How hot is your motor?

[dbeardslee]

A couple months ago while I was fiddling with carbs, etc. I put an infrared thermometer on my header pipes and found them to be running about 210 degrees. Got back from a ride last night and the engine was feeling a little warm on my legs. Checked the temp and the header pipes are now running about 250 degrees. I suspect it's just ambient temperature, but thought I would check.

Is it normal for an air-cooled engine to match the ambient temperature degree for degree? The last time I checked them the air temp was around 50 degrees. Last night it was closer to 90. 40 degree difference in the air temp, 40 degree difference at the headers. Any thoughts?

Anybody know of an oil temp gauge that can be fitted to an XS. I like to keep an eye on such things. Also, which oil dissipates heat the best - 15W40 or 20W50? Inquiring minds want to know

[Crazcnuk]

Hot enough I have blisters on my knuckles from trying to adjust idle and mixture screws !

[bikerphil]

pretty hot

I used to have a guage (BBQ) mounted to the top of the head, in the air fins, by the #4 spark plug. On a 90+ degree day, stuck in traffic, it would reach 400 degrees. You will know your bike is running a bit hot when the idle speed drops, and you have to keep on the throttle to keep it from dying.

[HobbyMan]

250 is about right for me with stock pipes and jets.