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To Thermo-Bob or Not To

89K views 230 replies 38 participants last post by  KLR-Mule 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
That is the question.
Seriously, I am considering riding all this winter. Of course, I got the gloves, jacket, and pants but as I read through our Forum, I notice a couple of entries for the Thermo-Bob.
I read some great information from Watt-man and it is very convincing that the Thermo-Bob extends the bike's life as well as improves winter operation.

Is that true? I am especially writing to all of the northern riders. I live in Kansas City and the temperatures get cold, but there are a lot of good riding days year-round. I don't shy away from the cold and look forward to riding this winter.

I really want my bike to last a while, so what is your opinion?
 
#3 ·
Why Not

Savage,
I see that you live in Kansas, too. Why did you vote NOT.
Do you ride in the winter?
Does your KLR go near the low temp line on the highway and then skyrocket in stop and go traffic? Mine does.
Knowing that I have learned a lot from the feedback on the forum, this is what prompted me to ask you even more!
Jack
 
#226 ·
Why Not

Savage,
I see that you live in Kansas, too. Why did you vote NOT.
Do you ride in the winter?
Does your KLR go near the low temp line on the highway and then skyrocket in stop and go traffic? Mine does.
Knowing that I have learned a lot from the feedback on the forum, this is what prompted me to ask you even more!
Jack
Mine did. Am new klr owner btw. Riding in low 40s. Ok thats cold for texas lol. After thermobob it no longer fluctuates much at all. Probably good for an aluminum bike.
 
#4 ·
I live in Southern California and I think you should do it if for no other reason than that it stabilizes an otherwise erratic cooling system. I buy the value of having a uniformly heated cylinder and quicker warm up. Do all these add up to longer engine life? I've only got about 30k on mine so I'll have to let you know...
 
#5 ·
The Thermo-Bob stabilizes coolant temperature more fully and at a higher temperature tan the stock cooling system.

What are the maintenance implications?

What empirical data supports evidence of these maintenance implications?

Given, product is well-engieered, competently manufactured, and thoroughly tested.

Still, the questions asked aren't answered in any quantifiable, verifiable manner AFAIK.

Yet, with an open mind, I await those answers.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing against the Thermo-Bob and its owners; I only ask the questions above.
 
#6 ·
I have a thermo-bob. I like what it does. I don't know if it extends the life of the bike, but I like seeing that needle in the middle. That said, I was making better money when I did mine. Today, I wouldn't even consider it.

So, if you got the money, it's a neat gizmo. And it does what it claims to do as far as I know. If you don't have a lot of money, I'd skip it or invest in a farkle that makes a bigger difference. For instance, a +1" shift lever changes the bike far more on a practical day to day level.

You're never going to get a good answer to this one because there isn't a real good answer. Wattman made something cool. No doubt. I think it's a good idea, but I also wish I had that money back.

Something to be said for not trying to make a silk purse out of a KLR....
 
#7 ·
Excellent answer!
My temp gauge doesn't jump around, it does run on the low end, but who's to say its accurate? Maybe check your engine temp with a cheap temp gauge to see if its really that cold and hot.
 
#9 ·
T-Bob

I have no opinion either way, BUT........

I have to ask? Have any of those guys that go down into South America, with a KLR, done so with a stock setup, or a T-Bob conversion?

Some of the stories I've read have them doing some brutal things to their KLR.

.
 
#10 ·
I'm not in Kansas, but the Panhandle of Texas. I rode all last winter, the coldest day was 5 degrees, yeah pretty dang chilly. But on to the Therm Bob, I put it on on the bike prior to last winter, and immediately noticed the temp stayed steady instead of up and down like a yoyo. I liked that the temp stays in the normal range on the gauge no matter what the outdoor temp. In my mind that the engine stays in a more proper operating temp has to be better for it.
 
#11 ·
I must admit that I was surprised with the responses from my original question. DC in Texas was the kind of response I was looking for. Just an honest..."here is what happened to me" response.
I appreciate all who are frugal, heck I am too, but I can afford the electric jacket, gloves or whatever I want. I was looking for what would take better care of my KLR and extends its life.
I am a devout DYI and am not because I want to save money, but because I love working on my bike as well as riding it. There is something very satisfying to me knowing I changed out my Doohickey with an Eagle Mike's complete kit and now my bike is better built. I really don't see an improvement in performance, it is not faster nor stronger on the trails, but I had a great time talking to Mike and enjoyed working on the KLR for an afternoon.
I would not trade it for anything.

In closing I must say I read a ton of threads on several forums about the Thermo-Bob. I saw a ton of specifications and datasets and came to a single conclusion.
I am buying the Thermo-Bob.
Anyone wants to know how it performs this winter is invited to ask! I will just tell them what I know and what I experience.
Thanks to all of you for your feedback! This is a great site for KLR owners!
 
