I searched the forums for this, but can't find a definitive answer:

Why do Harleys have an air temp gauge? I've found that many people have wondered the same thing, and many others have suggested much better options instead (like an oil temp gauge). But nobody seems to have an answer. Even the service manager at the dealership doesn't know.

Is it a mystery of the ages?

 

Good Question.

 

You will get alot of different answers.They are useless to me.I switch mine for Harley's oil temp guage.

 

Yeah, but you'd think *somebody* out there would have the correct answer!

 

That's what I'll be doing.

 

They have an air temp gauge to measure the air temp. The reason they have it is because they can. It's a dumb reason I know, but the only one I could think of.
Secondly, it gives us something to change when we buy the bike to "personalize' it to our tastes.

 

I do use mine in the winter. I commute 12 months out of the year here in NC. On cold wet mornings, if its close to 32 degrees when L leave the house, there are valleys that I go through where I'll run over bridges that may be iced up. I'll watch the temp gauge to judge the probability. But that's the only time its worth anything to me!

 

That's an easy question to answer. The reason the MOCO puts in an air gauge is to sell oil temp gauges. Now you know.

 

Why...because HD thought riders would like to know ambient air temp. Outside air temp can be indicator of when it's safe for rider & bike (i.e. freezing temps, too hot, etc.). Now I'm like others & thought it more important to have engine diagnostic so swapped mine for oil temp.

 

I truly believe that may be the real answer!

Is it possible it has something to do with the nature of air-cooled engines and perhaps older Harleys not doing too well in really hot temps; telling you something like "hey, it's really hot out here, don't overwork me or I'll blow a gasket".

I'm sure I'll get flamed by even making such an insinuation ...