Reading the odometer requires courage to obtain accurate readings on how fast you ride and the total distance.
However, not all riders get accurate readings of their odometer and get the wrong readings during the ride.
There is a guide on how to read the odometer on a motorcycle to avoid getting the wrong readings.
What is a Motorcycle Odometer?
Every rider needs to know what a motorcycle odometer is and how to read the odometer accurately.
To know how to read an odometer, you should know the definition. An odometer is an instrument that measures the total distance traveled. This instrument is found in different vehicles and can be in the form of an electronic, mechanical, or a combination of both.
Regardless of the type of motorcycle and the model you ride, it is essential to check the readings of your speedometer and your odometer during the ride. If the odometer is the white dial, then it demonstrates that the meter covers in 100s. For example, if the number shows 12896 with six being in the white dial, the distance is 1289km and 600m.
If your motorcycle displays a speedometer and an odometer, it would be easier to read the total distance and the speed you ride.
Difference Between Bike Speedometer and Odometer
Riders use bike speedometer and odometer interchangeably, which many confuse with these two instruments. To understand the difference between a speedometer and an odometer, riders should be able to demonstrate accurate readings of these two units.
The speedometer, as the name suggests, measures the speed of the vehicle, which has advanced sensors, cables, and magnets to measure the speed of the moving motorcycle. With the emerging technology, many speedometers have technical features to measure the motorcycle’s speed.
As mentioned, the odometer measures the distance traveled that operates the recording wheel rotations. Odometers contain six digits that help monitor the total distance traveled daily.
Motorcycle Odometers offer different kinds of instruments. Some motorcycles have built-in odometers, and other bikes require installing the instrument separately.
To ensure accurate readings of these two instruments, riders must check the speed and distance simultaneously to avoid human error. Since odometer errors are similar to speedometer errors, the traffic law enforces strict quality control measures for accurate calibration.
How to Read a Motorcycle Odometer | Odometer Reading Example
To get the odometer reading example, read the distance you have traveled. This reading is displayed in kilometers or miles, depending on the standard measure in your country, and write down the number displayed. Once you reach your location, check the odometer and write down the new number.
To get an accurate answer, subtract the second reading from the first and divide the actual tire diameter by the standard tire diameter. This will give you the actual distance traveled.
Obtaining accurate readings of the odometer depends on whether the odometer is analog or digital. If your odometer is an analog, it will be easier to show the total distance covered in miles or kilometers. If your motorcycle has a digital odometer, you need to check the owner’s manual to adjust the readings on your motorcycle. Since digital odometers have different functions, you need to read the instructions on how the odometer works.
Odometers feature the highest figure, the total distance the motorcycle has covered. To adjust the digital odometer, set it to zero using the toggle switch and reset it after obtaining the two readings. Once you have reached your destination, the odometer will display the trip distance.
What is the High Mileage for a Motorcycle?
Riders struggle to know whether the high mileage matters for a motorcycle. Motorcycles tend to exceed more than 40,000 miles, which is considered a high mileage for motorcycles. However, if the bike maintains its lifespan, the mileage would make a good purchase for a safe ride.
Many gear experts stated that it does not matter about the high mileage of the motorcycle, but the mileage does matter for high-performance motorcycles. Most riders are not concerned about the motorcycle’s value but more about the lifespan.
How riders treat their motorcycles depends on how often riders maintain their bikes. The more you look after your motorcycle, the better the mileage.
Tips to Improve the Odometer Readings
Whether experienced or beginner rider, there are specific tips to obtain accurate odometer readings. Certain tips are mentioned below:
1- Whenever you head out to ride, always check the odometer and speedometer to ensure these two things work correctly.
2- If your motorcycle does not have an odometer, you need to look for a suitable instrument that is easy to install onto your motorcycle.
3- To install the digital odometer, read the users’ instructions before setting up the instrument on your motorcycle.
4- If you own an analog odometer, check the needle’s work to get accurate readings during your ride.
5- To increase the ability to read the odometer, ride a few practices and calculate your initial and final readings of the total distance.
6- Digital odometers do not change their numbers unless the odometer automatically goes back to zero. You must toggle the settings to ensure accurate readings if your odometer does not return to zero.
7- If your motorcycle has a built-in speedometer and an odometer, this will make it easier to read the speed and the total distance of your ride.
8- When it comes to installing the odometer, be sure you check the instrument works in different conditions at an extreme.
Wrap Up
Here is the guide on how to read the odometer on a motorcycle, where you get accurate instrument readings to avoid uncertainty. The odometer helps to get accurate readings of the total distance traveled.
Riders should know how to obtain accurate readings and the difference between speedometers and odometers. It does not make much of a mileage difference; how well you maintain the bike matters the most. A motorcycle odometer is necessary, and riders should know how to obtain accurate readings.
So read the odometer and enjoy the ride!
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