Low oil temp

[Sonataman]

Figured I'd post it in here as well to get feedback from those who do not visit the motorcycle section.

Installed a Shindy-Pro oil temp gauge on the bike today. The bike is a KLX 650, liquid cooled single cylinder.

Oil is Delo 400 SAE 30 and the temps get at max, 165-170F, stopped in traffic. As soon as I'm rolling, the temps come down to 150-160F and remain there even at 65 mph on the highway.

The sender unit is the crankcase drain plug.

Pretty sure I believe the gauge as even after 40 miles in 80F+ temps you can keep your hand on the side cover for a few seconds without harm.

 

[CATERHAM]

I'm sure those oil temp's are correct and yes they are lower than optimum especially on the highway.
I guess you don't know your coolant temp's? One thing you should check is to make sure your coolant temp's are getting up to 90C or so. If so, you experiment with a shroud over the sump to block the air flow cooling it.

 

[mechtech2]

But what are the temps when you are driving it hard?
Then, the cooler may show it's true benefit.
As is, you are a bit low, but I would not be concerned.
175-195 is ideal.

 

[Sonataman]

Thanks guys.

I have read many times thinner oil runs cooler, didn't expect it to run this cool. Have not ridden it hard yet, other than a few gear blast, which does not bring it up. It has a bash plate on it the cover a little of the front and all of the bottom of the sump.

The only concern I had was it not getting warm enough to burn off contaminants and the bike specs 10w40-20w50, but at the temps it's running it's close to the 50 grade.

I don't know the coolant temps, but I recently replaced the thermostat, that in testing opened fully by 172f.

 

[CATERHAM]

That's a cold T'Stat.
Can you get a warmer one as that will definitely raise you're oil temp's to a more acceptable level?

 

[mechtech2]

172 is cold for a modern car, but not so bad for a bike.
That huge single cyl needs knock protection!

 

[CATERHAM]

I'd certainly look into the availability of hotter T-Stats for his model. There no question the cold coolant temp's is keeping a lid on his oil temp's.