Calibrated Temperature Gauge Overlay- KLR650

[Norm]

Bill Watson of Phoenix, Arizona makes a temperature gauge overlay for the KLR650 which shows the temperature in degrees F. I just installed one and recalibrated the speedometer. Both mods are a definite improvement!

The temperature gauge overlay provides a white background which is much easier for me to see. The actual temperature is interesting as well.

Now I'm considering how to make up a tach and speedo set to provide a white background.

Install instructions for the gauge overlay can be seen at www.xanga.com/watt_man

Bill is an engineer who has done several KLR650 projects of technical interest. A long term data gathering and analysis lead him to develop a by-pass type thermostat system to provide a more satisfactory engine operation profile. This info can be seen at the same site.

We have talked at length regarding grease nipple installation in the rear shock linkage. I disagree with the installation of grease vent holes as Bill has done and also prefer to install the nipples (Zerks) inside the fillet of the linkage (dog bone) because Bill's are too exposed for my off-road use. Bill rides mostly on roads.

Sorry to be so long winded but this might be of interest to some,

Norm

 

[masonjarz]

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Sorry for a dumb question, but I looked at Bill's site and could not see where one could order the temperature guage overlay.

What is the cost?

Thanks

 

[Norm]

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I bought several at a cost of $5US plus shipping. It was certainly value IMO. If you are interested,you might wish to get together with several others as I did to reduce the shipping cost per unit, money order, etc. Regardless, they shipped in a regular mail envelope so shipping wasn't an issue.

This was one of the most satisfying of the 86 modifications I've done on my A18. If you are in there it could be the time to recalibrate the speedometer. This is easy to do at that time.

There are several strategies for recalibrating but the simplist (IMO) is to note exactly the correct speed using a GPS or timed distance and it's corresponding indicated speed.

Instrument cluster is apart, note the drum which moves the needle and rotate the drum/needle to the indicated speed. Use a felt marker to mark a dot on the drum so that the orientation is known.

Grasp the needle close to the hub with the fingers of one hand and hold the drum with the other. Carefully turn the needle to the correct position and recheck the drum position. It takes a bit of torque to begin moving the needle for the first time but it moves more easlily after that.

Once the needle has been repositioned correctly, apply the temperature gauge overlay and reassemble.

For me, the constant recalculation of the indicated to correct speed was a nuisance distraction. Being freed of that has made a small but noticeable impovement in ridng pleasure.

Bill's site gives a better explanation of the recalibration procedure than I can.

HIH

Norm

 

[masonjarz]

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Just did this farkle.

I really like the results and the instructions on Bill's site were excellent.

 

[Norm]

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I'm considering adding a thermostat by-pass passage either by drilling into the thermostat cavity in the head and the return into the waterpump housing. An alternative which has as much merit is to build or buy an external thermostat housing to utilize an automotive size thermostat. This housing would encorporate a by-pass hose barb and the return could be either into the water pump housing (unproven modification) or into the lower radiator hose (proven modification).

Bill Watson's testing of this modification show that the larger automotive thermostat adds sufficient flow to more than compenstate for the by-pass flow at higher temperatures. I would also use a 195 F thermostat.

Farkles and mods are interesting to discuss and to do. Anyone done thethermostatby-pass?

Norm