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**Nath** · #1 15 Mar 2015

The reason why it would be hard to start at altitude could be if you only changed the main jet. That'll make no difference at all to idle mixture. You need to change the slow jet. But that's another fiddly annoying thing to be playing at.

Dropping your needle helps as well, but short term 'fixes' include taking the cover off your airbox if it has one, running with no air filter, and trying to partially close your fuel tap so the float bowl can't stay full.

Looks like a handy little bike. Are the clutch cover and internals compatible with any of the older xr models? If they are you might be able install the kickerstarter. (you can do that on the xr650l and dommie for example)

**Chris Scott** · #2 15 Mar 2015

Quote:

... trying to partially close your fuel tap so the float bowl can't stay full

Interesting idea, not heard of that one before.

Afaik the Brazilian-made Tornados are not at all like the old twin-valve or RFVC XRs we had here from the 70s. They just re-used the famous XR prefix.

**mollydog** · #3 15 Mar 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nath

The reason why it would be hard to start at altitude could be if you only changed the main jet. That'll make no difference at all to idle mixture. You need to change the slow jet. But that's another fiddly annoying thing to be playing at.

Dropping your needle helps as well, but short term 'fixes' include taking the cover off your airbox if it has one, running with no air filter, and trying to partially close your fuel tap so the float bowl can't stay full.

Looks like a handy little bike. Are the clutch cover and internals compatible with any of the older xr models? If they are you might be able install the kickerstarter. (you can do that on the xr650l and dommie for example)

Good points Nath.
That Tornado should run fine at high altitude once jetting is right ... but ALL circuits need be set up to get best performance. As Nath sez, you can't just change the Main Jet and expect miracles on that CV Carb.
1. Main Jet (1/2 to Full throttle)
2. Pilot Jet (idle to half throttle)
3. Needle W/adjustable clip (1/4 to 3/4 throttle)
4. Fuel/Air Pilot screw (zero to 1/8 throttle)
5. Idle screw (idle speed only)

I believe that Carb has adjustable Fuel/air Pilot screw? (AKA idle mixture fuel/air screw)? ... affects zero to 1/8 throttle and can be hidden UNDER Carb bowl. important for easy starting ... if you can find it.

I would leave Pilot jet alone.

If needle is adjustable then when up high, go UP to number two slot (of 5). This is "leaner". If it's a "fixed" needle, then get a "kit" and go to adjustable needle.

Needle taper can also make a HUGE difference in overall performance. So look to aftermarket for a Carb kit with different needle and jets provided.
Dyno Jet and other companies may help ... look to Brazil, perhaps parts and Kits are available there?
Dynojet Jet Kits - Offering Motorcycle Jet Kits & ATV Jet Kits
carb.html, carb tuning, factory pro, VN1500 Vulcan Classic, AirBox Plus, Factory Pro Carburetor Recalibration Kits - Carb Kits -Tuning - Jets

Opening up air box is another "must do" for best high altitude running. And finally, a very open pipe will help A LOT at ALL elevations.

I would look to Brazil or any country where the bike is sold and it's popular.

If Chris rode a Tornado in Morocco, then perhaps they are FOR SALE in EU or ??? I'd buy one and get to work on it with help of On Line forums that specialize on that bike:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=863703

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696778

rosa del desierto · #4 24 Mar 2015

My first bike was a XR250 Tornado, and I loved it!! I bought it in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and toured five South American countries for 4 months. We crossed to Chile through Paso de Jama, at 5,000 meters altitude. It was hard on the bike, but it was even harder on me... I almost passed out. Later on, in the Central Andes of Perú, both the bike and me did much better...

On our website, www.Xfiltrate.com - Professional Motorcycle Parking, we have all the information for a foreigner to buy a motorcycle in Argentina. Enjoy the photos of me, my Tornado, xfiltrate and his NX400 Falcon and two representative of the "CIA" - yes, the ones with the uniforms and gun.

Rosa del Desierto