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I had the one of Harley's digital temp and level dipsticks on my SG. After the warranty expired, so did the digital temp and level dipsticks. This one I have on my 2004 FXSTSI and still kicking;
The HD Digital dipsticks are more reliable than they were a few years back. They do need the battery replaced periodically. And they still do fail some too.
What we have been using for a few years is the less expensive, and more reliable, analog temp dipstick from JesCustomaccents. You can see a variety of them HERE.
It would be nice in stop and go traffic. You could maybe argue oil pressure is enough.
My trucks have it. Granted they are liquid cooled. Nothing wrong with having information.
I'd prefer it on my fairing. I was dissapointed that the new bikes you have to go to a screen to get oil pressure, but I suppose with bigger screens, means less room in the fairing,
The HD Digital dipsticks are more reliable than they were a few years back. They do need the battery replaced periodically. And they still do fail some too.
What we have been using for a few years is the less expensive, and more reliable, analog temp dipstick from JesCustomaccents. You can see a variety of them HERE.
It would be nice in stop and go traffic. You could maybe argue oil pressure is enough.
My trucks have it. Granted they are liquid cooled. Nothing wrong with having information.
I'd prefer it on my fairing. I was dissapointed that the new bikes you have to go to a screen to get oil pressure, but I suppose with bigger screens, means less room in the fairing,
newer bikes do not show that information anywhere, anymore. I think only the 2014-16 had it.
I thought about one in the past myself but just couldn't justify the presumed added benefit vs the cost and any downsides like longevity, calibration, leakage. Not sure of your ride and build but I guess my thought would be if I know I have oil, then the engine temp displayed by a powervision would let me know of impending issues. That dipstick you wouldn't be able to see going down the road. Anyway, just a thought.
I installed this but only rode the bike once since install. I feel more comfortable knowing how hot the engine gets rather than the ambient temperature.
newer bikes do not show that information anywhere, anymore. I think only the 2014-16 had it.
Originally Posted by cactusred
I thought about one in the past myself but just couldn't justify the presumed added benefit vs the cost and any downsides like longevity, calibration, leakage. Not sure of your ride and build but I guess my thought would be if I know I have oil, then the engine temp displayed by a powervision would let me know of impending issues. That dipstick you wouldn't be able to see going down the road. Anyway, just a thought.
I posted this earlier in this thread. With current available tech, all of that info can be read from the ECM using apps or other hardware, like PowerVision. This phone app called RPMitUp, along with a bluetooth ODB II reader connected to the bike's data port, can read the ECM and provide info like engine temp, gear indicator, HP, TQ, MPG, DTC codes, besides speed and RPM. All for the price of an analog oil temp gauge.
Analog oil temp gauge on my sportster is accurate and going strong after 18 years.
Analog gauge on the 103 is just fine after 4 years.
I would never go digital. Just another battery to die and replace.
A buddy of mine was of the Its a Harley, they all run hot camp. He just spent $$$$ on an engine rebuild due to overheating with less than 8k miles on a 103. Now he has a tuner and monitors his engine temp. Expensive lesson.
Do what makes you happy, and never buy a bike from anyone who tells you All Harleys run hot.
Related heat story - On a ride with 6 bikes. After a hard run, I was curious on my engine temp so I used the $25 IR temp gun and checked my head temp. The others wanted me to check their head temps too. There was a 110 degree difference between the coolest and hottest motor. 260 degrees to 370 degrees. If you dont know you have a problem, its gonna get expensive.
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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.
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