Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Feb 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
Posts: 19
klr650 in Bolivia?

I'm about to head North from Santiago and interested in heading to Bolivia. I have read a few things about bikes running poorly due to the altitude and poor fuel. I noticed my bike being sluggish to start up at the pass between Mendoza and Santiago which I think is around 3000m, so I'm a little worried about how it will run at altitudes of over 4000m in Bolivia?

Any experience or recommendations / suggestions of how to improve the performance is those conditions would be appreciated.

Also, on a side note, I know there were some road blockages etc in Bolivia late last year, particularly around Santa Cruz. Is this still an issue or are most of the roads clear these days?
__________________
Take it easy!

Nick

www.amigosonmotos.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
I had my KLR up to 4800 meters in Peru a couple years ago, with the standard jetting, and really had no problems. The bike lost some power, and would backfire out the exhaust on deceleration, but nothing major. Sometimes you will only be able to find 84 octane rated gasoline in the mountains, but the air is so thin that higher octane fuel isn't really needed, at least I had no trouble. I guess what I'm saying, is just ride.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Like Andy says, it will clog and suck dirt into the engine, which will end your ride.

Have a safe ride,
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 25 Mar 2009 at 08:48.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Feb 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Brisbane, Australia.
Posts: 19
cheers guys

thanks for the info!

yes the bike has the stock jetting, airbox arrangement and exhaust. I'll check out the access to the fuel/air screw.
__________________
Take it easy!

Nick

www.amigosonmotos.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Feb 2009
Bennett's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: FORBES N.S.W. AUSTRALIA
Posts: 97
Nick;
Rode a KLR to Bolivia in 2007,power was down and the fuel consumption nearly doubled,so fill the tank at every opportunity.
Ben.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Feb 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
......... or take a few hours to screw This will not only help
It's just not that hard and well worth.

Patrick
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 25 Mar 2009 at 08:49.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Houston, USA
Posts: 164
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sir Fries View Post

Also, on a side note, I know there were some road blockages etc in Bolivia late last year, particularly around Santa Cruz. Is this still an issue or are most of the roads clear these days?

My understanding is that there are always road blocks all over the place. I encountered 1 big one while I was there a few months ago as the entire city of Oruro was shut down by a transit strike with cars/buses blocking every road and train track.

Theo and I just rode around them. There were tons of people just hanging out all over the place and no one seemed to care that we were driving offroad / doing what ever it took to get around the road blocks.

The gas in Bolivia does suck. It is <84 octane.. no one I asked even knew what octane was so I never got an answer what it actually is.. All I know is that when I got to Chile and filled up with 97, i literally did an unintentional wheelie out of the gas station.

suerte!
__________________
http://davegtravels.com - RTW on a DRZ
All the way south - Texas to Tierra del Fuego in '08-'09
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
KLR650 in the UK SDR Kawasaki Tech 9 8 Mar 2015 11:55
My new klr650 john_aero Kawasaki Tech 6 12 Jan 2009 21:20
Klr650 donbcivil Kawasaki Tech 1 14 Dec 2007 07:23
which KLR650 A or C newfie Which Bike? 1 26 Oct 2000 10:54

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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!

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 05:59.