So I was talking with a buddy last night and we started thinking about possibly riding out to Colorado this early to mid June to ride the mountains. My question is this, we both have carburetored bikes. Mine is an 01 and his is a 98. Will we be ok once we arrive to ride at the higher altitudes or are we going to have to re-jet accordingly? I can't imagine that prior to EFI bikes would have to make such adjustments if riding into higher or lower altitudes depending on where one lives. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks

 

I have a 2009 FXDC which has EFI but I've ridden with a number
of people who have carbs through some over 10,000ft passes
and they've definitely had a big drop in power.. BUT (and this is
the important part), they made it.

I really though we'd have to get off and push one Triumph when
crossing Wolf Creek Pass (just under 11,000 feet), and I seriously
doubt that a small engined Shadow or Star would make any altitude
higher than that, but I've seen plenty of carb'd Harleys on very
high Colorado passes so I think if you're willing to use some higher
than normal revs in lower than normal gears you'd be fine.

Watch your engine temps though, especially if you don't have an
oil cooler.

 

It's no big deal. You will have to drop a gear or even two and may top out at 60. That's fast enough. However, do not cheap out on the gas. High test only to avoid those knocks.

 

Awesome....I am so glad to hear this. I will keep an eye on temp, and I do have an oil cooler. I also only run premium, so i will be good there too. Looks like its gonna be a great summer to be riding...cant wait. Thanks guys.

 

I had a 1999 SuperGlide and rode thru RMNP, from Denver to Winter Park area and other places with no problem at all.

 

Drove 18 wheels out thru there quite a bit .It is gonna be AWESOME on 2 wheels.Enjoy and be safe.

 

I wouldn't think you would have any trouble as long as your bike is tuned properly where you live. My EFI is closed loop so no changes and my bike rode great, even got better gas milage. You will love the mountains of Colorado, but in June there can still be snow so check the roads before you go.

 

Yeah I am aware of the snow possibilities, this is why we are going to play it more by ear until the time comes. Might need to push the ride off till mid June, but thats ok since the 4th week of May I am making a trip to Amarillo Texas from Wisconsin. Wish I was able to stay off the 2 weeks in between and ride around New Mexico and such, but like most I have to work. Thanks again guys for the replies...

 

Several years ago I rode a RK Classic with EFI and my son rode his RK with a carb in Colorado. He lost a little power, but other than that, no problem.

 

I've ridden in CO many times on my 1995 Softail Custom. High test fuel and a freshly tuned engine and never a problem. Independence, Fremont, Hoosier, Vail, Loveland etc. passes and no problems. Go and enjoy.
And don't forget to post a trip report.