Speedo number colors

[1955fle]

I am redoing the speedometer on my '55 FL and there is some discussion regarding the color of the tenths numbers. Palmer's book page 441 says the tenths numbers on a 509-EZ speedo are black on white background. The rebuilder thinks they should be red. Does anyone have an unmolested '55 speedo that can tell me the correct combination of colors.

Thanks Carl

[RUBONE]

Carl,
The commonly accepted info is that they are not red in '55. But an original unrestored example is the only true test.
The accepted chart does not show it. Who is your rebuilder?

[1955fle]

In the above picture it shows the numbers for '55 as black. This is what is in the Palmer book. Full miles are white numbers on black background and tenth numbers are black on white background. My rebuilder is Perry Ruiter and we are just beginning the conversation, but I want to make sure of the colors before I move forward.

[john HD]

here is how john bordas did mine.

black and white.

john

[john HD]

and here is the unrestored version, unfortunately i think it will not show much.

john

[Hog54]

I always thought it was kind of strange that 53,54 and 57 had red numbers,but no other bike did.

[1955fle]

I am getting some conflicting information regarding the colors. Palmer says black on white background for the tenths. I have seen several pictures of original unmolested '55 FLs and the numbers for the tenths are red on black. This is very confusing. I know there are some experts on here, any thoughts?

[Bigincher]

I'll venture a comment or two....
Although the photos you've seen are claimed to be of unmolested machines, how can you know for certain that the speedometer was never swapped out at some point in it's life? I say this because I've had three different speedometers in my '77 FLH, back in the '80s. (Thankfully, I saved the opriginal)
So, how can you be absolutely certain that the bikes in the photos you collected have never been molested, unless you know the owner or the entire history of the motorcycle? I find it fascinating that people think they can stand in front of a motorcycle, point to a certain part of it, and say "Oh yeah, that's original."

And even the reference photo shown by Robbie has been molested over the years, "upgraded" by "experts". So now it's correct--- depending on who you talk to, trust, or believe.

Bruce Palmer has done a lot of research; and even so, has a few mistakes in his fine book. If I was in your shoes, I would make a few phone calls-- there are other speedometer experts in the world, and even Mr. Palmer can be reached.