High Altitude and Valk Carbs - Stelvio Pass a problem ?

[Nyme]

Hi Folks, looking for some advice.

Has anyone got experience of riding Valks up High altitude passes and mountains ?

I am taking mine down through Black forest and into Austrian Tyrol in July and intent is to ride some of the high passes including the Stelvio. Having just watched some YouTube clips and read a couple of articles on line it sounds like at 2750 metres the air is a good deal thinner and it can cause problems for carb motors (and also from what I can see Tyre pressures and brakes !)

But main question is will I be expecting the Valk to just feel a bit rougher or is it likely to actually lose a lot of power and struggle - or even fail to make it ??

Be really pleased to hear if anyone has any experience of this type of riding and can advise what I should expect - and any tips also welcome.

Thanks
 

[Pete]

I have ridden across 10,000 and 12,000 ft passes here in the states without a problem other than a noticed reduction in power.

If you are to remain at altitude for days/weeks you could make the high altitude adjustment to the carbs.
1/2 turn in on the low speed jets (according to Honda).

I never did as I was just crossing passes and continuing on.

[Gryphon Rider]

If the bike runs well at lower altitudes, it will run well at 2750 metres (9022 feet).  The power will be proportional to the density of the air.  At that elevation, you'll have about 75% of sea level power, which is still plenty to take advantage of opportunities to pass.

[MarkT]

Been to the top of Mt. Evans many times the highest road on N America continent at 14,300ft = 4359m. Also over Trail Ridge road, the highest continuous pass in N America, about 12,400ft. Also Pike's peak, 14,100 ft.  Bike runs well, just has less power - about 42% less on Mt Evans.  The loss is reportedly about 3% / 1,000ft.

[davit]

The Valk is a dream to ride at elevation, you'll use the gears more but won't have any problems.

[Willow]

There will be a difference in power but you'll have to really concentrate to notice.

Unless you're going to drag race at that altitude then you may want to adjust the carbs.   

[Savago]

As other forum members reported, you should have no problem.

I did the Bear Tooth pass last year (10,947 feet or 3,337 m)  and the funny thing is that the gas mileage was *better* than ever (did 42 mpg or 17Km/L).

Mother honda did a good job in this flat 6 engine... it has more than enough power to haul the bike fully loaded in any situation.


Savago

[Nyme]

Thanks guys for the helpful and entirely positive responses.

Looks like I can set of without too much of a concern on this front.

Cheers
Nyme