Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

more than 'fun' factor?

Old May 27, 2009 | 08:05 AM
  #1  
Chips's Avatar
Chips
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From:
Default more than 'fun' factor?

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?
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2009 | 10:15 AM
  #2  
VTwin-Goodies's Avatar
VTwin-Goodies
Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 47,839
Likes: 1,956
From: SoCal
Default

It tells you the temp of the oil in your oil tank. I see no need for it.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2009 | 10:28 AM
  #3  
AK47's Avatar
AK47
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: Calgary AB
Default

^+1, You should'nt need to constantly check your oil temp if your bike is tuned properly.
 
Reply
Old May 27, 2009 | 11:52 AM
  #4  
In Memoriam Citoriplus's Avatar
In Memoriam Citoriplus
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2009 | 01:16 AM
  #5  
mjmangus's Avatar
mjmangus
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: High Desert of So Cal
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old May 28, 2009 | 08:41 PM
  #6  
exodor1's Avatar
exodor1
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Default

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!
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wolfman5874
Sportster Models
36
Aug 22, 2016 08:28 AM
harleycat225
Touring Models
0
Nov 8, 2011 12:31 PM
frittsk
Oil Archive (no new posts)
1
Jul 27, 2006 05:11 AM
RandyD123
Touring Models
0
May 17, 2006 11:08 AM
Hell Razor
Dyna Glide Models
3
Feb 21, 2006 02:58 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:27 PM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE