Author Topic: Riding the C10 in higher elevations  (Read 1529 times)

Offline Hazmat

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Riding the C10 in higher elevations
« on: April 03, 2022, 10:10:33 AM »
I've done some searching and I can't find it addressed.
Planning on a trip to the western US and there are some serious elevations out there, in excess of 7000 or 8000 feet.  I remember driving areas like that in an old carbureted car I had at the time and wondering if I should anticipate problems in a carbureted motorbike or if I should just try to avoid higher elevations altogether. 

Offline George R. Young

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Re: Riding the C10 in higher elevations
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2022, 05:18:57 PM »
CV carbs compensate somewhat for increases in elevation.

I recall I had to rejet a slide-carb motorcycle (CB160) to get thru the Rockies.
65 CB160 (67-69), 69 350GTR (69-72), 72 R5, 73 RD350 (73-84), 82 XZ550 Vision (84-03), 01 Concours C10 (03-19), 89 EX250 (11-14), 00 SV650S (14-16), 03 SV650S (19-)

Offline Rick Hall

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Re: Riding the C10 in higher elevations
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2022, 09:58:12 PM »
I've lived at 7400' for at least 24 years and around 300,000 miles (two Connies), you'll be fine. Good plugs, and a CLEAN air filter will go a long way toward good performance.

George is right too, CV carbs do adjust for altitude fairly well.

Rick
Rick Hall     1994 ZG 1000 "Sam"      xCOG #1914 (CO)
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Offline Hazmat

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Re: Riding the C10 in higher elevations
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2022, 10:34:58 AM »
Thank you all for the info.  What a great resource this is

Offline Boomer

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Re: Riding the C10 in higher elevations
« Reply #4 on: April 06, 2022, 01:30:39 AM »
I've ridden the Col de l'Iseran in France and that peaks at over 2700m (8800') above sea level.
My C10 never missed a beat, but you could feel the power dropping as you climbed. I reckon at the top she'd lost 20bhp, but the 80+bhp that remained were more than adequate. We didn't hang around at the top as the friend I was riding with is asthmatic and was struggling with his breathing.
George "Boomer" Garratt
Wickford, UK


Offline dboogie2288

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Re: Riding the C10 in higher elevations
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2022, 06:25:54 PM »
You'll be fine, I took my former 86 concours up to 13k feet and it was fine. You'll lose a little power, ~20%, but its not unrideable, and theres no sense in rejetting or doing extensive work to prepare for it.