Forum

[papasmurf]

How does you see the dipstick temperature gauge when you are riding the bike?

[NicoV]

Papasmurf, well I often do that out of curiosity. Not safe, but possible. Move my right leg a bit and look down. I can see it perfectly well, but then I don't look in front of me during a few seconds

[JTL]

As Leons story tells the dipstick oil temp gauge can be a very usefull instrument. When returning from top of the head through the timing chest I guess the oil temperature is almost at it's highest. And the hole from the timing chest to the oil tank is located almost at the end of the dipstick guage, so for me the reading is both as helpful and accurate as it gets. I check oil temp on hot summer days in city traffic when stopping at red lights. I check when cruising at high speeds or at the end of a ride. Mostly out of curiousity, but also for reasons like the one Leon experienced. The oil temp tells me something about the state of the engine without being a scientific fact... Jacob

[papasmurf]

Personally I don't want to cause an accident or have one trying to look at a dipstick oil temperature gauge. (Or be charged with riding without due care and attention.)

[Leon Novello]

To clarify this, the gauge is not in the dipstick orifice; it is mounted on the right-hand indicator stalk and can be viewed without moving my head. It also has illumination in different colours by pressing a button on the dial, which looks nice at night.

[papasmurf]

Leon Novello my comment was not aimed at you.

[jefrs]

The viscosity of an engine oil, the last part of the (example) 20W-50 means viscosity of 50 at 100°C because a motor is assumed to operate at a constant 100°C (they don't) but that an air cooled motor can be rather variable in temperature. I have an infra red thermometer I picked up in Maplins for about £10, it indicates about 95°C on the fins after the motor has warmed up. I also found letting the motor idle stationary for 10 minutes or more causes over heating, it needs air movement to keep it cool. The oil flow also plays an important part in cooling the motor; the oil will not be as hot as the fins.

[NicoV]

Papasmurf, your remark is correct, and I only do it when it is "safe". I live on the border between the province Akershus and Oppland. Very, very, very little traffic. This morning I went shopping with my Bullet. I rode 15 km before I saw a car. Of course, no oil temperature peeking in the Oslo area And oh yes, I have to look out. There are frequently accidents with moose or deer crossing the road.