Moving to Colorado--Altitude Adjustment Needed?

[rugguy]

I am getting ready to move my 2000 Valk I/S (no mods) from Atlanta, GA to Colorado Springs, CO. I am pretty sure I don't have to worry about my Suzuki because it's FI. But how will six carbs on the Valk react to the altitude change? Atlanta is 1000 ft. above  sea level and CosCO is around 6000 ft.

If anyone has experience with moving their Valk like this I would love to hear your experiences.

Thanks.

[Moonshot_1]

Went to Colorado in June from Iowa. Didn't make any changes to the bike. AND THE BIKE LOVED IT!!
All the way up to Pikes Peak at 14+k feet! A tiny lack of power above 12k but not any problem at all.

No worries dude.

[hager the horrible]

Moved my 2000 interstate from Minn to Canon city Co 6yrs ago no mods necessary runs great!

[9Ball]

Having lived in Westminster, CO for 10 years and having bought my 1999 Standard new from Excel Honda on Colfax, I didn't have any issues with the altitude around Denver.  If you ride through Trail Ridge Rd or up to the top of Mount Evans you will notice a drop in power but still have plenty to get you through.  I found that the lowest octane grade ran noticeably better at these extreme altitudes....85 octane (which is regular unleaded in Denver area) ran the best in my bike.

Now living at roughly sea level in NJ the bike does feel to have a bit more power than when I lived in Denver, but the carbs didn't require any adjustments.  You shouldn't have to worry unless you notice an actual problem.

The Honda manual has guidance for setting the bike up to operate for those living above 6000 ft....in my opinion it's not necessary at your Colorado Springs altitude.

[Whooray]

Rugguy,     Misfit lives in Colorado Springs and I live just north of the Springs at 7300 feet elavation. You lose some of the power at this altitude but not to worry there is plenty left.
......when you get settled in please contact us so we can get together and give you a big welcome to Colorado. We can ride to the top of Mt Evans 11,200 ft paved all the way.  Looking forward to meeting you.     Raymond

[F6Dave]

At this altitude (I'm at 6,600 feet) the bike runs a bit richer because the air is 'thinner'.  Years ago that was a problem, because all vehicles ran fairly rich to begin with.  But companies leaned the mixture quite a bit to meet emissions regs and improve fuel economy -- that's why we got CV carbs and fuel injection.

You may or may not notice the drop in power, but it is real.  The usual rule is that you lose about 3% per 1,000 feet, so a trip up Pikes Peak has you down some 40%.  The upside is that it's always a thrill to travel to lower altitudes and feel the power gain!

Someone mentioned the lower octane fuel here.  Above 4,000 feet fuel companies sell gas that is about 2 points lower, so regular is 85, mid is 87, and premium is usually 91.  The theory is that with fewer molecules in a given volume of air, the effective compression is lower (which is true) and engines can use a lower octane.  I just hate paying mid grade prices for what is sold as regular a few hundred miles down the road.  My '98 Tourer runs fine on the 85 octane stuff, but my '99 Interstate will ping in hot weather without 87 octane.  Maybe the different ICM causes that.

[tonyfan70]

My own experience...

My bike was purchased in Wisconsin. Sold to family that lives in Boise ID. I know Cobra pipes and 6 degree wheel were installed and the bike was dyno tuned with a dynojet kit (I think is the brand).  Then the bike was bought by me and I live in central Illinois. I thought I might have to change things, but I have been perfectly happy with the way it runs.

I've gotten mpg's ranging from 20 when I'm frisky up to 35 when I'm 2up. Doesn't smoke or smell rich, not sure if it would be rich or lean anyway. I suppose I could have it thrown on a dyno and retuned for my locale, but I hate to mess with what I consider perfection.

[9Ball]

FYI, Boise elevation is only 2700 feet above sea level...only about half of Denver.  Shouldn't really notice much difference between Boise and central Illinois.

[MarkT]

Rugguy,     Misfit lives in Colorado Springs and I live just north of the Springs at 7300 feet elavation. You lose some of the power at this altitude but not to worry there is plenty left.
......when you get settled in please contact us so we can get together and give you a big welcome to Colorado. We can ride to the top of Mt Evans 11,200 ft paved all the way.  Looking forward to meeting you.     Raymond

Right on Ray - but add 3,000 to Mt Evans.  Very close to 14,200.  Didn't google to get exact but it's about a hundred higher than Pike's Peak at 14,100.

[rugguy]

thanks to all....can't wait to ride out there next weekend.
Whooray...I will get in touch as soon as I get bike off the trailer.....