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Author Topic: Thermometer recommendations  (Read 1116 times)
Hog Killer DS0048
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Posts: 105

Tucson, AZ


« on: March 12, 2014, 04:17:58 AM »

I've tried two or three thermometers that attach to the bike, but none  of them are accurate. Do any of you guys use one that works properly?

TIA
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Bone
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Posts: 1596


« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2014, 04:41:19 AM »

Yes I have one that's very accurate if your moving. We are in a snow storm
right now but I will get a picture of it later if wanted.

When I worked I had to measure an adhesive at high temps (130ยบ).
I used a dial thermometer for liquids that was stainless, a round dial with approx.
a 6 inch long stem that was inserted into the hot liquid.
Wanting to measure air temp and not the heat of the engine. I took the top of
the right fork below the top clamp and put on 2 zip ties. Then inserted the stem
of the thermometer into the ties. Sitting on the seat I have a perfect view of the
temperature of the air hitting the front of the bike. The dial is approx 1.250 dia.
My son lives in Mesa and he laughed when I told him I stuffed a glove up there so
I didn't know the current temp Smiley
If I stop at a red light I can see the temp start to rise as the heat leaves the engine
and follows the tank curve.
Not sure but I think places like Grainger have the thermometers.
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Michvalk
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Posts: 2002


Remus, Mi


« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2014, 04:58:08 AM »

I have never seen a handlebar type that gives an accurate reading when sitting still. The best one I ever had was a cheepie I found at Wal-Mart with a remote sensor. I put the remote under the fairing out of the sun and it was usually within a degree of on the money. thermometer has to be out of the sun to be accurate cooldude
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salty1
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Posts: 2359


"Flyka"

Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ


« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2014, 05:47:01 AM »

I have never seen a handlebar type that gives an accurate reading when sitting still. The best one I ever had was a cheepie I found at Wal-Mart with a remote sensor. I put the remote under the fairing out of the sun and it was usually within a degree of on the money. thermometer has to be out of the sun to be accurate cooldude


 cooldude My experience has been similar to Michvalk. I have a fancy handlebar indicator that is only accurate when the bike is moving or in the shade.


I also have another less expensive system on a bike that's fairly accurate when the bike is moving. I put the sender in the headlight housing


http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Show_Chrome_Accessories_Digital_5_Function_Volt_Me_p/4-239.htm

Have a great day HogKiller  Wink
« Last Edit: March 12, 2014, 10:35:14 AM by salty1 » Logged

My rides:
1998 GL1500C, 2000 GL 1500CF,2006 GL 1800 3A

Momz
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ABATE, AMA, & MRF rep.


« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2014, 05:06:44 AM »

The most accurate thermometer I have ever found was the "Formotion" adhesive backed analog (dial) type that I mounted vertically on my folding cup holder on my I/S.

It cost about $40.00 new, but someone pryed it off and gouged my cupholder. I now have a "Marvins" handlebar mount, but I don't believe it is as accurate or responsive to rapid temperature changes. 
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ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY! 

97 Valk bobber, 98 Valk Rat Rod, 2K SuperValk, plus several other classic bikes
Jess from VA
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« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2014, 07:17:23 AM »

I have a cheap stickon, inside one fairing (came on the bike).  It is always high, due to engine heat and sitting in the sun.

Really, who needs a thermometer on a bike?  You are outdoors when riding and the temp is apparent.

I do however check the weather channel before all rides.
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Michvalk
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Remus, Mi


« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2014, 09:10:35 AM »

I have a cheap stickon, inside one fairing (came on the bike).  It is always high, due to engine heat and sitting in the sun.

Really, who needs a thermometer on a bike?  You are outdoors when riding and the temp is apparent.

I do however check the weather channel before all rides.

They are most useful for cold weather riding. Bundled up, you might not notice that water on the road is turning to black ice cooldude
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2014, 09:37:38 AM »

Copy that.  Except my days of riding 32* and below are out. 
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Bone
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« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2014, 10:32:20 AM »

Michigan roads get warm during the day but the earth stays cold for awhile. Any kind of moisture can be slippery.
Gets your attention when a tire gives that little slip.
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DLSSOJC
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« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2014, 12:30:44 PM »


I have one that mounts to the handlebars that looks really good esthetically, cost about $80 new, but I think it consistently shows about 5 degrees too warm . In my head I just subtract 5 degrees from it.  Smiley
« Last Edit: March 15, 2014, 08:55:04 AM by DLSSOJC » Logged
Momz
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ABATE, AMA, & MRF rep.


« Reply #10 on: March 15, 2014, 06:05:56 AM »

I have a cheap stickon, inside one fairing (came on the bike).  It is always high, due to engine heat and sitting in the sun.

Really, who needs a thermometer on a bike?  You are outdoors when riding and the temp is apparent.

I do however check the weather channel before all rides.

My wife needs a thermometer as she has MS. MS can play hell with your entire body when it gets HOT. If it gets too hot she needs to pull over and cool off (shade, water, Kooldana, cooling vest, etc.).
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ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY! 

97 Valk bobber, 98 Valk Rat Rod, 2K SuperValk, plus several other classic bikes
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