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Oil temp monitoring on a 23 Ultra Limited

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Old May 19, 2026 | 08:57 AM
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Default Oil temp monitoring on a 23 Ultra Limited

Howdy all,

In all the mods I've made to my touring bike I've wanted some way to check the oil temperature. Not to really watch it constantly, but to at least get an idea of the range it runs in with the motor in its current configuration. I checked my Power Vision tuner and it doesn't seem to have a way to monitor it so I'm guessing that function isn't built into the bikes' systems.

I've heard a few good things about the temperature gauge dipsticks from JES customs. Is that a good way to go or is there something better suited for the job somewhere else?
 
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Old May 19, 2026 | 09:27 AM
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you'll just end up obsessing over it .. or you could switch to Amsoil, it's supposed to lower temps significantly, last 10,000 miles and increase horsepower.. also works great as a floor polish AND a dessert topping

just ride and change your oil regularly
 
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Old May 19, 2026 | 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by mjwebb

you'll just end up obsessing over it .. or you could switch to Amsoil, it's supposed to lower temps significantly, last 10,000 miles and increase horsepower.. also works great as a floor polish AND a dessert topping

just ride and change your oil regularly
I'm calling BS on the dessert topping... but then again, it IS Amsoil... "I put that $#!t on everything".....
 

Last edited by hattitude; May 19, 2026 at 09:45 AM.
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Old May 19, 2026 | 10:31 AM
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How much $$$ is that piece of information worth to you? I'm on your team and like to know what both temps are........ oil and head.
Dakota Digitals gives you an oil temp sensor that you replace your oil pan drain plug with and run the wire up to the back of the gauge set. It's very accurate too. I will get off the bike after a ride, grab my Fluke temperature gun, shoot the oil pan at the sensor, and it is usually within about 5* of each other. I also like the digital aspect of being able to look at a gauge for a nanosecond (lie) and know what the speed or value is.
Had these on my 14 SGS for years and installed them right away on my 22 SGS. I just wish the 22 showed oil pressure as well like the 14, but the MoCo changed that data to "go/no-go" only.........
Being able to change colors and layout is a VERY nice touch.




 
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Old May 19, 2026 | 12:30 PM
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Yeah I've seen those gauges but don't really want to change the stock ones. I kinda like the way they look (it's a badge of achievement for me - I never thought I'd be able to own a bike this expensive). Now if there was a separate gauge that could be mounted out of the way somewhere that would be cool. Maybe even a set that had engine temp along with oil temp that mounted on a flat surface like the left side of the head unit. I saw a guy actually mount an oil temp gauge on that location but on my bike I've got a micro amp and a DSP stuffed in the CB cubby which is the space that gauge would take up.

Also I know it's rare but I have seen reports of aftermarket gauges interfering with some devices plugged into the diagnostic port like tuners and scan tools. Not saying I'd never do it, just not at the top of my list. I do like how you've got head temp and oil temp on the same gauge. Those are two good numbers to view if you ever get stuck in traffic for a long period of time.

Edit: I just happened to think did those DD gauges automatically pick up the mileage from the ECU or did you have to have a shop do that? Also another thought, do they work with the factory TPMS sensors to display tire pressure?
 

Last edited by Hoyt 1911A1; May 19, 2026 at 12:43 PM.
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Old May 19, 2026 | 01:23 PM
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Can't believe you missed this. Park it and make an observation.

If you see your idling too much or pushing too much wind at 90 mph and cooking the oil, bump your oil change time and mileage back.

This was handy I thought. One on my old 04 Softail still works. It's analogy however. Good enough.

A light is good enough for pressure.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 19, 2026 at 01:27 PM.
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Old May 19, 2026 | 02:59 PM
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I had seen that Jackie, but saw a lot of comments about failure. If I go with a dipstick I'd rather just have an analog gauge with no electronics like the JES unit.
 
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Old May 19, 2026 | 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Hoyt 1911A1
I had seen that Jackie, but saw a lot of comments about failure. If I go with a dipstick I'd rather just have an analog gauge with no electronics like the JES unit.
What I would get.
 
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Old May 19, 2026 | 03:54 PM
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When you’re out riding, pull over now and then, remove the dip stick and stick this down the hole or wait until you get home. Cheap and accurate.




Amazon Amazon
 
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Old May 19, 2026 | 04:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Hoyt 1911A1
I had seen that Jackie, but saw a lot of comments about failure. If I go with a dipstick I'd rather just have an analog gauge with no electronics like the JES unit.
yeah, unless those things got WAY better recently just stay away. I bought one for my FXDC back in 2012 which did not last 1 year.
the analog ones are much better.
 
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