Thoughts on Thermo Bob.

[Lockjaw]

I am fully aware of the debate about the necessity of a TB. And I believe it is probably not necessary. But I do think it is a good idea with sound engineering to back it. And I do want to get as many miles out of my KLR as I can. And, like I've said, I got real sick of staring at the temp gauge that never moved until I was stuck in traffic.

First thought: It was not a real easy install. Based on what I'd read, I was expecting it to be easier. Mark helped me out a lot, and we got it on without any real problems, but it wasn't "easy" (Thanks VP). The instructions have great pics, but were a little confusing in some parts. Still better than most instructions.

OK, bear in mind that I got new tires on Friday. Changed the oil and filter and did the TB on Sunday. (Also taped off half the L mod). Here are my impressions. I fully expect that some of you will think I'm overzealous and that may be. I always feel like my bike runs better after an oil change anyway. But I rode about an hour on the freeway last night. Normal 45 into work, stop and go today. Here's what I notice:

1) It does what it says it will do. The temp gauge sits about a third of the way up (just covering the bottom of the screw) no matter what. Even going 80 on the freeway in the cold.
2) My bike has always been rock steady:
5th gear, 5K rpm=70mph
2nd gear, 4K rpm=25 mph
(I know these well, cause I don't like tickets)
Now, it is still rock steady, but:
5th gear, 5K rpm=80mph
2nd gear, 3K rpm=25 mph
3) The engine sounds better. Happier. Like it is swimming in warm oil as it should be.

The biggest change other than the rpm's is that I cruised 80 all the way home last night (yeah, I know, tickets...it was freaking cold and I was tired). Anyway, it felt smoother, the throttle response seemed better. The install was a pain in the ass and hurt my head. Others probably won't have this problem. Am I glad I did it? So far, hell yeah.

I'd be curious if others had the same results. Oh, and it made me better looking (I know, seems impossible).

Final thoughts, the TB is a nicely machined piece. It is a tight fit. I think it is worth doing. $115 and an afternoon wrenching? Even if I get 5K more miles out of the engine, well worth it.

[Tom Schmitz]

Dan -

I agree with 1 and 3 very much, but unless they have repealed the laws of physics, 2 is not possible.

In a given gear, at a given RPM, you will go a given speed. The only way to change that is to change the C/S sprocket, the rear sprocket, or the size of the tires. Just ain't no other way.

After installing the TB I went straight out on a 500 mile trip. The change in how the bike ran at freeway speeds was pretty dramatic. Having the oil at the temp it was designed for does wonders.


Tom

[SLO-KLR]

Originally Posted by Tom Schmitz

Dan -

I agree with 1 and 3 very much, but unless they have repealed the laws of physics, 2 is not possible.

In a given gear, at a given RPM, you will go a given speed. The only way to change that is to change the C/S sprocket, the rear sprocket, or the size of the tires. Just ain't no other way.

After installing the TB I went straight out on a 500 mile trip. The change in how the bike ran at freeway speeds was pretty dramatic. Having the oil at the temp it was designed for does wonders.


Tom

The change in RPM's is likely do to his new tire vs the worn out tire. That can be a significant size change.

[NoBull]

I agree with Tom, I have one in the garage and am planning replacement soon. However this will have no effect on your RPMs at a given speed. If theres a difference a different size tire would be the likely culprit. Im glad to hear you are happy with the Thermobob however..

[tomatocity]

LJ changed his front tire to a stock tire which should be no change. The speed differnce was probably from all the good friends, delicious food and desserts at MB (4)'s home.

[Lockjaw]

Tires (!), good call.

Yeah, I flunked physics pretty good.

[Lockjaw]

Tom, would adjusting the chain affect the RPM's? It would right? I just bought Francine a gyroscope and I am fear of the day she asks me to explain how it works. Actually, that I can handle. And that's about it. Seriously, this physics stuff hurts my head.

Also, curious, did you ahhhh, screw it. I was going to ask if you had any trouble putting it in, but any man that can sew like you can...

I'm taking my RPM's and going home. I can still outdrink and outfight...ah, hell, that's not true either.

I could eat about 50 slices of Mrs. Zin's cheesecake, though.

[theotherbigjoe]

Seriously??.. the thermo hooey really makes a diffrence?


oh and yes... LJ it must have been the chain adjustment that did it..

[Lockjaw]

Hey, I promise I know more about fishing than motorcycles. And fishermen, as you know, never lie.

But really, yeah, I think it does make a difference. It depends on what you want/use the bike for. If I used it to have fun with, probably wouldn't have done it. Or if I had another, more reliable bike...not a 73 Honda. Or something. But it is my transportation. It really just makes sense...even to the physic-ly impaired...I've never owned a vehicle with a temp gauge that didn't sit nice and steady in the middle. The KLR was always cold. And for about 4 weeks out of the year WAY too hot. Now it's not.

[CheapBassTurd]

Question about Thermal Robert:

Does running one of these units completely cut off coolant flow at times?
I'm nervous on stressing the water pump. If it never shuts off, and most don't,
where's the pressure gonna go?

I'm all for running 200 degree oil. In the low 100's is not where the temp should be.
But will the thermobob burst a coolant line or the radiator?????

CheapMark