I thought i'd measure the temperature of my XT today (1992 model)
 

I was doing a bit of commuting today and the temperature outside got close to 37/38 C (100F). I had to stop at a few red lights along the way and the bike seemed to be getting quite hot and I started to worry about it so I rode to my work where I could measure the temperature of the oil and engine.

The top of the engine (valve cover, cylinder head) was definitely the hottest section on the whole bike @ 126C (260F).

The cylinder was measured at 110C (230F).

Bottom end of the engine was cooler at 82C (180F).

The oil tank in the frame was also close to 82C (180F).

Inside the oil tank was the same as the outside - 82C (180F).

Taking an average from these numbers you get 96.4C (202F).

This was about the hottest it's going to get where I ride and the conditions I was in were slow moving and I had to stop a few times for a minute or two each time.

I use Rotella T 15W40 engine oil and have stock jetting as well as the stock exhaust system on my '92 XT600. Are these temps too high for regular oil? I do change my oil out often, probably around 3200/4000KM (2000/2500 Miles) so I figure as long as I don't overuse it, it should be ok. At least that's what I keep telling myself!

?c?

miles for kilometers xD

Vando

Hah, thanks for pointing that out. I confuse myself sometimes.

:scooter:

No prob mate :)

I have an FJ1100 which is also an aircooled lump, and having fitted a tempguage to it found it would run incredibly hot when trickling along in traffic, since there was very little air flow. Temp peaked at 280f!

So long as you're using an appropriate oil and change it regularly it'll be fine. We all use Morris ringfree since it's a thicker oil designed for aircooled engines which by their nature have larger tolerances in their build.

Anything recommended for Harleys is also good (unlike the bikes!)

Is your cylinder clean?

The oil can easely reach 110 celcius on high speed riding in the summer, or at the beach on theese engines =)

Get an oil temp if youre concerned.

My (1990) manual says 10.000km between oil change, (and thats with 1990 grade oil, were now almost 20 years later) so stop beein such a pussy and go out and ride =)

Even a ktm 640 has 5k oil change intervals, and they have more hp, more torque, and only about 60% the amount of oil.