OIL TEMP
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Stage III
Joined: Jun 2024
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From: Ohio
OIL TEMP
hello, I have a 2006 Harley street glide FLHX with about 15,000 miles it has had upgraded cams, lifters, and exhaust. it also has a Mikuni HRS 45 carb, my question is what is the correct / best operating oil temp for the engine. I live in Ohio and air temp this year are running 80 -90 deg
Last edited by Pats06Glide; Jul 12, 2025 at 01:32 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Carlsbad, CA
If I recall correctly the design window is 235 degree Fahrenheit for oil . But, I’ve had it run for an extended period at 265 with no issues. Once it approaches 300, the motor stars pinging.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Newnan, GA
hello, I have a 2006 Harley street glide FLHX with about 15,000 miles it has had upgraded cams, lifters, and exhaust. it also has a Mikuni HRS 45 carb, my question is what is the correct / best operating oil temp for the engine. I live in Ohio and air temp this year are running 80 -90 deg
There are a few ways to keep an eye on your oil temps.
Like others have eluded to, it can get pricey.
The easiest and not so cheap way (until it craps out) is the electronic oil level and temp dip stick.
There used to be a kit that replaced the air temp gauge with an oil temp gauge. The kit also installs a temp sensor in the oil port next to the oil drain port. I like keeping an eye on the oil temps. I tried both of these.
The electronic dip stick crapped out around a year after it was purchased. Later on I installed the Harley Davidsson fairing mounted oil temp gauge (kit), which is still working well in the bike today. I have not seen the Harley Davison kit that I have available for a long time. You may find it on Ebay.
There are still other ways. If I had it to do all over again, I'd check these out:
Oil Temp set up from Glow Shift.
Koso Set up
Last edited by Mongo1958; Jul 12, 2025 at 04:16 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Middle Tennessee
I am using this on a M8. Inexpensive and it works well. I believe it is made by Nicecnc. Not sure if they have one for a twin cam.
I had the fairing mount electric gauge on my previous twin cam and really liked being able to monitor oil temps.
Some riders like knowing the temps, some don’t. I do.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Newnan, GA
I am using this on a M8. Inexpensive and it works well. I believe it is made by Nicecnc. Not sure if they have one for a twin cam.
I had the fairing mount electric gauge on my previous twin cam and really liked being able to monitor oil temps.
Some riders like knowing the temps, some don’t. I do.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Southern Virginia
The last two touring bikes I have had Harley clearly states in the owners manual that in extended riding in temperatures above 70 to use straight 50 weight oil, not multi viscosity. Amazing how many folks completely gloss over this.
Oil coolers are cheap insurance although most folks trade bikes often enough they don't see the need for them. The short of it is bone stock Harleys are rough on oil. When you hotrod them if you want them to last pay attention to how it treats oil. Most TC88 motored bikes I have see are fairly easy to fit with oil coolers.
Oil coolers are cheap insurance although most folks trade bikes often enough they don't see the need for them. The short of it is bone stock Harleys are rough on oil. When you hotrod them if you want them to last pay attention to how it treats oil. Most TC88 motored bikes I have see are fairly easy to fit with oil coolers.
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