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Grey face speedos???

Spent a couple of hours on trying to figure out the numbering system for the magnetic grey faced Smiths speedometers. No success. Is there anyone who can explain?

Background: I have to replace the faulty speedo ( SSM5001/04A ) on a BSA Victor Special, just get it through MOT. Could I temporary borrow the speedo ( SSM5001/01A ) from the 650SS?

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Check up but I'm pretty certain that even though a speedo is a legal requirement it is not tested at MOT.

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Thanks David for your suggestion, Checked our rules in Sweden. Rule here is that motorcycles in use after 1999 shall have a speedo with requirements on error, If a bike in use before 1980 has a speedo a 10% error is permitted. As the Victors speedo merrily waves at me from zero to 100 km/h at any speed, I'll just remove it. Problem solved.  In Sweden, most traffic cops are replaced with speed cameras only taking frontal pictures where we don't  have a number plate. Additionally the photo has to clearly identify the rider compared to the drivers licence  of the vehicles owner. Not easy with full face helmets. So the risk of being caught for speeding is minimal. Especially on a BSA.

Still curious about Smiths numbering system.

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Hmm, I'm pretty certain that you don't need a speedo for an MOT, mine failed (usual speedo gearbox failure), I fitted a CatEye bicycle speedo  - good for  up to 70mph (& capable of kph - useful when on the mainland). When I mentioned this to the mechanic at the MOT he stated that the speedo is not required to obtain an MOT

However that was at least 5 years ago, when I looked on the Halfords web site this evening it said a (car) speedo was required & must illuminate so, I'm guessing you must have checked with the MOT station? There used to be a list online somewhere that detailed all the MOT checks, sadly I can't find it anymore. 

Maybe illuminated CatEyes are available? (mine was about £25), there is some very cool bicycling stuff available.

Mike

Edi : Just seen your later post, I had assumed you were in the UK, sorry!

 

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There are a couple of Facebook groups where members have application lists for SSM instruments. The information is certainly out there.

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A 650ss would have used a  a SSM 3002/00, a lot of the differences in the numbers are around whether the speedo had a trip or not, the top speed And type of fitting . I found a reasonable amount of info on the internet when researching the correct one for my ‘68 Atlas

The other important factor is the drive gearbox on the rear wheel, this has to be the correct ratio  to work with the Speedo 

A 650ss should would of had a SG5330/257 which I think was a 2:1 ratio 

So it will depend what gearbox your Victor has to whether it will work correctly with the 650ss speedo

 

 


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