Options for temp dipstick and do I need one
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,586
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From: Nowhere
Options for temp dipstick and do I need one
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.
Popular Reply
Jan 1, 2023, 11:36 AM
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,873
Likes: 3,850
From: Cape Cod
I thought about that too,,,,,,,,,but after MUCH thought decided against it.
I dont NEED to know!!!
And Im not gonna chase something or fret over if I dont' need to know!!
I dont NEED to know!!!
And Im not gonna chase something or fret over if I dont' need to know!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,460
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
Millions of bikes don't have them. It would be interesting to know. I have chose not to buy an $ dipstick that could be stolen, and leave me screwed somewhere.
If I really wanted to I would do the oil pan probe. Be nice to know, but after all these years, I still have not gotten around to it.
If I really wanted to I would do the oil pan probe. Be nice to know, but after all these years, I still have not gotten around to it.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 922
Likes: 898
From: Upstate NY
You will just drive yourself crazy watching it. If you are one of those guys that checks stuff and monitors gauges all the time, you will get all worried if its too high or too low when in all reality its sill within normal parameters.
I used to have an old big block Corvette. I was running aftermarket gauges, and at every stoplight the coolant temp would creep into the red. It took me a few seasons to realize that the temps were totally normal and the 'red zone' on the gauge didnt match what the engine was designed to operate in. My point is.....as a novelty and oil temp gauge may be neat, but as a diagnostic tool you will worry yourself to death. Its an air cooled Harley, it runs obscenely hot.
I used to have an old big block Corvette. I was running aftermarket gauges, and at every stoplight the coolant temp would creep into the red. It took me a few seasons to realize that the temps were totally normal and the 'red zone' on the gauge didnt match what the engine was designed to operate in. My point is.....as a novelty and oil temp gauge may be neat, but as a diagnostic tool you will worry yourself to death. Its an air cooled Harley, it runs obscenely hot.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 6,286
From: SoCal
As far as I know, ALL of the dipstick temp units are garbage.
None that I have seen have positive reviews.
IF you really think knowing the oil temp is a necessity, get yourself a factory-style temp sensor and gauge.
Then instead of just wondering how hot your oil is, you can also wonder if the gauge is accurate.
None that I have seen have positive reviews.
IF you really think knowing the oil temp is a necessity, get yourself a factory-style temp sensor and gauge.
Then instead of just wondering how hot your oil is, you can also wonder if the gauge is accurate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I check the oil level before each ride and I'm good. The motor has been flawless on my '13 King since new. Same thing on my '11 Sportster.
Not sure if the oil temp gives you what you want. Probably the head temp is a bit more meaningful. You can get much more info from the ECM directly with less money. Example is an app like RPMitUp.
Not sure if the oil temp gives you what you want. Probably the head temp is a bit more meaningful. You can get much more info from the ECM directly with less money. Example is an app like RPMitUp.
Last edited by RKZen; Jan 1, 2023 at 01:29 PM.
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Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
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From: Vancouver Canada
My '09 never had the need to kick me in the but and insist I get it a read-out oil tep. gauge.
I have enough readouts from the instruments on the bateing, and the tuner.
As long as I have enough oil in the unit as prescribed by the manual, the oil takes car of itself.
I have enough readouts from the instruments on the bateing, and the tuner.
As long as I have enough oil in the unit as prescribed by the manual, the oil takes car of itself.