yz 450 questions

[Pitster]

We are setting up a few yz 450s as rental units with camso kits.

I hear lots of talk about the Thermobob, thermostats etc..
It seems some guys run them and some don't. Are they really necessary?

What experience do you have with them or with out them?

Thanks!

 

[Adobe-Al]

Depends on powder vs. hard pack. In the powder the bike struggles to ever get close to 190/200 range without a thermobob. Even with a thermobob i have had powder days it stays around 140 max. Hard pack is closer to normal riding conditions.

 

[Dirtnut67]

What if we were to remove thermostat and block off one radiator?

 

[dieselpower]

Powder days in relatively warm conditions 25 degrees + with both rads blocked still has serious temp issues. If you're riding in pow regularly you need a thermostat and to insulate the block period.

 

[Honky Tonk]

YZs are set-up without a thermostat.. For winter riding, and to keep engine temps up, it is recommended to install a thermostat kit.. The radiator circuit gets blocked off until the engine gets up to temperature.. Even with that, the engine temps are usually low (100-140) compared to normal running temp (190-200)..

 

[broke'n'nuts]

My fx runs about 114-120F in the snow with t stat. Eng guarding is on on so hopefully Temps be a bit higher this go around

 

[AZ800]

I don't have engine cover on my yz 450. Didn't have a t stat when I bought it. Oil was extremely diluted w fuel after 1 day in decent powder.
Oil looks much better with a thermo bob.
I'd want as much protection for a rental to minimize maintenance. Maybe be able to go a few rides between oil changes if you can keep temps up.

 

[41racing]

You need a thermobob or avid thermostat. Period. Espically for a rental. If it was your own you could maybe get by with blocking off the rads and monitoring temps, but when you rent it to some idiot who dont know jack about bikes or care it could save you from a destroyed engine because of fuel dilution.