It's one of those peace-of-mind type things. Yes, the stock thermostat should kick on and the fan will keep the motor at a temperature equilibrium(it won't go any higher). However, the stock fan switch doesn't turn the fan on until the motor is borderline overheated....I don't know why bikes do this but they all do....they wait until the temp is right at the "red zone" before turning the fan on.
So when you're sitting in traffic, would you rather have the motor at 220 degrees, or 180? My fan will almost always bring the temp to around 180-185 and hold it there even after lots of idling or stop-and-go, pretty much the same as if I was riding at speed without the fan.
On a cold day you can also turn it on at stoplights to get an on-demand hand warmer lol
oh i understand why one would want to prevent overheating. and i'm not saying anyone would be wrong by making this modification. i'm just not convinced that it is necessary for me since my bike is still stock. my logic agrees that one would rather sit in traffic at a lower operating temperature, but in my humble opinion, the logic is somewhat biased without understanding fully what the yamaha engineers design decisions were and how they came to pass. i'm not smart enough to know how to engineer a bike, granted, but it would seem to me that those who are, knew what they were doing....otherwise, they wouldn't be selling bikes 'cause no one would want their overheating bikes. these bikes were designed to operate within some temperature range, this is for sure. and for all i know 220 could fit perfectly fine within the range with a plump tolerance. i haven't been able to find specs that state what the maximum temp is before the bike explodes. :rofl_200:.
now, if one starts modding the combustion and exhaust mechanics, which I plan on doing in the near future
unk:, that's a different story. the bike is no longer stock and as such i don't think i would expect that the stock thermoswitch would be a valid option to accommodate the altered temperature characteristics. i dunno, maybe it's still good enough. of course, one's ambient operational environment is a factor as well, but i always ask myself, did yamaha only target a specific region in the world for their bikes to run in...and factor in global warming :rofl_200:? but then again, did the engineers consider traffic conditions? there are more cars on the road then there ever was in the past 20 years. but I drive in relatively light traffic compared to most (there isn't much stop and go, and relatively short red lights). I don't know the driving conditions of those who do this mod are.
like i said, i'm still mulling it over, and as such still gathering information. i like to get the most bang out of my buck, which is the reason, should i bite and do this mod, i would rewire the petcock to do my bidding 'cause it would be "free". :eusa_dance:
what are your thoughts on performance coolants/additives like Engine Ice, Water Wetter, that Honda red stuff, etc? what are your thoughts on the aftermarket fan with the extra fin(s)? have you thought about replacing the thermoswitch with one that engages at a lower temp?
