We just installed Zip Ty's new thermostat delete. It is a great looking part, machined aluminum piece of art. The radiator just needs to be rotated down to remove the thermostat housing. Once the retaining clip is removed from the bottom, the housing can be tapped out from access thru the radiator cap. With the new delete installed I refilled the radiator. I started the bike and I could see the XF2 coolant circulating. It really flows now. I let the bike idle for about 15-20 minutes. The fan came on once for about a minute. It was about 70 degrees outside. I will follow up with a ride report this weekend. I would like to thank Tinken and Ty. Thank you.
I was pretty happy with the new performance. At full temperature, the fan comes on intermittently for a few seconds and then turns off. The temperature gauge remained low, showing the increased cooling from high flow. During our test, the engine could run indefinitely without overheating. We have to make an adjustment to the parts before they are ready for purchase. I will keep everyone informed.
Glad you got it done. I was having trouble coordinating a trailer ride out there and you were much closer. Keep us posted!
Not yet, I was waiting to see the anodized ones. It kind of reminds me of an hourglass. They are almost finished.
Quick update. I have spent sometime on the bike. I have noticed the fan cycles off a lot faster. Once the fan comes on it runs a short time then shuts off. I still have the summer heat in the low desert for testing. Now if it will just warm up.
I've seen it, it's another piece of sexy ZipTy functional bling. Once you see it, you'll realize just how much more coolant flow your TR will enjoy.
Funny. I'm having the opposite problem with my WR144. Not to hijack, but... my thermostat must be a 55c/131f because the temp gauge hits 130f and the bike never gets any warmer than that. Last two rides I had the whole left radiator taped off, and if I really misbehaved I saw 150-160. Unfortunately the thermostat housing is crimped together with a metal ring, and I haven't come up with a way to re-seal it. If I could, I'd just throw in the 70c/158f thermostat and be done. Anyway, thanks Zip for what sounds like a cool product. Now if you guys could send some of that heat my way...
This product is for the Terra/Strada/G650/800 and other BMW motorcycles where the thermostat is built into the radiator and restricts flow even when fully open.
This is a great idea and I really wanted to explore further but your removal description is just not the way it happens - well not on my bike anyway. First of all removing the retaining circlip does nothing as the bottom of the thermostat housing is a very VERY tight fit into the base of the radiator. Secondly tapping the Thermostat from the top only pushes it against the spring fitting and eventually damages the plastic holder. No amount of tapping, or any other force will work and believe me I tried everything. I even took out the whole radiator for closer inspection and there is no way the Thermostat Housing can be tapped out from access through the radiator cap. I managed to move the fittings about 0.5 mm then it all comes to a full stop. If anyone else has successfully removed the Thermostat housing with this method please post clear pictures of each stage of the disassembly, cos it don't work for me.
We had to press down on the thermostat spring with an aluminum rod then tap the thermostat spacer out with a hammer. The thing was seriously in there.
So I was right....your disassembly description is somewhat lacking. You did not actually 'tap it out' from access through the radiator cap, more like smash it out with a hammer. Pictures .....or it never happened.
Didn't take pictures, maybe next time. I wouldn't take it out until you have the Zipty Spacer ready to go in. You can't run it without a spacer or thermostat.
...and let's be honest, you did not simply 'rotate the radiator down' either, this job cannot be done with the radiator on its hoses as it cannot be held securely enough to get the very tight thermostat unit out. How did you press down the spring with an aluminium rod, then where did you apply the hammer ??? If you push down too hard on the actual thermostat from the top you risk pushing it too far into the three prong carrier and damaging the holder. I am not going to have the ZipTy spacer, there is no need for it. You can run almost any vehicle without a thermostat, so have a rethink. Regardless of its position or design, the thermostat on almost all vehicles causes the coolant to circulate only around the engine and heater where fitted, until a set temperature is reached, when it then opens up and allows the coolant to circulate through the radiator as well as the engine. This is to allow the engine to warm up and reach operating temperature more quickly in cold climates. In a hot climate this process happens much more quickly and in very hot climates we always removed the thermostats to allow a better flow and more cooling from the start. On the TR650 the coolant circulates through the pipework and into the right side of the radiator only, where the thermostat is situated. Upon reaching the set temperature the thermostat then opens and allows the coolant to flow across the radiator and provide full cooling. I operate my bike in a very hot climate, my thermostat always opens within a couple of minutes of cold starting the bike. Having no thermostat in the radiator will increase my coolant flow and therefore improve cooling. There is a small deflector inside the radiator to ensure the coolant follows the correct flow around the radiator when the thermostat is opened, so having no thermostat in place will work just as well or better than if the thermostat is open. As for no pictures....
