Looking at the Harley Website ( canada)..

I see there is a new LCD... Oil Level and Temperature Dipstick available for $189.00.
There is a mechanical-readout dipstick available for $40.00.

Do these dipsticks ( for temperature readout ) serve any useful purpose?

Althought it would be fun / interesting to know the oil temp.

Besides the 'fun' factor....How important / useful is it?

 

It tells you the temp of the oil in your oil tank. I see no need for it.

 

^+1, You should'nt need to constantly check your oil temp if your bike is tuned properly.

 

I would not bother with the digital one. They have a bad reputation for not working properly or coming apart on you. The batteries are also supposed to be a PITA to replace.
I have and would recommend that if you want a gauge, get the analog one instead.
Its simple, easy to read, virtually foolproof, and best of all it doesn't need batteries.

While a temperature gauge isn't a necessity, it is handy for keeping track of the engine oil. Any time the temps exceed 250 degrees it shortens the life span of the additives at a significantly higher rate than normal.
Synthetic oils can handle higher temps better than dyno oils, but the additives in it are the same for both and they can't handle higher temps no matter which oil its in.

 

My RK came with a digital and it was crap. Am trying to find an analog version for it like I have for the FXSTC. Do they serve a useful purpose? They tell you the temp of your oil, to me, that is useful info. Especially when you ride in 100+ degree weather. I'll bet you don't consider all the gauges in your car as "fun" or useless. I would love to see the MOCO come up with a factory installed oil pressure gauge as well.

 

I think it could be a good thing on a hot day, if you're stuck in stop and go traffic or a parade-type atmosphere. Might wanna pull over for a beverage and let it cool down, and maybe the traffic will start to move along. I know I been in some slow traffic and my legs were burning up. I only could imagine what the oil temp was that day. Maybe they'll come with oil cooler with a fan connected in the future. Chrome, of course!