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[JoeVibe]

I picked up my bike yesterday and found that one of the gauge's is basically a thermometer. I asked the sales guy "what's the purpose" but didn't really get a reason for it. Is it useful for something I'm not aware of? I would think an oil temp gauge would be a better option.

Thanks,

Joe

[Fired00d]

I picked up my bike yesterday and found that one of the gauge's is basically a thermometer. I asked the sales guy "what's the purpose" but didn't really get a reason for it. Is it useful for something I'm not aware of? I would think an oil temp gauge would be a better option.

Thanks,

Joe

That has been said/discussed many times before... welcome to the club.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[timo482]

i think way way back on early carb ultra's somebody thought a temp gauge would be neat - voila - 30 years of temp gauge.

and for extra money they will sell you a oil temp gauge.....

im still waiting for gauges that read air temp and oil temp at the same time....

go figure.

[grc]

I picked up my bike yesterday and found that one of the gauge's is basically a thermometer. I asked the sales guy "what's the purpose" but didn't really get a reason for it. Is it useful for something I'm not aware of? I would think an oil temp gauge would be a better option.

Thanks,

Joe

Joe, it's main purpose as best I can tell is to fill the fourth hole in the fairing to make everything symmetrical.  An ambient air temperature gauge can come in handy in a car or truck, but when riding an open air vehicle like a motorcycle I can't imagine needing a gauge to tell me officially that I'm either freezing my azz off or I'm roasting.  Throw in the fact that Harley's gauge isn't accurate and it becomes even more of a mystery.  Harley is big on tradition, even when it makes absolutely no sense.  So regardless of customer feedback, and despite common sense, Harley is going to persist in providing you with a cheap inaccurate and basically useless gauge because they have always done so.  Please do not try to apply logic to the situation, it will only result in headaches.

btw, the other gauges aren't much better.  The speedo and tach seem to be decent, but the rest are just as cheap and inaccurate as the air temp gauge.  I think Harley gets the entire four gauge set for about $5.  I would prefer they eliminate the air temp and volt gauges, spend a little more on better oil pressure and fuel gauges, and use the two leftover holes for something useful like fresh air ducts or tweeters for the audio system.

Jerry

[Twolanerider]

For purposes of discussion here that instrument was dubbed the "rain gauge" a long time ago.  Equal usefulness apparently.  "Ambient air temperature" gauge is just a much too proper name for such a useless part.

[JoeVibe]

That has been said/discussed many times before... welcome to the club.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Glad to see it wasn't just me.

i think way way back on early carb ultra's somebody thought a temp gauge would be neat - voila - 30 years of temp gauge.

and for extra money they will sell you a oil temp gauge.....

im still waiting for gauges that read air temp and oil temp at the same time....

go figure.

Is there an oil temp gauge available that matches the set? I didn't see one on line. Even if it isn't terribly accurate at least you could see if oil temp is increasing from "normal".

Thanks,

Joe

[King Glide]

Is there an oil temp gauge available that matches the set? I didn't see one on line. Even if it isn't terribly accurate at least you could see if oil temp is increasing from "normal".

Thanks,

Joe

They don't sell one that matches our CVO's.

[JoeVibe]

Thanks King. I guess I'll leave things as is. At least this way I'll know why I'm hot or cold when riding

Joe

[GtreetSlide]

I use mine to determine if the wet road is ice yet, combined with putting a boot on the pavement while riding :-)

I also use it to determine if I need to stop and rehydrate soon, like in the desert summer heat, LOL.... When I try to read the temp and it appears to be dancing all around I know it's time for water or gatorade....

If the wife complains about the engine heat on her rear; I just point at the gauge and tell her "it's only 85"...

Don't think I could live without that temp gauge...  jb