Temperature gauge? yay or nay, or HOW?!

[sparkfly88]

I've always like gauges on everything as well...for curiosity ive almost bought one of these multiple times, but I keep holding off

http://blueskyppg.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=214

[Dylano*]

I've always like gauges on everything as well...for curiosity ive almost bought one of these multiple times, but I keep holding off


http://blueskyppg.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=214

I know something very similar to that for much cheaper ill be back with a link.
Yahman, awesome pics.... I'm using that idea for the 90° on that breather filter...
Ray, great info, I'm no longer concerned! Haha

[James England]

Personally, in response to the question "why?", my response is "why not?" An electronic temperature sensor installed in the sump pan (on my XJR1300 there is a threaded hole, plugged off with a sump plug, especially for that reason)

Oil temps rise if the level is low or if there is an oil leak. Given the risks of a sump sensor causing problems (no more than the standard oil sump drain plug), and the low cost, I'd rather know what temp the oil is at than not. I already hear the response "it's another thing to go wrong"... Yes, it is. If the gauge packs in, it's not exactly the end of the world. You chuck it out and buy another one.

Having a gauge enables one to see the running temps of various oils too. IMO the more data one has about the running of the bike, the better.

Here's mine on the XJR..... It's been on for over a year and is accurate (it self-calibrates every power-up) and has been extremely reliable.

[b.walker5]

The more guages, the higher the paranoia.

Cant be bothered with all the extra bits to tell me if somethings going wrong. I'm not riding a race bike, so i dont need em. I'm riding a perfectly well engineered piece of kit that's designed to handle the conditions most riders, and conditions will give it. I check my oil at the start of a ride, and daily if a long ride, I use a good quality oil, and I listen to the engine for any changes. tells me all I need to know. If the engines running that hot that the oil is degrading, then it's too hot for me to ride, and I'll be in the pub.

The only guage I actually need is the one that tells me if i'm gonna get a speeding ticket.

[DiverRay]

b.walker.5 said:

The only guage I actually need is the one that tells me if i'm gonna get a speeding ticket.

Brian, is that If or WHEN??

[IanDMacDonald]

Personally, in response to the question "why?", my response is "why not?" An electronic temperature sensor installed in the sump pan (on my XJR1300 there is a threaded hole, plugged off with a sump plug, especially for that reason)

Oil temps rise if the level is low or if there is an oil leak. Given the risks of a sump sensor causing problems (no more than the standard oil sump drain plug), and the low cost, I'd rather know what temp the oil is at than not. I already hear the response "it's another thing to go wrong"... Yes, it is. If the gauge packs in, it's not exactly the end of the world. You chuck it out and buy another one.

Having a gauge enables one to see the running temps of various oils too. IMO the more data one has about the running of the bike, the better.

Here's mine on the XJR..... It's been on for over a year and is accurate (it self-calibrates every power-up) and has been extremely reliable.

I'm confused James- So, the Japs use MPH instead of Metric KPH? Do only the Canadian models use the KPH speedos?

[DiverRay]

James lives in the UK. They use MPH, NOT KPH, and the speedo reflects that. They DO drive on the "wrong" side of the yellow line, though.... (and yes, it does take about two days to get used to it!)

[BA80]

Where's the DVD player screen.

[Yahman]

I have a mount there for my GPS also, but I try to limit my distractions to only three or four at a time.

Larry

[James England]

The more guages, the higher the paranoia.

No, it's hardly that. Paranoia is a serious psychological ailment and I have a great deal of sympathy for those unfortunate enough to suffer from it. In the case of having an oil temperature gauge, or not, I think it comes down to personal preference. I find it quite enlightening to see how terrain, riding conditions, altitude (always on the ground of course..) affect running temperature and, if one has that particular interest, a temperature gauge is the best way to indulge it. Bit like some people stick a small digital clock somewhere, so they know what time it is, rather than as an indicator of mental instability or undue worry... Easily fitted, easily not fitted, necessary, unnecessary,...whatever. I love mine!

[James England]

James lives in the UK. They use MPH, NOT KPH, and the speedo reflects that. They DO drive on the "wrong" side of the yellow line, though.... (and yes, it does take about two days to get used to it!)

The Japanese drive on the 'wrong' side too, I was surprised to discover when I lived there........ We're not the only ones.....

[Eveready1100]

I find it quite enlightening to see how terrain, riding conditions, altitude (always on the ground of course..) affect running temperature

I fitted one to my Special a few years ago, and the most surprising thing I noticed was how quickly the oil temp dropped when I rode through a sudden shower of rain on a hot day.



Total cost of my setup was AU$ 16.90

CLICK for installation thread

[IanDMacDonald]

Interesting install thread. Thank you. When I was having issues with my alternator, I installed a slim LCD voltmeter. It's hidden by the key somewhere. Ideas like this are nice, but I guess I trust that everything is okay with proper oil level.

[Eveready1100]

I trust that everything is okay with proper oil level

Oil level?? Want a bit of a read?? Click for installation thread

[natemoen]

Oil level?? Want a bit of a read?? Click for installation thread

Dang Errol! You just keep coming up with good ideas!