I was riding home tonight and it said that it was 24 degrees out. Now, it felt that cold, but I can't help but wonder exactly how precise the thermometer on my bike is. Have you guys ever tested how accurate they are? If so, what did you find?
For whatever it is worth, which may be absolutely nothing, the engine temp didn't break 169-170 during the 15 minute 60 mph ride.
[image: View Post]FalseFiction1, on 16 February 2011 - 12:43 AM, said:
I was riding home tonight and it said that it was 24 degrees out. Now, it felt that cold, but I can't help but wonder exactly how precise the thermometer on my bike is. Have you guys ever tested how accurate they are? If so, what did you find?
For whatever it is worth, which may be absolutely nothing, the engine temp didn't break 169-170 during the 15 minute 60 mph ride.
Thoughts?
Perfectly normal engine temperatures - that equates to about 76 degrees centrigrade, which is where the thermostat begins to open up. Being so cold outside, the thermostat would basically be just barely open, maintaining 76 degrees.
Unofficially, it seems as accurate as any bank sign or other thermometer I've ridden past, as long as there is good airflow. Don't trust the OAT reading when you're stuck at a light.
My 04 reads 2 degrees F. lower than what it actually is....I figured that out years ago, I can't remember how?? Both of my cars read exactly two degrees (the correct temp) over what the bike will say......but then they were made by Germans! :fing02:
This is correct for mine; consistently about 1 degree C low compared to other reliable sources.
Glenn
[image: View Post]Luvmyvfr, on 16 February 2011 - 08:15 AM, said:
My 04 reads 2 degrees F. lower than what it actually is....I figured that out years ago, I can't remember how?? Both of my cars read exactly two degrees (the correct temp) over what the bike will say......but then they were made by Germans! :fing02:
My 5th gen reads about 4-5°F higher ambient than the temp on any of the thermo signs I pass by. The coolant temp seems to be pretty accurate, but then 4-5°F is not much when it comes to coolant temp. The fan turns on at 212°
To the OP, don't know how long you have had your VFR, but you may also notice in the colder temps and lower engine operating temps that your gas mileage suffers. This is normal...just the ECU trying to dump more gas to "warm up" the engine. When summer returns your operating temps should climb and MPG should increase. And if you can find 100% gasoline, all the better!