Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Africa Twin at altitude Africa Twin at altitude
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jan 2007
Del Boy's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 111
Question Africa Twin at altitude
Hi All,

Here's a question for Twinkie owners who've ridden their ATs at altitude. Did the bike cope OK with the thinner atmosphere or did you re-jet the carbs and if so, what size jet did you use? Also, what are ATs like on crap fuel?

Thanks in advance. Derek.
__________________
Roads are for journeys.
-Not destinations.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
That is a difficult question. I have ridden @ two up in high alltitude on crapy fuel, and the peformance is piss poor. But adequate, compared to the work to change the jets. One up was much better. I only changed the air filter for a foam one, for more air. I felt a clear performance loss going over 3600 m.

The @ can handle quite low octane in its low tune.

Frode
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Poole, Dorset, UK
Posts: 67
I agree with everything said before, I used 'crappy fuel' aka the cheapest I got in the usa down south somewhere, THe alien highway (extraterrestorial highway) and run out of gas 15 miles before I should have.

Just some thoughts, since then put in the best I could

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Jan 2007
mmaarten's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
Talking even with 15% alcohol
I took the AT to 5000 meter and it did fine. Yes, loss of power, no ideling, but running smoothly compared to many other bikes.
Also I run it on Brazilian fuell which contains 15 % alcohol. It idled a bit rough, but rode fine. After ajusting the idle-jet's (1/2 turn out) it ideled as if it was an alcoholic. (I mean good )

I have a K&N airfilter.

Maarten
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jan 2007
markincyberspace's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 66
12,000 foot off-road, one up worked, but I could feel that there was less pull than at sea level (both from me and the bike).

Should find out how 15,000ft on tarmac, two up feels in a couple of weeks.
__________________
Two wheels good,
Four wheels bad (unless it's two bikes).

http://www.markincyberspace.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jan 2007
Del Boy's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 111
Thumbs up Thanks
Thanks Fellas,
Nice to know I can get away without fiddling about changing the jets!

Excellent website Mark

Cheers Derek.
__________________
Roads are for journeys.
-Not destinations.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Jan 2007
Banned
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cracow, Poland
Posts: 202
Last summer 3 @ from Poland took a part in a journey to Tajikistan. Highest altitude was 4655 m. Fuel was very poor, about 76 oct. Bikes were weak, lost a lot of power. Pamir is a flat plateu, but max speed at altitude 4200 was about 100 km/h. We didn't opened air filters, we didn't re-jet carbs.
But this year we will go higher, and we will re-jet carbs
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Krakow, Poland
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by frnas
I only changed the air filter for a foam one, for more air. I felt a clear performance loss going over 3600 m.

Frode
Did you cut the foam shape yourself? Or this is something available as replacement? And how do I know that particular foam actually allow more air? Thanks in advance
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 26 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
Foam air filters
Hello

I made myself one from a Twin Air unit for an Yamaha tenere 88-89. I do not know know for certain that the foam one let more air through. But i think so, from the look of it. I was driving with another @, hi was one up, I two up. His bike lost power on an lower altitude than mine, he ended up taking out his standard airfilter. But this may be just diffrences between acceptable power preferences between the two of us.

The main reasin for getting an foam, is the fact that it is washable. Then you are shure the filter aint clogged when entering high altitude. And a spare one thake no room, since you use the same "cage".

Frode
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Krakow, Poland
Posts: 3
Many thanks . So you are saying you put the foam inside the metal "cage" in the airbox (RD07 of course) and this is all. Typical air filter (paper of KN?)was removed at altitude and replaced with this shaped tenere foam until descent Am I right?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Jan 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 68
Foam air filter for @
Hello

I use the filter cage. I cut away the paper from the original airfilter. Used a Dremel to grind away the glue. Then I used epoxy to fill up the filter to the correct sice for the Tenere air filter. It make sense, I hope, when you see the @ air filter.

Frode
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 23 Feb 2007
markincyberspace's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 66
Smile Still ok....
4,516 m just completed the other day. It was loaded, two up and still going strong. What a great machine...
__________________
Two wheels good,
Four wheels bad (unless it's two bikes).

http://www.markincyberspace.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Feb 2007
Del Boy's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 111
Thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by markincyberspace View Post
4,516 m just completed the other day. It was loaded, two up and still going strong. What a great machine...
Great news ! Glad all's going well with the bike, keep up the good work with your website Mark ! All the best for the rest of your trip.

Derek.
__________________
Roads are for journeys.
-Not destinations.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 27 Feb 2007
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Thumbs up
Quote:
Originally Posted by Del Boy View Post
Great news ! Glad all's going well with the bike, keep up the good work with your website Mark ! All the best for the rest of your trip.

Derek.
I'll second Delboys comments on your website - its really good!!

Good roads!
Buen viaje!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 28 Feb 2007
markincyberspace's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Brighton, UK
Posts: 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
I'll second Delboys comments on your website - its really good!!

Good roads!
Buen viaje!
Cheers lads, I really appreciate your comments.
__________________
Two wheels good,
Four wheels bad (unless it's two bikes).

http://www.markincyberspace.com
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa Twin fuel economy LordStig Honda Tech 12 18 May 2006 23:08
XR650L vs Africa Twin leon.lab Honda Tech 5 22 Aug 2005 03:28
Africa Twin: Re-jetting or not? Richard Tyner Honda Tech 2 3 Jan 2004 01:36
Rear fuel tanks for Africa Twin iswoolley Honda Tech 0 17 Jul 2002 18:48

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:41.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top