High altitutude question

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Feb 6, 2010 | 11:56 AM

Denis L

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High altitutude question

I'm a new rider with 06 Softail Standard, carbureted. I remember the old days of no fuel injection, and carbureted Firebird and similar vehicles being extremely disfunctional above certain altitudes in Colorado, coming up from Nebraska. Am I going to have the same problems with my bike? I'm only a few hours from CO, and hope to do some serious mountain rides, but if the bike is anything like my cars from the past it may not be much fun. Any info/suggestions?

Feb 6, 2010 | 11:59 AM

Faast Ed

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From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)

If you jet your carb for it, you will be fine.

Feb 6, 2010 | 12:04 PM

PistonPuller

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From: Eastern Washington

Jet your carb for the level you ride most. When you go up above say 8k ft or so, you may notice a little rough running (too rich) but it wont be a factor if its once in a while. Certainly not worth rejetting just to go out on a mountain ride for a day or two

Feb 6, 2010 | 12:08 PM

tombeving

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From: cd. Obregon, Sonora, mx

I rode the mountains of Colorado with a buddy who had carbs on a gold wing. The only problem he had was a loss of power and his bike used a ton of gas.

Feb 6, 2010 | 12:25 PM

Jim Kraft

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From: Middle of Kansas

The CV carbs do a pretty good job of adjusting to altitude. You will loose a little power just because of the low pressure and thnner air. Otherwise you should be OK unless your carb is already a little on the rich side.

Feb 7, 2010 | 08:39 AM

tk353

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From: Leander Texas

dont do anything. the 06 was set lean anyway so it will run even better when you get there. i had 05 sportster and that is what it did and with todays ignition you wont foul the plugs

Feb 7, 2010 | 08:44 AM

hbarleatherneck

Cruiser

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From: Colorado

i live in Colorado, at about 5100 feet. I bought a carbed 06 fxst at the dealer new. i rode it all over the mountains here. to the top of a whole bunch of passes. no problems at all. what is the elevation where you are?