Power loss while riding in the mountains?

[dcmrn1959]

Am planning a trip to Colorado in the mountains. Was wondering how much power will the bike lose? Is there anything I need to do special before I go, beyond normal maintanance? Thanks Dan

[biggersm]

When we had our Voyager in New Mexico we went up to 10,000 feet on a couple occasions (mountains near Albuquerque, however many don't know that most of Albuquerque is around 5,500 to 6,000 feet). There was a very slight power loss up in the mountains but nothing that would keep you from doing any two up, trailer pulling, etc. riding. The up side is better gas mileage. We did have to run the choke longer in cooler weather. We didn't even bother changing the carb settings when we came to Florida.

I would wait until you get there and only change carb settings if the bike doesn't run well but my guess is things will be fine.

[debron]

I rode to Colorado's Rocky Mtn National Park summer of '11 and went over passes over 11,000' (I live at sea level -- OK, at 600'.) Made no changes and had no problems at all. I did find if I wanted to pass quickly I had to down-shift sooner but otherwise, all was fine. In addition, as biggersm said, gas mileage was very good.

[David (N. Alabama)]

The bike will run richer at the higher elevations so if it is already running lean due to EPA settings the higher elevations will be nice. One negative is if you are group riding the folks behind you will complain about the smell of your exhaust. I don't like following carbed bikes in the mountains. Especially if they have the Cats removed.

[2 for the road]

We rode from St Louis out west in July of 2011. No problems at all including Longs Peak, (14,ooo+ feet). I had checked before the trip with a Kawasaki dealer in Colorado Springs about getting the carbs adjusted but they said not to waste my money. It's not quite as peppy but still plenty of power riding two up and loaded for a three week jaunt. Have fun!!