The in dash oil gauge is a quick indicator of the oil temp.. I don't expect it to be super accurate, just a reference.
Ultimately, if my bike self ignites, I guess it was too hot !

 

I agree! I use amsoil in all three holes and have the HD digital dipsick that tells oil temp and level.

 

I recently replaced the air temp guage with a oil temp guage and do not necessarily recommend it as it's just something else to worry about. I spent last week riding in the Smoky's and found myself watching the oil temp guage for temperature variations instead of enjoying the ride. On my metric cruiser with only a speedometer I never give a concern about what the engine oil temp is, I just ride.

Here's what I discovered in my observations riding the Smoky's with my new oil temp guage; when climbing the mountains the oil temp goes up to a little over 230. When coming down the mountains it drops to 180. When pushing it while riding the Dragon with a lot of gear shifting the temps again run over 240. When I just putt alongon the Dragon at a steady speed in 2nd gear temps stayright at 230. When the outside temps are in the 50's and 60's theoil cools off to around 200 at steady speeds in 4th and 5th gear. When outside temps hit 80 the oil temp at steady speeds will ease up to 230. I also discovered that when the oil temp went over 230 that mylegs got hot and when the temps went below 230 they were not. Therefore, it seems to me, that if I tried to always ride downhill all was well with the oil temps.

Now that I know all this valuable information, I may very well put duct tape on the bloomingoil temp guage on my next ride just so i can enjoy the scenary.

 

Find myself looking at my gauge alot also. Curiosity I guess. Hope it wers off soon !

 

Use a good synthetic, dress in layers and dont worry about.

 

I went to synthetic at the 1K service, but the dressing in layers bit is tough with hotArkansas summers. My next big ride will be down the Florida panhandle in mid-June and I'm expecting it to be a hotone with global warming and all. [sm=icon_flaming.gif]

 

keep it below 270 and you will always be ok. Oil starts to break down big time once it hits 275

 

I just read an articel in American Iron I believe (from a back issue.) The tech guy in there said that even 237 is fine. Your bike has a sensor in the front cylinder. When your bike reaches a certain temp (too hot) it will shut down. I think he said it was around 300 or so? This is at the sensor, not the oil temp though. Said that if your bike doesn't shut down, idle does not drop low or any other problems you should be fine.

 

Picked up my new 07 Ultra last week. Rinehart true duals and a oil cooler installed before bringing home. Outside temperatures only reaching 84 degrees. Oil temp never climbed above 190 degrees on a long ride.

 

I used to be concerned but have acceptedthe factthese new motors run a little hotter. I'm used to my old shovel that ran rich and cool. It's since been replaced by a Merch and the shovel now sits proudly on my shelf.