I have been reading the threads regarding oil temp gauge installs with the sensor installed in the oil pan and noticed that most reported low running temps, anywhere from 195 to 225. I was reading them because I have been reading temps as high as 265 (in traffic) on my digital dipstick. This made me wonder if the stick was producing accurate readings.
I purchased a good meat thermometer, heated some water and read 205 on the face. I then inserted the dipstick, waited a minute and sure enough it read 205.
Bottom line: digital dipsticks are accurate but now I'm wondering how much difference in oil temp there is (if any) between the dipstick location and the sensor location at the bottom of the pan.

 

I have done a direct comparison. I have an indash temp quage (roger mcewen brand) and used my buddies digital dip stick. after my indash one read 200 degrees, I pushed the button on the digital one and it too read 200 degrees. It continued to read the same for about a 200 mile ride. I did note that it took a few miles more for my in dash one to get up to temp but once it was above 180 it matched the digital one at every point. On my particular bike the max temp was about 210. My buddies got up over 250 when he put it back in his.

 

Thanks, that's what I needed to know.