So I was contemplating replacing the Air Gauge on my street glide with an oil gauge when I decide to tear down my bike for paint this winter. I think it may be slightly more useful than the air temp gauge, but odds are by the time I notice the oil temp gauge pegged, the damage has already been done. Anyone dropped the $164 on the gauge and feel its worth it? Honestly, my ***** tell me when its too cold or too hot outside and don't need the air temp gauge. What say you?

 

Since you asked, I don't see a real need for one.

Like fixing an issue that does not exist.

But if you do add one, do your best to find out what the normal oil temp should be and also what the max temp should be.
Otherwise, you will just constantly be looking at the gauge and worrying.

I've never had an oil temp gauge on any of my Harley's.

 

I installed it. I removed the tank and ran the wires through the wire trough, and down the left side of the frame.
When my bike has been running at Highway speed for about 15-20 minutes, in the summer, It will read about 225-230 *F, normal operating temperature.
I like to keep an eye on is the oil pressure and the temperature for peace of mind.

 

Actually I think an oil temperature gauge would be a very smart idea on a mostly AIR cooled machine.

If temps got to hot you could pull over and save your bike.

230 is normal running temp. Much higher and ECM will retard timing.
Mike

 

Just spend the money on an oil cooler. Knowing the temp doesn't really help anything except knowing it runs hot so maybe it needs an oil cooler lol...

 

This is what I did. Just buy Harley's fan-assisted oil cooler and you're all set. I also bought the Cool Flow fan to direct air down and away from the engine at slow speeds. The combination works great.

 

I agree, 100%. The air temp gauge is virtually worthless. I also swapped in out for oil temp. Then moved a few gauges around, so on my RG, volts and fuel are on left side, OIl tem and pressure are on right side.IT's been interesting watching how oil temp changes with different types of riding, and also how it changes with different changes in engine configuration.

 

The air temp gauge is worthless.
The oil temp gauge/kit is worth $175.

That being said, I added one during my rebuild.
I routinely monitor it, (along w/ oil pressure) during my ride.
I have seen it as high as 290° during a slow creep through heavy traffic.

I'll be adding an oil cooler at some point, but it isn't at the top of the list quite yet.

 

EXACTLY!
I got stuck in a traffic jam in Louisiana. My oil temp was starting to raise to a point where I shut down the engine.
Information and knowledge is power and that can save your engine.

 

Oh yeah, agree on all points. I did notice the temp drops a bit after I got the remote oil filter.
The gauge relocation sounds like a cool idea.