Colorado- Is this correct?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Forget the 93 octane. You do really need some kind of tune. It's not cheap, but worth the time and money.
For the EFI tune, you can use a PowerCommander, SE Race Tuner, etc. Many swear by the TTS Mastertune from Fullsac which doesn't require a dyno tune. (Fullsac.com) The HD map downloads are another low cost way to go (no dyno tune either).
I hi-flow (SE or K&N) air filter, freer flowing exhaust (slip ons will work just fine) and a dyno tune will make a huge difference. It's all about the AFR (air/fuel ratio). As set at the factory to meet EPA regs, it's just too lean. This is made even worse at altitude.
I would either have the catalytic converter removed from your stock head pipe or use the X pipe from Fullsac. You'll run better and much, much cooler.
You'll think you have a new bike when you're done. Don't blame Harley for the problem. It's darn near impossible to comply with the EPA using a 45 degree, air-cooled, push rod, V-twin. And, HD's customers demand that engine. (see weak VRod sales...)
For the EFI tune, you can use a PowerCommander, SE Race Tuner, etc. Many swear by the TTS Mastertune from Fullsac which doesn't require a dyno tune. (Fullsac.com) The HD map downloads are another low cost way to go (no dyno tune either).
I hi-flow (SE or K&N) air filter, freer flowing exhaust (slip ons will work just fine) and a dyno tune will make a huge difference. It's all about the AFR (air/fuel ratio). As set at the factory to meet EPA regs, it's just too lean. This is made even worse at altitude.
I would either have the catalytic converter removed from your stock head pipe or use the X pipe from Fullsac. You'll run better and much, much cooler.
You'll think you have a new bike when you're done. Don't blame Harley for the problem. It's darn near impossible to comply with the EPA using a 45 degree, air-cooled, push rod, V-twin. And, HD's customers demand that engine. (see weak VRod sales...)
Last edited by michaelm; Aug 2, 2011 at 03:40 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
I'm surprised nobody has complained to the right people at Harley to get them to fix their stock calibration. A 100% stock motorcycle having detonation issues at 5k feet is completely unacceptable. You shouldn't have to do the stage 1 to fix it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 39,824
Likes: 2,121
From: Central, Ca.
Just back from there, rode the Million $$ highway also Rocky Mtn natl park and Independance Pass @ over 12K elevation, never heard a ping, bike started and ran normal. Stage 1 with the 103 download on a stock 96". Awesome ride and state by the way,.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 894
Likes: 55
From: Colorado
I live at 8800 ft about 15 miles from the OP, when I bought my new 2011 Road king it was just as he describes, I think it's the cat and stiffer regs on the new bikes combined with altitude. I put on V&H dresser duals, 4" Rineharts and a PCV from Fuel moto and it's been great since. Too bad you have to do all that, used to be a main jet, then just a programmer and slips, these days you have to do a whole exhaust system to get them to run right.......after you drop 18-20K!
Last edited by VinnyM; Aug 2, 2011 at 06:46 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 146
From:
You won't find much 93 octane in Colorado. The thinner air means less air to compress so your/our compressionis less at this altitude. Hence 91 octane works fine in a properly tuned motor. The hard cold truth is these new bikes won't run right untill you get a better air cleaner, exhaust and a tuner. Then you need someone who knows what he's doing to tune it. I live in Colorado and have great running bikes. They aren't stock. Guys who try to ride stockers here aren't very happy. Guys who bite the bullet and spend the bucks to get their bikes right, enjoy one of the best places in the world to ride!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
I have a 2002 RKC with Delphi FI and HD SE Touring slip-ons...I've never heard it ping, labor on hills or drop appreciably in performance while at altitude. I rode this weekend between 6,000' and 10,000' and it did great. If this is what I have to look forward to when I buy a newer bike I may have to reconsider. Who needs that headache?
Last edited by Whiskers; Aug 2, 2011 at 07:27 PM.