I have a 84 V45 (700) and need a new thermostat. I just purchased this bike as my first ride in 20 years, so I was somewhat surprised to be quoted over $30 by Honda for a THERMOSTAT. Are their any compatibility charts on automotive thermostats available, or is the OEM my only option. Thanks for the help.
From the guys over on the BBS. These are auto replacments that have been used by guys with no trouble for a lot cheeper. The stock operating temp is 180 deg.
Stant brand numbers
160 degree
35366
BT 336 160
$3.99
170 degree
35967
$11.99
180 degree
35368
BT 336 180
$3.99
The NAPA cross-reference for the Stant 13868 is NAPA THM101.
Carquest #32438
Honda (automobile) #19300BP2024
These have been used widly with no trouble.
Hope this helps.
Here is some more info.
Stant 13868. It's a 180 degree thermostat where the valve/spring assembly is slightly offset from center. This allows it to fit in the thermostat housing, whereas the 35967 won't (At least it wouldn't on my V65 Sabre). Plus it has a jiggle valve (technical term here) for coolant flow. For those that want the small unrestricted bypass hole like the stock thermostat , you can remove the brass jiggle valve with a pair of dykes and this will leave you with a totally unrestriced hole of roughly 1/16".
I used it and it fits just like the orginal.
I think this is the most widly used one.