Carb adjustments for higher altitudes? [Archive] - Kawasaki Vulcan 750 Forum : Kawasaki VN750 Forums

: Carb adjustments for higher altitudes?


theauhawk
05-09-2007, 11:02 AM
What adjustments are there (if any) to our bike's carbs while out touring, to compensate for potential high-elevation (i.e., 4,000+ feet over sea level) fuel/air mixture issues?

In thinking ahead, I gather that the bike would start to run a richer mixture and lose power, as the elevations increase.

I've looked thru the Clymer manual and the owner's manual, and I don't see any.

I'm talking relatively simple adjustments here, that can be made (and then undone) in the field while out on a trip. I realize that turbocharging and computerized fuel injection are the answers to this, in a perfect world.

My bike's fuel/exhaust system is completely stock (and it's an '05 model).

Any suggestions on this, anyone??....

Mushu
05-09-2007, 01:32 PM
I live in Mexico city at 7,300 ft over sea level and I have stock settings on the carburetors and have very little issues with hesitation or other fuel related problems (only at full gas does my bike hesitates) . Our bikes run a bit lean at sea level so it should be ok at higher altitudes.
One thing to keep in mind is that at higher altitude all motors losses some power because of thin air but 10% or 15% loss of power shouldn't be an issue.

rckmtn
05-09-2007, 02:31 PM
Cheyenne Wy. @6400 ft and all works well. Have ridden to 10000 with no problems. Pipes do get some carbon but that is normal at this altitude. Gas milage varies from 45-55 mpg depending on how hard I ride and whether or not I am buckin the wind.

asaracho
05-09-2007, 04:59 PM
I'm live in Colorado and have been riding at 4,000-8,000ft, stock, with no problems.

theauhawk
05-09-2007, 05:53 PM
It appears from your answers that I am reading in between the lines a little bit too hard, looking for a problem that apparently just isn't there.

What got me to thinking about this was a girl I met last week. She was riding an '87 model Honda Magna (one of those with the curved pipes)--another carbureted bike from the 80s. In the conversation she mentioned stumbling, hesitation, and loss of power at altitude while riding near the Blue Ridge Pkwy. But her bike sounded ok while she rode away in front of me.

In any case, thanks for the excellent feedback!!!...:D