thermostat on newer models?

[knobbyboy]

My 2011 250ec appears to have a thermostat inline. What's the deal on those- leave it in, take it out, advantages, disadvantages? thanks

 

[Neil E.]

I took mine out. It is only controlling flow in one radiator. My Voyager temperature sensor (mounted in the left rad hose) showed low running temperatures, so I doubted the thermostat was even opening for the type of riding I do. The bleed hole allowed enough flow that the rad would warm up. The thermostat was closed (not stuck open) when I removed it.

If the goal is to maintain constant engine temperature, the bike would need a thermostat on both sides.

 

[Jakobi]

Did you replace all the hoses with a set from an earlier model, or aftermarket? I don't see the need for the thermostat. Just seems like another thing that could play up.

 

[Neil E.]

I just machined up a stainless connector tube with the correct dimensions and re-used my existing hoses.

 

[Jakobi]

I wish I had a machine shop and skills! One day.. I guess I could always get a checkpoint inline cooler and slip that in place.

 

[Neil E.]

I didn't study mine, but perhaps you could remove the thermostat from the housing, then use a small oring in it's place to maintain a seal. Or maybe a flat gasket between the housing halves. No need to change the hoses that way.

 

[knobbyboy]

I didn't study mine, but perhaps you could remove the thermostat from the housing, then use a small oring in it's place to maintain a seal. Or maybe a flat gasket between the housing halves. No need to change the hoses that way.

If i pull it this is the method i'll attempt. But you know what, after two mud rut, mud hill hare scramble races this bike has not even thought about boiling over. Passed a lot of steaming bikes out there so it seems fine to leave it in, no issues so far.