#15 ·
I must admit that I was surprised with the responses from my original question. DC in Texas was the kind of response I was looking for. Just an honest..."here is what happened to me" response.
I appreciate all who are frugal, heck I am too, but I can afford the electric jacket, gloves or whatever I want.
Glad you figured it out. This is a forum, brother. If someone takes the time to respond to your Q and it's not useful, let it float on down the river - no need to point out who gave you "useful" answers. Everyone here was just trying to help you. Judging the the validity and worth of the responses makes people not want to respond. We get "off track" here a lot. Just like on the bikes. We all ride our own ride. And, generally, we respect everyone's opinion (or at least pretend to). ;)

Ride safe. :character00201:
 
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#12 · (Edited)
Greetings Jack. I think you made the right decision. I'm coming to the party a little late.

I have a the Thermo-bob installed and think it is worthwhile. Temperatures in my part of the planet aren't hot for long. I've rode my bike in temperatures well below freezing - without heated gear BTW. My engine however runs the same consistant temperature no matter the ambient temperature. Prior to installing the Thermo-bob on the cooler days at highway speeds my gauge was barely off of the bottom. My brothers each have KLR's with the TB installed. So far never had an issue with them or as a result of having one.

The part is well designed and a lot of thought went into it. Beautifully machined by Eagle Mike and the Wattman continues to support the product and always responds to questions and concerns.
 
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#13 ·
KLR4Evr, Your response was exactly what I was hoping to read...especially from a trusted resource.
I have noticed that my temp is always near the bottom on the highway to and from work. Since the commute is 25 miles one way, my engine runs pretty cool in the summer. In Kansas City we often get 100 degree weather and the gauge is still looming near the bottom.
If it is that low in 100 degree weather, I am worried about the oil and engine temps that might tend to added engine wear to the cylinders and rings. That is why I am looking towards the Thermo-Bob.
Oh heck, I might just waste the money and buy the gauge overlay with the numbers on it.
Great feedback, and just why I like this forum so much!!!!!
 
#14 ·
Nothing wrong with your decision.
I like to work on and tinker and fix up my bikes as well. I think that's one reason why I have so many bikes. Good, fun, therapy.
 
#19 ·
DC,
That is the kind of performance I am looking for.
I don't think I have a laboratory where I can evaluate and quantify the findings of any additions I make to my KLR. I just know it makes it MY KLR. The bike I want, the way I want it!
So my answer is to Thermo-Bob

This was an unpaid, unsolicitated response!
 
#21 · (Edited)
Jack -

Make sure that you get the new (Gen2 or whatever he's calling it) T-Bob.

The whole bypass is built into a new thermostat cover and is much more compact than the original version. The original version can give you fits when removing the valve cover (which is hard enough as it is) and has a large mass in the middle of the radiator hose that has to be put in place just right to fit well.

Even though I've got the original, I'm thinking of getting the newer one. Order directly from Bill; you'll get good support from him.

Tom
 
#25 ·
I loved the detail Bill gives on his website. If only everybody did that?
 
#26 ·
Wahoo! It is finished

I reviewed the documentation on Watt-Man.com website and then hit the bike this morning! In two hours, the Thermo-Bob 2 was on my bike, and I was out test-riding the KLR. OK, I really didn't need the test ride, but any excuse to ride is a great excuse!
Just like everyone endorsed it worked flawlessly.
Whether or not you believe it is needed or not, I like the performance where the temperature gauge locks right into 190 degrees.

I have read responses by several member who ask for "proof" for mods needed. That is like me asking them for proof they need their KLR.
Oh heck!
I have a KLR because I wanted one. I love riding it and it's versatility. It is really the Swiss Army Knife of Dual Sport bikes. At least it is for me!
As for all the accessories I added to my bike, they are best described by wife when she says "You like your creature comforts!"

So Thermo-Bob or Not...
It is a great product from a great guy! First class quality and performance. Just the way I like my bike!:25a:
 
#27 ·
Congratulations on your successful installation of the Thermo-Bob!

Now . . . gonna do the PCV Valve Mod?

I jest; the Thermo-Bob is well-designed, thoroughly tested, competently manufactured, and performs as advertised; plus, the device is marketed responsibly. No quantifiable claims of extended service life or increased reliability are made, AFAIK.

PCV Valve Mod? Not so much! :)
 
#31 ·
bsklr,
Would 2-4 mpg be worth a 'Thermo-Bob 2'? How about adding 1-2K miles to your oil change interval?
Yes, The KLR works 'as is', but can't it be 'improved'?
 
#29 ·
I understand what you mean when you say you never look at your temperature guage. The KLR is that reliable.
For me, a seasoned pilot, I always was all gauges in flight to know the condition of my plane.
I hope you are just beginning the years of enjoyment with your bike.
I know I am with mine.
 
#30 ·
I understand what you mean when you say you never look at your temperature guage. The KLR is that reliable.
For me, a seasoned pilot, I always was all gauges in flight to know the condition of my plane. I hope you are just beginning the years of enjoyment with your bike. I know I am with mine.
I've been riding for 41 years and it's been a hoot the whole time. :character00201:
Well, except for once, but that's another story.
This is the first bike that had a temperature gauge.

Now, if I was piloting a plane, well, you know how the old saying goes...

...Take Offs are optional; Landings are mandatory. :wideeyed:
 
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