Temp gauge way off

[omniphil]

Has anyone else noticed the temp gauge being way off? Even after sitting all night so as not to get false readings from engine heat its 10 degrees off. This also apparently messes with the auto grip and seat heat settings as they use outside temp to determine heat output.

Anyone get that fixed from maybe a dealer reflash or something? Any way to calibrate ourselves?

 

[otbiker]

I ride with a bunch of Gold Wings. Mine is 3 degrees higher than theirs. The sensor is mounted under the headlight assembly. It could possibly be moved more into the airstream. In its present location, I don't believe its picking up engine heat.

UPDATE

FWIW, I just performed a test in the garage. The bike indicated 83 degrees. I pointed my infrared temp gun at the bike and got 82.5.
Maybe it is engine heat...

 

[omniphil]

Ok, Maybe I'll look into relocating it and see if that makes any difference.

I ride with a bunch of Gold Wings. Mine is 3 degrees higher than theirs. The sensor is mounted under the headlight assembly. It could possibly be moved more into the airstream. In its present location, I don't believe its picking up engine heat.

 

[Xian Forbes]

When I noticed just where the stock sensor is located it dawned upon me that it is reading the temperature of the air entering the intake for the airbox not what the rider would feel. Engine heat, perhaps....but if it is mostly accurate, then it reports more on engine performance than rider comfort.

 

[omniphil]

I wonder if the ECU needs the sensor there to use in its fueling calculations or if its purely for the display readout?

 

[Xian Forbes]

I'm guessing its just for display purposes...what I would rather have is a Water Temp gauge.

 

[omniphil]

My vote is for Oil Temp, more useful than Water Temp.

I'm guessing its just for display purposes...what I would rather have is a Water Temp gauge.

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

I'd cast a vote for an oil temp gage as well. Living in AZ and having to ride in August traffic will be interesting. I suppose if I start to pass out, it is probably too hot for the engine.

 

[bill steele]

I think I would go with the water temp because if you are over heating you will know that the oil is also taking a beating.

 

[SteveADV]

I was out yesterday evening in 43 +/- and my temperature gauge was exactly correct.

 

[omniphil]

Now that the weather has gotten cold, I have also noticed it being pretty correct, It only seems to be above 75 or so that it ready high, very odd...

I was out yesterday evening in 43 +/- and my temperature gauge was exactly correct.

 

[Oldscoot]

I can figure whether it is hot or cold outside without a temperature gauge. My Vespa 300 GTS had a coolant temperature gauge that was actually useful.

 

[Dale]

If it is 80 degrees outside and you stop for 15 min you will note at start up you see 95, run down the road 2 miles it will be back to 80. Same cold, the garage is 60 and the outside temp is 40 run 2 miles it will be 40. I too would like to see an oil temp indicator.

If I have water only I run easy until the water has been at normal temp for 5 minutes now I know my oil has had time to get to a safe operating temperature.