Idiot light question

[.]

I think this is the right place to post this. I have a real noob question but since I don't know the answer I'm willing to risk looking stupid when I consider how much I paid for my Valk.

When I turn the ignition key on and before I start the engine, the low oil pressure warning light comes on, which is normal (since there is no oil pressure when the engine isn't running and it's supposed to anyway to let me know the light is working). However, the temperature warning light does not illuminate. I actually read my owner's manual cover to cover the other day (it was raining too hard to ride and the Sunday paper was depressing-what can I say?) and at the part describing the function of these lights it said specifically that the oil warning light will come on with the ignition key. It didn't mention the temp light at all, either to say specifically it does come on or to say specifically it doesn't.

So, which is it? Is it not coming on because it's not supposed to or because it is burned out? If it's not supposed to I'll rest slightly easier, but only slightly, at least until I get a temperature gauge properly installed because at this point I have no way to determine if the light works and the only thing worse than finding out when the bike overheats that it does work is to find out when the bike overheats that it doesn't.

Thanks.

[Ricky-D]

When you first turn the ignition on, the temperature light should come on along with the oil pressure light.

After a second, the temperature light should go out, but the oil pressure light should stay on until the pressure rises enough to have it go out also.

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[.]

I may not be looking closely enough and it is coming on so I'll check that. And if not, I'll have that thing fixed today. I can deal with a lot of stuff but flying blind isn't one of them. Thanks!

[Daniel Meyer]

On the standards, no, the temp light does not come on with the key.

[.]

On the standards, no, the temp light does not come on with the key.

Ah, well it's good to know it's not malfunctioning on startup then. But, is there any reliable way for me to test whether it functions at all or should I install a temp gauge? I'm okay with idiot lights but it makes me real nervous to not know for sure if one is working.

[billyboy]

   That is exactly the reason I put  Motosen Gauges on my Valk. It's plug and play(almost)
    check them out you will love them.

[.]

  That is exactly the reason I put  Motosen Gauges on my Valk. It's plug and play(almost)
    check them out you will love them.

Thanks for the tip. I've got their website pulled up now. Guess what I'll be ordering for my first Valkyrie toy?

Edit: Well crap. I just went to the distributor's website and a message there says Motosen Gauges production has been discontinued. But, there should be some available used so I'll keep looking around.

[97Valk_CT_Euless]

My 97 does the same thing.  Look at the schematics and it will explain why.  No source for the lamp but the temp switch.  I don't have it in front of me but I believe in 99 they changed it.

[Grandpot]

Go to Rattlebars site: http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/schematics/index.html, to see the electrical schematics.  On page 6 for the Standard you will see the light.  If you just want to check if the bulb works or not, you can put a momentary push button on the ground side of the light.  This won't check the functioning of the temperature sensor, but it will put your mind at ease verifying the bulb is OK.

[1500Rider]

  That is exactly the reason I put  Motosen Gauges on my Valk. It's plug and play(almost)
    check them out you will love them.

Thanks for the tip. I've got their website pulled up now. Guess what I'll be ordering for my first Valkyrie toy?

Edit: Well crap. I just went to the distributor's website and a message there says Motosen Gauges production has been discontinued. But, there should be some available used so I'll keep looking around.

That's a shame about the Motosen Gauges. It must have just happened recently because I just ordered several of their gauges about two months ago and got them no problem. Glad I ordered when I did!