125-200cc 144 runs too cold

2012 WR144, stock thermostat. I was suspicious that it was not warming all the way up. Installed a trail tech Vector computer. The temp sensor (getting water immediately out of the head) runs a consistent 130f. That's too cold. Thermostat seems to cycle open and closed but would like it warmer. Since the OE Husky thermostat housing is not user serviceable, what can I do to make the bike run fully warmed up?

change thermostat or restrict the flow in the cooling system

An orifice in the system (peace of metal with a reduced opening) you put in the hose could do this but it would be a home made device preferably milled on a lathe

Robert-Jan

Do you know what the normal operating temp should be?
In the WR300 issues thread we're saying weak spark reduces combustion temps, but not sure how that would effect overall engine temps
Maybe something to consider though since you have the same crappy ignition as we do.
My cooling hoses were installed by a monkey on a bad day. When I changed coolant I re-fitted the hose as best I could. Am planning on better hoses and maybe just get rid of the thermostat.

Should run like any other 2 stroke, broadly that'd be 160-200f. Could definitely use a restrictor, but I'd have to test carefully that it doesn't lose capacity to cool in the slow tight stuff. Too bad it's a sealed thermostat unit, could just pop a warmer t'stat in there. The way it's designed all coolant leaving the head flows through the stat. I think it's just too cold of a stat. Can't find a spec, though.

If you don't ride in cold weather why not just get a hose kit and kick the t'stat to the curb?

Well, I do ride in cold weather. And the goal is to get the engine to maintain a higher minimum temp. Removing the T'stat would just make it worse.

is the thermo really needed in the cold? i ran my 360 quite a bit in the 30s-40s this winter with good results, bike seemed to get warm. it ran great like it does in the summer. pretty close to summer jetting too with my lectron, just a lil richer on the power jet. i had quite a bit of snow packed everywhere but the engine kept it melted off. granted i never went over 40 mph, lots of 2nd, 3rd, 4th gear. never used 5th or 6th.

You can't compare a 360 to a 144. We've got essentially the same radiators but I've got less than half the displacement.

ah, i see the issue then. its too bad you cant open the thermo housing and install different sized restrictor washers to regulate flow to your liking...or even just install a new thermo in the housing. its easy to see when thermostats are stuck open or to test them with a thermometer in pot or pyrex of water.

Exactly! Latest test was with both rads fully taped. Ran 170's and never felt better. Time to dive in. A little different from the usual cooling system thread, eh?