really? how a person provide any evidence on a observation? Maybe a audio recording, or a youtube video shot from a cell phone. give me a break. those mediums are terrible are conveying any kind of information. All i can give you is my word, that my trained observation skills of being a journeyman mechanic of 14 years tells me that, on a cold day, my bike likes running at 195 deg, over the constant cycling from 110 ish to 160. There is less stumbling upon acceleration. it doesn't stumble like it is a cold engine without the choke on. it runs like it is a warm summer day. Is that evidence enough for you? I'm just tired of listening to people saying that the thermostat upgrade is worthless voodoo, The thermo - bob does exactly as it is advertised. it allows the engine to warm up to 195 deg, and keeps it stable. Do YOU need it? well that is for you to decide. I installed it. It works as advertised. I belive that my engine will continue to run better and last longer, than without. My opinion is based on my 14 years of pulling wrenches. I have been around enough to see what proper maintenance and care can do for an engines longevity. People also claim that the doohickey is a non issue. Evidence everywhere suggests otherwise. Are there stock engines out there still surviving without upgrades? Yes. Is it a weak spot? Yes. Is it cheaper to fix the weak tensioner and spring before it fails? yes
Several observations; 1.Speculative opinions as to how an 'anlog' Tstat works are just that. Opinions without numbers. Did you take the trouble to review the actual test and graphs results of the before and after the installation of a TBob? If not - visit Wattman's site and read this- http://www.watt-man.com/uploads/TB_Testing.pdf. As for 'gradual' leaks, my expreince going back 40 years with Tstats is that they are less than 'gradual'. The graphs indicate the typical significant temperature spikes as the Tstat opens and closes. 2. If Tstats were/are such significant and sophisticated instruments to be able to 'gradually' open and 'slowly cool the cylinder' on their own, why do by far the majority of liquid cooled motors use the same added bypass system? If 'absurd' is contrary to reason (your opinions of others reasons), intentional ignorance must be its corrolary. You dont like others (whomever they may be- when and where?) insinuating you are likely to be a fool, why not stop calling their ideas absurd then? Wattmann took the time and trouble to test, to document and publish his actual test results and reasoning. How many aftermarket parts dealers do that? He did not play a keyboard opinion expert. Find fault with his actual tests, his results and his opinions and share them with us please? The Tbobo not is 'required'. Its fitment is a choice and one that gives those interested in it actual insight into its workings and not some copy editors sales blurb.
My 07 has about 50k on it now and uses very little oil. Is it too late to install the synthetic doohickey or will it still make my bike sexier?
I bought my HID kit off of that auction sight as well. It came from China, but they were using an ID from Canada. They were shut down for a while, but then they re-opened. Now they are no longer a registered user. The HID kit I bought was $46, but now I see similar kits even cheaper. This is what my HID auction was: 35W H4 9003 4300K Hi/Lo Bi-Xenon Slim HID Conversion Light Kit Ballasts+Bulbs It's a car kit, so the wiring harness has extra wires for a second headlight. I'll cut these off most likely. I haven't installed it yet, because I'm trying to figure out the best way to fit everything behind the cowling without interrupting the steering. It's a lot of stuff to hide. But I've seen it done as someone else who has done it sent me pictures of their setup.
On my KLX, I found the headlight system ground wire, cut it, and installed a single pole single throw (SPST) switch. This was done mostly for starting purposes if the battery was tired, etc. This approach is not the most "proper" -- better to switch the positive wire side but that was more involved. With the switch off, there's a little electrical leak through the bright lamp indicator, I think when the bright light switch is on. Not perfect, but cheap and simple and the little minor leak won't hurt anything.
after much deliberation I think i will just install a thermo-hickey, or or the competitors product the DO-BOB and kill both birds with one stone. it will provide better torsion for my coolant and keep my balancer from temp cycling.
Did some maintenance on the ol' gal lately. The standard stuff, oil change, valves, tightened everything that was loose, dialed in the suspension (finally), zip tied up some loose wires behind the dash, mounted up the soft luggage, and chain maintenance. Now I have a problem: Off the line and through most gears the acceleration is fairly snappy and smooth, the brakes are also hooking up pretty well, and there is very little vibration and rattling at any RPM. Something must be wrong. Or something is going to break very soon.
You forgot the exhaust bearings, the 00 air box, the 28 cent mod and crank case breather valve adjustments!
The slim ballast HID kit is easy to tuck in the front fairing on the pre08s. I put the on off switch on the main hot line. HIDs don't use much juice. I mounted the switch on the cheaper dash that is found at a few different places. I accidentally left my key on and HID light on for 15-20 mins the other day and my KLR started up no problem anyways. I have a glassmat battery. I doubt I would have been able to start it if I had left the previous high wattage halogen bulb on
Did I ever ask you about pictures of your HID setup? Did you use a car HID kit, or a motorcycle HID kit?
Keep in mind that any pressure in the forks is going to increase seal friction, making for a harsher ride.
As I said - you want a T-Bob, go for it. I won't try to tell you not to. I'll tolerate the temperature excursions on my KLR and not worry one little bit about it. You can delight in your rock-steady guage. I don't see the necessity. You have an opinion, same as me. Opinions, they say, are like, a**holes; we all have one but don't necessarily care for the other guy's. Whatever. This seems to be more political or religious an issue than technical; I shall STFU so as to not disturb the congregation. G'bye! Jon
Looks like a slime pump! I will install a cigarette lighter socket I bought from Cycle Gear this weekend. That will give me power. OK, I have my wife as a passenger, she weighs about 125lbs, I'm about 190lbs. What PSI in the front and rear would you suggest, and any suspension suggestions would he helpful. Thanks for the replies y'all. Wayne
By the way, any suggestions on sugar sand with a passenger? It gets a little ugly when she is back there (don't tell her I said that! ), but so far we have kept it upright. I would love to speed up, but am afraid to dump it at higher speeds with her on the back. Wayne
Get a quad.... side by side if you have the jack to swing it. I dont know that I have ever seen anyone that was particuarly good two up on a bike in deep sugar sand. Also you only have to crash once and the wife/girlfriend will co-sign on a loan for the quad. ;-)