Motorcycle Oil Temperature Dipstick

1. Motorcycle Oil Temperature Dipstick

2. A Motorcycle uses a high speed, high output engine that, compared with an automobile, is smaller and lighter. This combined with a smaller lubricant reservoir results in a lower thermal capacity in Motorcycle engines that can cause engine oils to reach temperatures as high as 320 degrees F. The “all-in-one” motorcycle engine design where - starter gears, clutch & power transmission gears - share oil with engine components, further complicates the thermal condition and oil formulation. Motorcycle engine oil that runs at about 212 degrees F. is advantageous in that moisture (condensation) will quickly evaporate out of the oil. The process occurs at lower temperatures but more slowly. Above 260 degrees F. every 10 degrees halves the oils useful life. An oil temperature over about 300 degrees F. is unusual in a water cooled motorcycle and may indicate a serious problem.

3. Synthetic and synthetic blend oils offer some advantages compared with conventional mineral oil products. They perform better in extremes of heat and cold. They provide better oxidation resistance and thermal stability. They may run slightly cooler but they do cost more money. The above information is pretty general – but not as much so as “I know my engine is too hot – I left some hide on my valve cover!” By design, the temp-stick avoids looking like a meat thermometer and its small dial discourages reading it while riding. Some of you may have experienced a short but unplanned detour while trying to read temperature on the “oil bag” thermometer of your Harley

4. The "TEMP-STICK” is a direct replacement for the O.E.M. dipstick. It is crafted of billet aluminum and contains internal and external “O” ring(s) that seal and provide thermal and vibration isolation. This also allows rotation of the thermometer dial for ideal readability, once the dipstick is screwed in.