Are large elevation differentials a big problem?

[suecanada]

LRB has been running beautifully and it makes me want to take him on some of my extended trips in the future. Will high altitudes be a problem for the bike. We live at 1,000 feet elevation on the shore of Lake Huron. For instance, last summer I went up Mount Evans in Colorado on that other bike....would LRB be an anemic failure? What would happen if I stopped somewhere in Colorado and changed the needle settings on the carbs? Is this a hard thing to do or a pro job considering I would be at a motel or campsite.
Nhmaf....how does your LS handle Mt. Washington? Assuming you have done it!!

[Bob_Roller]

I routinely take my '81 from 1100 foot elevation of Phoenix, up to 6,500 feet on the Mogollon Rim about 100-120 or so miles northeast of Phoenix, and the engine feels like it has lost a good 40% of it's power.

Throw in higher temperatures and high humidity, and you have a quite anemic motorcycle power wise .

Bing has a conversion chart for elevation and temperature different than what the motorcycle is set up for, which is sea level, and 59 F.

What they recommend is going to smaller main jets, which all you have to do is remove the carb float bowl, and unscrew the jets, probably a 20 minute job on the road.

[montmil]

  Bing has a conversion chart for elevation and temperature different than what the motorcycle is set up for, which is sea level, and 59 F...

Bing most likely borrowed and slightly altered their info from aviation resources. Aircraft performance is often stated as being rated at "standard day"; 59 F temperature and 29.92 inches on the barometer.

Monte

[nhmaf]

Hi Sue,

I haven't taken my R65 up Mt Washington yet, so I guess that I don't have any personal experience of how it does with ~5000 ft elevation change..  I would assume that with thinner air and less oxygen, a smaller jet would be the thing to do to compensate somewhat if you had to have all available power at height.  But, if you were only going to spend a day at upper elevations maybe that isn't worth worrying about?

This is one area where those fuel injected bikes are more capable of handling things.

[Bob_Roller]

The R1150R has no noticeable loss of power up at 6500 feet, fuel injection has it's good points at times.

Even gets better fuel mileage at the higher elevations, due to the mixture being leaned out .

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Coming back from Paonia, CO last July on my R1100RT, I fairly flew over Monarch pass, 11312 ft, at over 70mph.  A more aggressive rider could have taken it much faster.  Lots to be said for fuel injection at altitude but I'll still take an airhead for all around fun and enjoyment.

[suecanada]

Both the new classic Moto Guzzi V7 and the Bonnevilles are fuel injection now! Soooo, a fuel injected LRB clone is a good replacement. Low, light and classically beautiful. I will test ride the MG and Triumph soon as I am very interested to know if the MG 50hp and good torque at 3600 rpm will at least somewhat challenge the Triumph's 67 hp. I bet I won't be able to tell the difference unless I get on some interstate and want to pass at breakneck warp speed.

[flongr65]

I haven't had any issues with my 81 R 65. I'm in SLC and frequently travel up the various canyons. I think the road elevation at its highest point up at Alta is close to 9000 ft.

[donbmw]

I live at 70 feet above sealevel and have made many trips to the  Rockeys and other place out west. The only thing i notices at higher elevations was idle when stopped. I never adjusted the carbs.

Don