Elevation changes on long trips
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
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From: Pasadena TX
Elevation changes on long trips
I'm planning my first Sturgis trip this year from Houston, which is pretty close to sea level. My trip will take us through Denver, or at least Colorado which is a much higher elevation. I'm wondering if my tune will suffer on the ride. Has anyone experienced this, or am I overthinking it?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,722
Likes: 17,559
From: Driftless Area
Overthinking it. Even the older Evos have a CV (constant velocity) carb, which compensates for elevation. Newer bikes with fuel injection don't even need an enrichener to start, so are likewise adaptable to elevation. I've been up to 15000 feet with both, and have not had issues.
You might have a little loss in power but nothing to worry about IMHO. Last year I did Pikes Peak and Mt Evans both are above 14,000 feet it was raining for the most part so I never even noticed any decrease in power. I've done many other rides above 10k feet and like I said I might have to downshift a little more but that's it.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Your tune will be fine. DO check your tire pressure when you get to Denver and again when you get to Sturgis. You'll be stunned at the changes.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,798
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From: Post Falls, ID
Added benefit of high altitude is you can run 87 in your bike.
The mild hypoxia at altitude will also give you the grins and giggles.
The mild hypoxia at altitude will also give you the grins and giggles.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
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From: Castle Rock, CO
I've taken a carbed Road King and a FI ElectraGlide Classic from 800 ft elevation in Kansas to the top of Pikes Peak(>14,000 ft), Mt Evans(>14,000 ft) and over both trail ridge road between Estes and Grand Lake and Loveland Pass. Never had a problem.
In fact, one of my favorite rides is to do 7 high mountain passes on one day, only one (Kenosha at 9,997 ft) less than 10,000 feet. Never had a miss, a stumble, or any hesitation on this ride.
In fact, one of my favorite rides is to do 7 high mountain passes on one day, only one (Kenosha at 9,997 ft) less than 10,000 feet. Never had a miss, a stumble, or any hesitation on this ride.
