Hi, new to the forum and riding over 30 years. I have an 01 Dyna (used to be a) Low Rider. I bought it new and have 40K miles. I finally bought a dipstick Oil Temp Gauge and was surprised to see temps in the 275-290 range on an 85 degree day! I've never had a problem and run Amsoil 20-50. Should i be concerned? Seems silly to worry, it's been fine for 8 years! what do you all think?

 

First welcome to the forum and the Harley clan. Test the accuracy of the gauge, clean real well then boil some water in a pan and put the gauge in the water see what temp is diplayed, should be at or near 220 degrees. 05's and newer run hot, if you were idling alot or in heavy traffic I could understand the temps going up. Also stay with the synthetics they are your friend.

 

If by chance your 01 is running that hot after you check out your temp gauge I would look at the following.

If your bike is carbed, make sure you are running the proper jet sizes for the set-up which you have. A lean bike will run hotter.

If your bike hasn't had a full stage 1 .....go pay that Harley Tax, not only will your bike run cooler, but you will feel a kick in the pants.

Respects,
Ed

 

thanks for the quick replies! The bike is carburated, and has had the same settings since soon after i bought it (December 2000) and added a Screaming eagle air cleaner kit and SE headers. It is bone stock, except for an Andrews Gear-driven cam which was put in at about 25,000 miles. I don't do my own work except for oil changes...
so, if it's running hot, it has always run hot! I've used HD synethetic, redline and now amsoil...