canada
Posts: 1,672
Threads: 41
Likes Received: 140 in 67 posts
Likes Given: 39
Joined: Apr 2014
(02-08-2020, 02:40 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: As far as I know there is no requirement for that. It could be just easier to do as some bikes go it Canada, etc.
Now I have to go look at my car speedo...
Ok, Google is my friend. Has to be one or the other or both: https://www.federalregister.gov/document...er-display
Wait a minute - "Has to be one or the other or both"?
Does that mean unless there's another unit of measurement, the only other option would be a blank dial face...... 
Posts: 12,677
Threads: 77
Likes Received: 3 in 3 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
For sure in the U.S. mph is the dominant scale, km/h the secondary and/or optional scale. Some states are very strict about this and make bikes [imported] from Canada reverse the speedometer scales, if permanently printed on dial gauges.
In Canada it is the reverse (dominant km/h, secondary mph), but I don't think it is enforced. My Aprilia had mph dominant scale, km/h secondary.
Also keep in mind, there are many counties in the U.S. that post speed limits in km/h. So that may have some other effect on supplying secondary km/h scales.
- - -
Nevertheless, with many modern vehicles using digital and "smart" displays, the issue is becoming largely moot.
Posts: 67
Threads: 3
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2015
Which counties within the US post in KPH?
Posts: 12,677
Threads: 77
Likes Received: 3 in 3 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
(02-08-2020, 05:34 AM)soulmachine_imp Wrote: Which counties within the US post in KPH?
CA has been doing it for a few decades. I don't know which counties, but seen often in the northern half.
Recently spotted in Kentucky (quite surprising).
Possibly FL and AZ only because my memory is fading.
Posts: 8,035
Threads: 21
Likes Received: 186 in 108 posts
Likes Given: 136
Joined: Apr 2025
Only the .gov would say it has to be MPH or KPH or both. Like, what else is there?
Personally I like my speedometer in Furlongs per Fortnight
Posts: 3,036
Threads: 119
Likes Received: 728 in 308 posts
Likes Given: 748
Joined: Apr 2025
(02-08-2020, 02:40 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: As far as I know there is no requirement for that. It could be just easier to do as some bikes go it Canada, etc.
Now I have to go look at my car speedo...
Ok, Google is my friend. Has to be one or the other or both: https://www.federalregister.gov/document...er-display
Good Link find...thanks! But if I may, a correction:
From the bottom of the section labeled "SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:"
"Therefore, today's technical amendment changes the language of the Speedometer display required by FMVSS 101 to “MPH, or MPH and km/h”. I added bold emphasis.
The above was a response to Ford which had previously:
recommended that “MPH km/h” be changed to “MPH and/or km/h”
(02-08-2020, 05:19 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: For sure in the U.S. mph is the dominant scale, km/h the secondary and/or optional scale. Some states are very strict about this and make bikes [imported] from Canada reverse the speedometer scales, if permanently printed on dial gauges.
In Canada it is the reverse (dominant km/h, secondary mph), but I don't think it is enforced. My Aprilia had mph dominant scale, km/h secondary.
Also keep in mind, there are many counties in the U.S. that post speed limits in km/h. So that may have some other effect on supplying secondary km/h scales.
- - -
Nevertheless, with many modern vehicles using digital and "smart" displays, the issue is becoming largely moot.
Except when it comes to motorcycle manufacturers trying to make a retro looking bike?
; )
Posts: 12,677
Threads: 77
Likes Received: 3 in 3 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Dec 2014
(02-08-2020, 07:14 AM)pdedse_imp Wrote: (02-08-2020, 02:40 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: As far as I know there is no requirement for that. It could be just easier to do as some bikes go it Canada, etc.
Now I have to go look at my car speedo...
Ok, Google is my friend. Has to be one or the other or both: https://www.federalregister.gov/document...er-display
Good Link find...thanks! But if I may, a correction:
From the bottom of the section labeled "SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:"
"Therefore, today's technical amendment changes the language of the Speedometer display required by FMVSS 101 to “MPH, or MPH and km/h”. I added bold emphasis.
The above was a response to Ford which had previously:
recommended that “MPH km/h” be changed to “MPH and/or km/h”
(02-08-2020, 05:19 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: For sure in the U.S. mph is the dominant scale, km/h the secondary and/or optional scale. Some states are very strict about this and make bikes [imported] from Canada reverse the speedometer scales, if permanently printed on dial gauges.
In Canada it is the reverse (dominant km/h, secondary mph), but I don't think it is enforced. My Aprilia had mph dominant scale, km/h secondary.
Also keep in mind, there are many counties in the U.S. that post speed limits in km/h. So that may have some other effect on supplying secondary km/h scales.
- - -
Nevertheless, with many modern vehicles using digital and "smart" displays, the issue is becoming largely moot.
Except when it comes to motorcycle manufacturers trying to make a retro looking bike?
; )
It would not surprise me that some riders hack some applets together that will emulate any "steam dial" you wish on the modern motorcycle TFT LCD colour instrument cluster displays. In fact, one could change style daily - if desired.
For example:
Some early 1920s dial, yellowish, "cracked", one "bulb" burnt out, and a tarnished back face displaying engine RPM with a half broken "needle".
Maybe a '57 Ford Thunderbird cluster emulated on your dash?
Maybe an "alien" cluster fashioned on your dash?
Maybe a '13 CB1100 cluster fashioned on your '17 CB1100 dash?
Posts: 853
Threads: 31
Likes Received: 0 in 0 posts
Likes Given: 0
Joined: Aug 2017
(02-08-2020, 05:47 AM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: (02-08-2020, 05:34 AM)soulmachine_imp Wrote: Which counties within the US post in KPH?
CA has been doing it for a few decades. I don't know which counties, but seen often in the northern half.
Recently spotted in Kentucky (quite surprising).
Possibly FL and AZ only because my memory is fading.
CA has been doing it for a few decades. I don't know which counties, but seen often in the northern half.
Hmmmm. I live in NoCal and have been riding here for a couple of decades. I've ridden in all 58 counties in California, and regularly ride in NoCal. I've never seen a speed limit posted in KPH here; not on a highway, a county road, a city street...anywhere.
Not saying you're wrong. I just haven't seen such a thing here.
|