Wide Temperature Variation

[BLBryant]

I am a proud new owner of a 2010 RTS. With spring like conditions this week in California, it is a treat to ride! While riding on my maiden voyage, I couldn't help but notice the temperature gauge vary widely. Most of the time it was at the bottom of the scale (Cold), however during stoplight traffic, it finally reached what I would consider the "normal" or middle of the scale. Over the entire trip it was constantly up and down the scale. This leads me to pose the question; should the temperature gauge vary so widely or should I investigate if the prior owner removed the thermostat?

[Grandpot]

Mine does the same thing. I haven't had any ill effects, so I think it's just another one of those unique characteristics.

[Bob Denman]

That's what they do...
When you stop in traffic; you don't have as much (or any...) airflow through the radiator.
Once you get rolling; things always cool back down!
on your bike...

[Chupaca]

Them degree of variances will depend on the weather (temperature ) in hotter weather it will not be that noticeable but the cooler weather you will see a big difference.

[jcasey]

My F3 stays the same once it is warmed up.

[Bob Denman]

My F3 stays the same once it is warmed up.

Two radiators...
The 998s only have one.

[finless]

I unhooked the analog gauges as I did not trust them for accuracy.
The digital gauges which appear once you unhook the analog's are way more accurate.

My 2011 RTS is warmed up and idles at 5 bars on the digital temp gauge.
Even in the summer when it's about 90, while cruising in 5th down the freeway my temp will drop one bar and show 4 bars.

On really cold mornings (like say mid 40's), it will drop 3 bars and only show two on the digital temp gauge. This is pretty rare though. This AM it was 58F and while on the freeway I was showing 3 bars. But again when you stop or even slow way down for traffic, it will climb right up to 5 bars.

My understanding is the digital temp gauge will turn orange if you hit 6 bars or more. I myself have never seen that on my Spyder even when it is almost 100F outside.

Bob

[ARtraveler]

For me:

Normal summer operation is about 4 bars. Idling or waiting in traffic, it will creep up.

Very cold blooded on start up. Takes almost 10 miles before its up to "normal."

Winter operation--below 35 degrees--usually hangs around 1 to 2 bars.

YOURS MAY VARY SLIGHTLY.

[Bob Denman]

Is that for the 1330, the 998, or both?

[ARtraveler]

Is that for the 1330, the 998, or both?

The 1330 runs a bit cooler but not that much different. Our high temps are in the upper 70's and we do not experience 100 degree days where I am at. I would be considered an "outlier" if one were to compile statistical data about the subject.

[Bob Denman]

I wondered if you could comment on how long it takes for the gauges to start climbing; in stop and go traffic...
I used to notice my 998 climbing as soon as I was stopped for more than about fifteen seconds...
The 1330 seems to not notice the traffic, until about a minute has passed...

[BLBryant]

I wondered if you could comment on how long it takes for the gauges to start climbing; in stop and go traffic...
I used to notice my 998 climbing as soon as I was stopped for more than about fifteen seconds...
The 1330 seems to not notice the traffic, until about a minute has passed...

As with your 998, it starts climbing immediately. It looks like this is "normal" according to the replies from other owners. I must write it off as "newbie jitters". I guess I was expecting the engine to warm up to operating temp, and then somewhat stay there. My mistake as usual!

Thank you all for your helpful input!

This forum is a great resource of information and people!!

[DrewNJ]

3-5 bars is normal. Once in awhile I'll see 2 if its REALLY cold and I'm cruising...not often though. If your dropping below 2 you have a failing thermostat. I went through that last winter where I could drop it down to 0 bars cruising!
I've never seen more than 5 bars with the fan cycling on/off no matter what temp or speed.

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