Options for temp dipstick and do I need one
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 1,422
From: Lost
I have been thinking of this ever since I installed lower fairings. I really wanted to buy HD one but it has mixed reviews. For $165 don't want to buy something that is junk.
Does having hard lower fairing really raise the temps and cause any damage ?
Does having hard lower fairing really raise the temps and cause any damage ?
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,586
Likes: 889
From: Nowhere
The reason I consider one is that sometimes these temps can get damn hot especially in stop and go traffic and I have seen these temps on my previous bikes shoot up to 275*F so yes I would like to know when I should maybe stop for a coffee and let my machine cool down a bit if needed. I also like the look especially of analog one as I dig old school look of my ride. Is this necessary? With m8 and option to turn off one cylinder - probably not but I like gauges for some reason. If these were in 50$ range I will definitely pull the trigger on one but these suckers are $150 and above so kinda not chaep
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
I was curious about the oil temp on my 2018 Heritage last summer. Bought a deep fryer analog themometer at Walmart for about $12. Rode the bike for 30 minutes, mostly on the highway with the last 10 minutes in the city. Outside temp of about 85+F. Oil temp measured through dip stick opening was 220F, well within the "normal" 230F shown in owners' manual. I "calibrated" the thermometer using boiling water and it showed 20F low so I added that to the indicated oil temp during the test. I decided that I really don't need to know my oil temp continuously.
Oil Thermometer Deep Fry, Stainless Steel Meat Cooking Thermometer with Clip and 15.7 inch Long Probe, Instant Read Kitchen Thermometer for Deep Frying Candy Turkey BBQ Grill - Walmart.com
Oil Thermometer Deep Fry, Stainless Steel Meat Cooking Thermometer with Clip and 15.7 inch Long Probe, Instant Read Kitchen Thermometer for Deep Frying Candy Turkey BBQ Grill - Walmart.com
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
I had one of the stupidly expensive digital temp and level dipsticks. It was good for several years even with washing the bike but one day I pressed the button soon after washing the bike and poof!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 977
Likes: 343
From: Midwest
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 487
Likes: 289
From: Northern MN
There can be many reasons why a temp dipstick can be useful. I think a lot of people on the forum are always telling readers that there is no use for a temp dip stick because that’s what someone told them. The more information you have about your motor doesn’t hurt, does it? We have gauges for battery voltage and oil pressure. Neither of those are important most of the time but they can be helpful too.
What about the guy last week the burned up his lower crank, the one that turned blue from heat? I bet his oil was cooking.
Anyway, I have an oil temp gauge on my shovel and it is very useful. Carbureted engines need to warm up to run properly and it takes a surprisingly long time for the engine oil to get to 200’. It helps me know when my bike is warmed up. Just sayin.
Tom
What about the guy last week the burned up his lower crank, the one that turned blue from heat? I bet his oil was cooking.
Anyway, I have an oil temp gauge on my shovel and it is very useful. Carbureted engines need to warm up to run properly and it takes a surprisingly long time for the engine oil to get to 200’. It helps me know when my bike is warmed up. Just sayin.
Tom
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,605
Likes: 6,439
From: Honah Lee
I like to know where my engine is as far as temps so I think about dipstick with thermometer. Seems like there are really limited options with HD electronic one (that I read is junk), Koso or one old school one with temperature only.
Are there any other options? Should I even get one? What do you guys think. Would be cool to push the button and know my oil level anf temps for convenience of it.
Are there any other options? Should I even get one? What do you guys think. Would be cool to push the button and know my oil level anf temps for convenience of it.
Gives you a reference that makes you realize how much like a lizard (cold blooded) these non radiator and no oil cooler models are.
But just like I dotters, T crossers and grammar queens, not everyone needs it. And then there are those that go crazy if you don't!?
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jan 2, 2023 at 07:30 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 740
Likes: 228
From: Lagoa - VNF
the digital ones are expensive and will not last long.
if there is an analog version for the touring (there is none AFAIK, maybe aftermarket) it is best. I have the anolog one working flawlessly on the sportster for more than 10 years, while the digital one I bought for a twin cam did not last a year - the electronics inside got 'cooked'.
if there is an analog version for the touring (there is none AFAIK, maybe aftermarket) it is best. I have the anolog one working flawlessly on the sportster for more than 10 years, while the digital one I bought for a twin cam did not last a year - the electronics inside got 'cooked'.
