I'm taking my '05 sportster 1200R up to Yellowstone for a week so I'm sure the bike will be running rich and possibly sluggish due to the altitude, being that I currently live around 5k feet. Does anyone know if removing the baffle from my Python 2-1 exhaust will help compensate a little for the rich condition?

 

Open pipes in a national park doesn't sound too considerate.

 

Not necessary.
You likely have a CV carb (Constant Velocity). It will run fine at that altitude. I've done it many times up to 14,000 feet with no issues. If you have fuel injection, the same thing applies.

Watch for buffalo, and don't get boxed in the tourist traffic.

 

There is a place in Texas that is 5,000 feet?

BTW Yellowstone area ranges from 6-8K feet so the difference isn't that great if you are indeed at 5K currently.

 

Used to ride my '06 1200 from sea level to 7,000 feet and back again in the same day. Stock jetting. Never caused a problem.

 

Good info, guys. I was wondering about this as well.