KLR650 Gen III 2022 Onwards Thermo-Bob Complete Kit

KLR650 Gen III 2022 Model onwards

This kit fits all years of the KLR600 and KLR650, but is directed at the 2022 KLR as the bike does not have a coolant temperature gauge from the factory.  This kit utilizes a modified Thermo-Bob 2 called the “2A”, which is machined differently to add a port for a temperature gauge.  The kit includes a Trail Tech digital temperature gauge plus a drilling template to mount it properly on your 2022’s dashboard, just below the factory instrument panel.  It also includes black, stainless attachment hardware for a professional look that mimics the factory layout.  A Trail Tech digital tachometer is a $84.95 option.

Kawasaki cut corners in the KLR cooling system, and the Thermo-Bob modifies your cooling system to operate like automotive systems have for decades.  In stock form, the KLR runs too cool when ridden in temps below about 80 – 85F. The cooler outside it is, the worse a stock bike is. Plus, the factory cooling system relies on surges of cold coolant every 30 seconds at the bottom of the cylinder to control engine temperature… just look at the plots of actual measured temps.

The Thermo-Bob is a machined, hard-anodized aluminum external thermostat with a coolant bypass. It allows coolant to bypass the radiator during warm-up, speeding warm-up and eliminating the surges of cold coolant year-round. It also raises the operating temperature at the top of the cylinder to 195°F from 158°F… more importantly, it raises the operating temperature at the bottom of the cylinder to 185°F from downright cold, (I’ve measured temps below 30°F).   It should eliminate the out-of-round cylinders that are common to the KLR as it ages which usually results in increased oil consumption. I’m at 184,000 miles on my KLR with a Thermo-Bob and have never rebuilt the engine…  the bike burns about 10 oz. of oil every 1,000 miles.  The warmer temps should extend engine life as well as increase oil change intervals, and improve economy by a few MPG. It was the first product to ever receive a 10-out-of-10 rating at Patman Racing, and was strongly recommended by the late Cary Aspy, who was the original developer of the 685 and 705 KLR big-bore kits. Cary also liked how this gave more consistent carburetor jetting.

A full technical write-up can be found here.