It could also be the 883 gear ratio, your rpm could be a bit high while you are cruising on the highway. Just a thought

 

I have the Jagg style Harley cooler on my 883. On the highway after 20 or so miles running at 65-75 mph my oil runs roughly 160-180F according to the oil temp gauge/dipstick. This is in 80 degree heat. Even running yesterday in 95 degree temps, it was about 180F.

Of course, the cooler was a source of oil leak for me a few weeks ago - leaking from one of the outflow hoses around the clamp. Still, to me, a cooler without a fan is useless.

 

Well I really don't need a fan on the cooler as it stays at ok temps while idling but it's at higher speeds on the highway whereI need the cooling. I read on here where a few big twins are running at 250 and 260. One guy on a Softail said he was at about 250 while running it hard at 70mph. Running it hard at 70mph? [sm=icon_rofl.gif] I consider over 80 mph running it kind of hard.
Another guy with a touring bike sayid his manual says oil temps of 230 are normal.

Also I was wrong on the temps today. It has been about 88 degrees not just 80. Not much difference but still...

 

Here's a 1990 Harley ad I found where it says between 200 and 240 are normal operating temps.