So if the coolant is above 90 degrees then the engine is overheating and needs to be rested. The reason why I so interested is my clutch went last year and I am sure I didn't over use it but the conditions were hard. Very hot and incredibly humid as well as the worst terrain as one could imagine. I am sure it was heat related but the warming light was off

No. At 20psi pressure water boils at about 112C, so temperatures between 95 and 102 would be classed as "hot", but acceptable for short periods, such as in stationary traffic etc. On the move the coolant temperature will normally be around the 85 to 90 mark (well mine is anyway); a little less in the winter and a touch higher in the summer.

The fan cuts in at 102C and switches off at 95C ( if I remember rightly). The warning light comes on at 110C AFAIK, which is a bit late and why a temp gauge is a handy early warning tool.

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So around 102c is the upper limit of safe. Does the thermometer come with an alarm which is configurable?

I know an engine watchdog works best on my van (alloy head and pressurised cooling). An audible or visual warning and off calibrated engine temperature (bolt on) without needing to cut a hose. Anyhow.. I was searching for something similar designed bike-size. More for preventing damage than testing for problems.

No. But there are other brands that do. Have a look at what KOSO offer - they do some good waterproof gauges.

http://digitalspeedos.co.uk/

Bit more money than the Trailtech and need hard wiring for 12v supply.

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You've convinced me too, just ordered the gauge off eBay ($40AU). Also have an RR oil temp guage. Ta for the info

Hey Pleiades, I took your advice and purchased a TTO temp gauge, nice compact unit, simple mount, cheers for that.

So upon installing and testing out, this is my results...
Initial warm up after several minutes idling....reached 109 degrees C before thermo fan cut in....let it cool down.

Now for the on road test(on a 27deg C day)...cruising between 70 and 130 kph temp held steady around 70-72. Slowing down to 50- 60kph temp rose to mid 70's to low 80's. Down hill deceleration 80-100kph temp down to high 60's.

No matter what temp the gauge read the heat coming from the engine was significant. The warmer the temp on the gauge the hotter on my legs.

At least I can rest easy that the motor isn't running too hot. But why the heat???

My figures seem to differ in every way to yours Pleiades. Could my thermostat be cactus??? Should I test that next??? What do you suggest?

That is a bit on the hot side for the fan to be cutting in?

Your results are going to differ as the ambient temperatures are quite different in your part of the world. Also it is entirely plausible that your domestic market XTs have different thermostats and coolant/water concentrations to suit your climate, which are not the same as the UK models and will alter readings.

The only way to check the cooling system is doing what it should is to plug the bike into a diagnostic tool and check the coolant temperature that the ECU is reading is within tolerance and how it compares that displayed on the TTO.

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Thanks Pleiades for your response. I was hoping to sort this out without the aid of a shop but will succumb if I run out of alternatives.

Last plead to all you Tenere owners...some feedback on whether you experience excessive heat from your engine or not would be greatly appreciated.

Am thinking I should find a Tenere for sale somewhere and take it for a test ride as a comparison.

Thanks cya