I have a 2016 Dyna Switchback with 103 high output engine. It has a temperature sensor on the upper back side of the front cylinder. I looked at the owners manual, Clymers, this forum, the bike and the internet in general, but I haven’t been able to learn anything about it. I don’t see a temp warning light on startup and there is no gauge. What does this sensor do? How can one tell when the bike is overheating before the engine starts pinging and rattling? If there isn’t something already there, I plan to add a CHT. It’s almost like the manufacturer doesn’t want me to know the engine temperature??

Anybody have any thoughts?

Ed

 

Found the link below on this forum, and a few other related threads, but depending if you have a tuner, what type of tuner you have, you might have access directly to your bike's to the temp data..
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ignit...ge-ranges.html

 

Here's a link to the part number. https://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche...0AND%20SENSORS

A factory manual would be more helpful than the Clymer, but maybe a member here who has a bike with that sensor can shed some light on it.
You can always check your head temps with an infrared thermometer.

 

Thanks for the information. The link has a lot to read and comprehend. What I get out of it is the sensor provides information to the ECM, but no useful information for the rider and it can be tapped if one is highly motivated.

i had not thought about the infrared check. Good idea. I will do that, but at best it is a temporary measure. I can’t easily check it while riding.

Unless someone comes up with a better idea, I’m gonna try to find an add on. So far, add ons appear easy mechanically and difficult cosmetically.

Ed

 

The sensor is used as part of the ECU control. And the only bikes that overheat are those with temperature gauges.

 

That's a cylinder head temperature sensor, it's the there to signal the ECU how much fuel to send to the injectors (injector pulse width) on cold starts and as the head temp increases the ECU adjust the pulse width to a normal run/idle condition. To the best of my knowledge there is no head temp. warning. The engine will go into a EITMS mode when it senses a hot temp in the head and either shut the rear cylinder and increase the rpms, depending on your year and model. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks to all. I posted earlier, but so far, my comments aren’t showing up. I guess knowing the temp isn’t useful since almost no one has the gauge. It does seem keeping the temp below a certain level would extend engine life?? I enjoy slow practice in a parking lot. I have always monitored oil pressure and temperature on all of my vehicles. It’s now a habit.

Ed

 

Thanks to all who responded. I now understand what this sensor does. Much appreciated.

Ed