Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Altitude Sick Transalp Altitude Sick Transalp
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jun 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
Altitude Sick Transalp
My wifes transalp is sick.

We are above 3500m and have recently crossed a pass at 5600m.... but since these heady days her bike has started playing up.

We have done the following:

Reduced the carb pilot screws a quarter turn each.

Cleaned the sparks

opened the air filter (which is pretty dirty).

Checked the carb slow jet and main for clogging - they're clean

So can anyone out there help us??

The current syptoms are loss of power at 4500RPM in any gear.

And for reference this transalp is a 2002 model with all the electrical complications Honda have thought up...

Thanks in advance from the Himalayas

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Jun 2004
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
I'm no Transalp expert, but the symptoms are definitely altitude sickness - no air, so it's too rich.

Search the HUBB on:

carb pilot slide needle

and you'll get a number of good threads.

Note:

Pilot screw you adjusted is only the first 1/4 throttle. Don't waste your energy on it.

Mid range is controlled by the slide cutaway and the needle and needle-jet.

LOWER the needle in the slide to lean it out.

3/4 to Full throttle is controlled by the main jet - SMALLER to lean it out.

Usually dropping the needle a notch is the best you can do without a full set of jets and bits and a lot of knowledge.

Make sure the air cleaner is VERY clean, even remove it if you're not in dusty conditions.


------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jun 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Yeah, mine suffered at these altitudes too. Others have been fine though, so it seems luck of the draw.

The slide needles on early Transalps are not adjustable unfortunately. I suspect this is the case on yours too, but I am not sure about this.

You can change the jets though. At 5,000 metres plus, look to reduce the size by 10 to 15 per cent. Just make sure that you change back to stock as you come down. They are real small, so cost nothing in shipping. This will help a bit.

I am assuming you have done everything to free up the airflow into the filter yeah? Drilling holes is an option. You can tape them up later.

Good luck.

Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jan 2005
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Espinho, Portugal
Posts: 89
So is it safe to assume that a stock Transalp isn´t going to have altitude problems below 3500m or 4000m ?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jan 2005
davidmc's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Posts: 373
I have had my Transalp up to 10,000 feet with no problems at all. I couldn't really tell a difference in performance. Haven't gone higher than that though...

-Dave
__________________
Dave McMillan
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/mcmillan/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39


My wife Transalp was OK upto 4400 metres then the problems started. One thing on the T/A that can casue an additional problem is the sleeve linking the carbs to the cylinders. It needs tightening from time to time, other wise you get secondary air in to the carbs and this, plus the altitude will cause a large loss of power.... just tightening it makes a huge difference..

Quote:
Originally posted by Pedro Rocha:
So is it safe to assume that a stock Transalp isn´t going to have altitude problems below 3500m or 4000m ?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Jan 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
I recently found out that my altitude problems were due to the spark plugs not being firmly enough tightened. I was loosing compression.

Most people I have spoken to with TAs have very few problems at altitude.

And let's face it, how much time does anyone spend at 4,500 metres plus? In the grand scheme of overlanding, it is not an issue.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: London UK
Posts: 39
I can assure you this problem is a major limiting factor if your in the Himalayas! I guess that "in the big scheme of overlanding" depends on how adventurous you are.. we spent six weeks between 3500m and 5300m so, to find a solution was necessary. The journey was magnificent and well worth the trouble and effort.

Quote:
Originally posted by Simon Kennedy:
I recently found out that my altitude problems were due to the spark plugs not being firmly enough tightened. I was loosing compression.

Most people I have spoken to with TAs have very few problems at altitude.

And let's face it, how much time does anyone spend at 4,500 metres plus? In the grand scheme of overlanding, it is not an issue.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 00:19.

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