KLE 500 - Coolant circulating through carburettor? What is the purpose?
 

I've got a '07 KLE 500 and by design they have coolant circulating through the carburettors and I have always wondered what the purpose of this is. If I remove the coolant circulation from the carbs will it make any difference? It just seems like unessisary pipes that can be eliminated. Perhaps it was designed for a colder climate and is not needed in a warmer climate we find in South Africa. I'd appreciate it if anyone can shed some light on this mysterious Kawasaki design logic.
http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/Them...ify_inline.gif

It is to prevent carburetor icing in low temperatures. Carb icing occurs when the atomised fuel condenses out on the cold carburetor. It is a function of modern bikes running quite lean mixtures and can cause stalling at low speeds. Putting a bit of warmth into the carbs helps prevent icing and there are a few ways to do this. Some carbs have coolant circulating like yours, some have small electric heaters such at the Kawasaki GT550, and some have engine oil circulating such as the Yamaha Diversion 600.

Carby icing can happen at relatively high temperatures at certain RH so unless it is bothering you immensely, it might be best to leave it alone.

Was a thread recently about certain bikes being unrideable for most of the winter because of carby icing.

I have two KLR650's in Australia. A1990 model without heating and a 2000 model with an identical carb except with heating. They both run the same (including in sub freezing conditions).The heating pipe ads an extra step to carb removal and so I've recently disconnected it. Suspect you could do the same with little risk.

Sent from my GT-P3110 using Tapatalk