I recently installed a Dakota Digital Speedo. the last couple of days I have been taking note of the temp display that it has. on the last 3 days coming home from work, my engine temp is around 330 degrees according to the gauge. I imagine it is the cylinder head temp that this is displaying.

Is this normal?

I have a 2013 Iron with 578 hiflow intake, XiEDs, and SE Street Performer slip-ons. Running straight 50w Royal Purple oil.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

No, No. Use 20w50 if you'll gonna use Royal Purple. It is Max Cycle isn't it.

 

Yes, on a Sportster that is normal. All the way up to around 380* is normal. On the Sportsters the cylinder head temp sensor is in the center of the rear cylinder head.

Straight 50W oil is the appropriate weight, according to the HD manual, for riding in ambient temps above 60*.

 

Why does the owners manual say 20W50 then. I've been running 20W50 since my 1K service and 10W30 in my primary. Both holes RoyalPurple Max Cycle. I have one of those digital temp oil tank dip sticks and it never goes above 260.

 

Oil temp and head temp are 2 very different things.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Since getting my first Harley last year, you guys have been the best at helping a new guy out!

Love that bike Rog48, and love your products DK!

 

Yup, That is true Rog. By the way. Like your pics over on the XLForum site. Really wich I could've made that ride.

 

Your owners manual does not recommend 20W50 for ambient temps above 60*. Below is a scan of what page to look for in your manual.



Nothing terrible will happen if you run 20W50 in temps over 60*, it just is not recommended. Lubrication will not be quite as good, you will get more oil carry-over, and a bit more engine noise. If you are venting the crankcase back into the air cleaner you will get faster carbon build-up on your pistons.

The confusion is compounded by many dealerships not reading the manual/following the manual recommendations themselves...passing on erroneous info to all their Customers.

 

Okay, I understand now. Thanks DK.

 

50W is great, if you are a fair weather rider it is all anyone will ever need. Last week we had a polar vortex and I started the bike to ride when the temps were in the 40s twice and just over 50 the next day. Then yesterday we hit 92.

Cold starts below 50=poor. I aint waiting for it to warm up or stop raining to go ride. When I was in NC I rode at 114 for hours with 20w50 and many more days over 100.

Depends on your riding habits. 50W is perfect for the sunny and 70 riders. Not me.