Engine Temperatures after a ride

[Michaelr11]

Just wondering if these temperatures sound like they are in the normal range, or too high?  I realize there are a lot of variables that can affect the results here. 

 

Finished a ride today.  Outside temperature, around 80 F.  Last 5 miles were in town, stop and go at traffic lights riding.  Oil temp display on the RID went from 5 to 6.

 

When parked and motor shut down, IR temperature gun showed the headers on both cylinders at around 450 F.  Valve covers were around 170 F.

 

2001 R1100RT, conventional 20W50 oil.

[dirtrider]

1 minute ago, Michaelr11 said:

Just wondering if these temperatures sound like they are in the normal range, or too high?  I realize there are a lot of variables that can affect the results here. 

 

Finished a ride today.  Outside temperature, around 80 F.  Last 5 miles were in town, stop and go at traffic lights riding.  Oil temp display on the RID went from 5 to 6.

 

When parked and motor shut down, IR temperature gun showed the headers on both cylinders at around 450 F.  Valve covers were around 170 F.

 

2001 R1100RT, conventional 20W50 oil.

 

Evening Michaelr11

 

None of the above really tells us much that is usable as far a "in normal range goes".

 

What was the engine sump  oil temperature? That is the biggie. 

 

The dash gauge only shows the outbound cooling oil AFTER it has picked up engine heat but before going through  the oil cooler  so that is fairly useless. 

 

Did your idling engine sound like a bunch of loose chains tossed into a metal garbage can then rolled around? If not then it wasn't overheated. 

 

As far as header heat goes-- those will glow dull red after a long ride when you drop the engine to curb idle. You can't see that while riding the bike but others can.

 

 

 

 

[Michaelr11]

16 minutes ago, dirtrider said:

.......................

What was the engine sump  oil temperature? That is the biggie. 

.........................

Did your idling engine sound like a bunch of loose chains tossed into a metal garbage can then rolled around? If not then it wasn't overheated. 

 

As far as header heat goes-- those will glow dull red after a long ride when you drop the engine to curb idle. You can't see that while riding the bike but others can.

 

 

I could take a reading at the oil pan or the oil cooler.  Don't know if those will be any more informative.

No, the engine sounds completely normal.  The bike is running great. Smooth running, no odd sounds or odors.  

 

My fuel consumption is running BETTER - I know, why am I complaining.  Typical summer gas consumption for this RT has been 45-47 mpg. For the past two months I'm getting 47-48 and today 50 mpg.  I guess it is possible that I'm riding a little conservative lately - I had a deer strike in March - lots of them in the woods and the road edges right now. But really, not a conservative rider.  At 195k miles, would a failing O2 sensor cause the mileage to get better? 

[dirtrider]

1 hour ago, Michaelr11 said:

 

I could take a reading at the oil pan or the oil cooler.  Don't know if those will be any more informative.

No, the engine sounds completely normal.  The bike is running great. Smooth running, no odd sounds or odors.  

 

My fuel consumption is running BETTER - I know, why am I complaining.  Typical summer gas consumption for this RT has been 45-47 mpg. For the past two months I'm getting 47-48 and today 50 mpg.  I guess it is possible that I'm riding a little conservative lately - I had a deer strike in March - lots of them in the woods and the road edges right now. But really, not a conservative rider.  At 195k miles, would a failing O2 sensor cause the mileage to get better? 

 

Evening Michaelr11

 

Probably not o2 problem usually drops mileage or makes the bike run worse.

 

Mid summer mileage usually does increase slightly due to summer gasoline, quicker engine warm-up's, easier flowing warmer motor oil, easier flowing warmer trans/final drive gear oil, lighter riding clothing.