55mph

[stef]

Who is the clever one who is going to win my ever lasting admiration by telling me why, on my 95 600, i have the speedometer marked with a 55mph ? it has the readings: 0, 20, 40, 55, 60, 80, 100..but why 55?
is there something strange that happens when you hit 55mph ? is it a "back to the futur" kind of thing ?

[Didge]

Stef, probably something to do with the USA. They have or had a near blanket 55mph speed limit. Tho' I believe many states are/have changed it now. Fods & Collie or Dave in the USA could probably put us right on this.

[Richard_S]

Stef, watch as I tap my nose in your general direction.
any decision with regard to life quality, the lack of rabbits and a busy m-way?

ps sorry to interupt.

what is it about 55?

[CK & AK]

Lots of Jap & American imports have this (most common on 1980's & up to mid/late 90's)

55mph is still the limit in Japan on most roads.

Alan

[paul620sie]

55mph is the national speed limit in (most) USA states and has to be clearly marked on thier speedometers. As Ducati use a single speedo for us and the USA (we both like mph not KPH) we get 55* marked on our speedo's.

*aka the double nickel

[slob]

Stef, probably something to do with the USA. They have or had a near blanket 55mph speed limit. Tho' I believe many states are/have changed it now. Fods & Collie or Dave in the USA could probably put us right on this.
'Double Nickel' brought in during the oil crisis in the '70s as the most economical cruising speed in top-gear for most cars. I believe it's been raised to 65 in most places now.

[skunk43]

definately USA model. I had a honda 750K once that was a USA model with 55mph in large red numbers. :cool:

[A Yerbury]

It's like 50 but more, yeah! 5 whole ones more! You of all people should be aware of this.

Alexandre.xx

[CK & AK]

definately USA model. I had a honda 750K once that was a USA model with 55mph in large red numbers. :cool:

not necessarily.

We have had in many Nc21's - NC30's, all Jap imports, with the same marking.

Cars too :)

[stef]

ok, just being curious..
i'll blame the bush administration once more.. even if it isnt for anything in the matter. I suppose if american school boys and girls were better educated, they would certainly know that 55 sits three quarter of the way between 40 and 60, hence removing the need for a big scalar oddity. ;)
what will they come up with next.. this ?
http://www.weaselcircus.com/funnypics/451.shtml

Thanks for your inputs Rich, i have decided to stay put for the time being. I quite like my little life in yorkshire, and dont fancy trading it for pound notes.
at the moment, career has to come second.

[Richard_S]

a sensible man. its all about the kindling and rose petals etc.
I expect Godfather privileges.
Be good and yes, your right, blame the americans and in particular crazy ones who up until today I have thought very little of.

ciao

ps 'thanks for your input, Tony' (needs the Tony - don't ask, Mr Willis needs to explain nothing)

[spacemonkey]

Speaking of Back to the Future (see first posting for obscure references) I got up close and personal with a DMC12 De Lorean at the weekend, and nothing bizarre happened at 88mph. Sooo disappointed. The owner is a 19 year old and it is his first car!!! Oh, and £5k a year insurance if you're wondering... He's not rich, just devoted to it, and fair game I say. They really are nicer than i thought they would be and would buy one in a flash.

[Richard_S]

betty is still rotting in a shed. Mental note etc

[SAMMYE]

Down with the Americans and their 55mph world domination / interference of our speedos, Calling all to Jihad

[slob]

Down with the Americans and their 55mph world domination / interference of our speedos, Calling all to Jihad
Careful there Sammy, you could find yourself on a long holiday at a well known Cuban beach, with talk like that. I don't think orange would suit you.