standard operating temperature of a gs500e

[nutmunk]

  Ok, so here's the thing...the gs is a great little air-cooled bike, which means pretty much very little to worry about as far as cooling is concerned...no waterpumps to blow, no radiators to get clogged up: just check your oil level is ok and you're set (which is why I like it).

Only problem is (as is apparent from alext's post) they can (and do) just like any other engine overheat. Now, most bikes that i've had before have been water-cooled, meaning you get an ever-so-helpful temperature gauge in your instrument console. On the gs, however, you don't.

Sooo...i'm gonna add one (that'll monitor either the temperature of the oil itself or the temperature of the engine manifold).

The reason why I would like to add one is that I live in south africa and (even though it's currently colder than an eskimo's backside after a shazam in the woods in the middle of winter) does tend to get quite warm during the summer. And since my pipe is louder than the sound a bear makes when it steps in said Eskimo shazam in woods, it makes it very difficult to listen out for any possible issues with the engine that may be caused by overheating. Basically...prevention is better than cure.

Fitting a gauge for me isn't so much a problem...using a digital gauge, it'll actually be quite easy. My problem is that I have no idea what is considered "too hot" for a gs motor. I know from my previous bikes what the FLUID temperature should be circulating around a radiator, but i've got no idea what the actual temperature of the motor itself or oil should be.

Any ideas guys?

[weedahoe]

Idk what the std op temp is but they do make thermo coupler rings that go under the spark plug to monitor temps.

On a side note, last week in town I got caught in traffic at a rail road crossing. It was a really long train so I cut the bike off and waited. Why sit there and idle and build heat?

[RossLH]

Actual temperature? I have no idea. But I do like to put a hand on either side of the engine after riding it just to check for consistency. It's not at all scientific, but I can easily tell if one side is running leaner than the other and/or if the engine is running significantly hotter or cooler than usual. That's good enough for me.

[BockinBboy]

I once saw a post on here regarding a thermometer that screwed in perfectly and replaced the oil cap dipstick... don't have a link, but its hiding in the pages somewhere.

- Bboy

[The Buddha]

Get an oil thermometer - fleabay - has em pretty cheap.

Some crap like this - http://www.ebay.com/itm/CDN-Stainless-Steel-Clip-Deep-Fry-Turkey-Chicken-Thermometer-Meal-Kitchen-NEW-/400399507522?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d39aba042

Search, you have threaded and what not, you can screw it into the dipstick etc etc ... or bloody well replace the dipstick with a threaded plug types and thread that thermometer into it.

But remember under running condition, the thermometer is likely to be in air, with oil flying about, not sitting in oil ... still close to engine temp.

Cool.
Buddha.

[nutmunk]

Hey guys...thanks for the suggestions. What I was thinking of doing was something slightly different: we use panel thermometers at work that work off a single anode and run off a 12v input (perfect for a bike). what I was going to do is get our tool and die guy to bend me a new instrument console to hold the two existing gauges and a panel thermometer between them and then run the anode either through the oil fills cap of attach it to the engine itself...

My main problem is that I have no idea how hot is too hot for a gs...

[jestercinti]

Getting a true reading is difficult to do in an air cooled bike.  It's like getting a reading on the temperature of your lawn mower.

You will need an oil temperature sensor somewhere where the oil is flowing (internal or in the oil cooler).  Oil dipstick thermometers give an inaccurate reading.

My advice?  Use the right oil, make sure that it's full and changed often, and RIDE.  Even in the Sahara Desert, the GS will be cool enough to ride unless prolonged idle or revving the engine at a stationary position.

[Soloratov]

I have actually seen a guy do this, (on another bike), and the best place for the temp gauge is to get another oil pan plug, and mount the sensor through that. This way it is always in the oil, and getting circulated as it should without air bubbles. The issue still stands, whats the best temp? You won't know until you get it in. Ride it hard on a cool day long enough to know it's as hot as it's going to get....thats your baseline. Ride it on a really hot day, that's your preferred highest temp. Here in NY, my baseline would be tested say, early May, early morning. My warning temp would be tested right now. 92 at my house this afternoon, and no..not a dry heat! Too hot to ride for me.

[jestercinti]

Rode today with wool trousers and a leather jacket with a thermal liner.

Hot? Yes. Safe?  Yes. Carry on.

[Soloratov]

Rode today with wool trousers and a leather jacket with a thermal liner.

Hot? Yes. Safe?  Yes. Carry on.

Sheer lunacy sir...

[nutmunk]

Sump plug...not a bad idea at all... Thanks solor...

[Soloratov]

Happy to take credit for someone elses ideas 

Just make sure you get heat resistant wrap for the wires, and run them up the back of the motor and then up the frame.