Operating temperature

[Carter Turk]

I saw 205 degrees on a high 70's late afternoon 1 1/2 hr. ride.

I crudely measured this temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the clutch housing through the oil cap.

I'm running semi syn car oil.

This isn't probably the hottest area in the engine, but was curious what is an exceptable operating temperature range. Thanks for any thoughts.

[KrazyKarl02]

I would think (and I emphasize think) that 205 is an ok temp. I would be worried much over 220. Of course a meat thermometer is not the most accurate. You should look into the oil plug thermometer many people have done.

[Anonymous]

i think a good way to look at it would be to look at a cars average operating temperature and increase it a bit because the bikes are air cooled. I would say 205 is ok, my car runs at 190 or something like that so it doesnt seem too high.

[IanFrancisco]

operating temp

I have the oil temp gauge replacing the stock dipstick, installed by the previous owner. I had to get a spare dipstick from fleabay for oil changes and checkups. The bike acts cold until it gets to around 150F when idle speed is normal. Cruising canyons and/or keeping it under 60mph will see the temp get to around 200F. Stop and go in hot weather - 220F
Running at 65-75mph on the highway in 90F weather - 240F
Can't vouch for it's accuracy - I guess I could test it in boiling water...

I'm running Mobil 1 10-40 motorcycle oil. In hot weather I've done about 1000 miles since the last oil change and needed 8 oz. to top the engine off today. The oil still looks like honey. Hope it's holding up under that kind of heat!

[focus frenzy]

air cooled bikes, especialy multi cylinder air cooled bikes, run very hot.
cycle gear sells a stick on thermometer that changes color with heat, the hotter the higher the scale the color goes.
just like the ones you can get for a fish tank, or the disposable ones for checking a persons temp.
they go up to 245*F, but on the package it has a warning not to use on air cooled engines as the heat of a air cooled engine can damage them!!

[Anonymous]

does anyone know where I can get one of those oil cap thermometers? I always feel my bike's running hot as well.

[Einar J Skog]

Hi

Have looked at some oil temp guages..

They start the red sone at 130 degree celcius.
That is: 266F