Driving GL1000 at higher altitudes

[Bill_Lakeville_MN]

Hey Guys,

I've got a ride scheduled for early August out to Colorado. Any difficulties do you think with riding at higher altitudes with a carbureted bike? I know snow mobile riders will re-jet their machines when using their sleds at higher altitudes. Any thoughts?

Thanks much,
Bill

Lakeville, MN

[virgilmobile]

I lived in Colorado with a gl1000.factory jets.It was fine till I rode way up in the mountains.
It struggled,gasping for air,reduced HP.
But I got by.
If I lived way up there,above 6k feet,I would have done the carbs like the sleds do but running the foothills most of the time,it wasn't necessary.most of Colorado is around 5-6 k feet up.The stock carbs seemed fine for that.
I did notice the difference when I brought it to 60 feet.

[Bill_Lakeville_MN]

Well I do plan on coming back via Estes Park which is at 7500 feet. I'm guessing though, if I'm not pushing it, and I won't have a passenger, it should handle it for the brief period of time?

Thanks for the feedback!

Bill

Lakeville, Mn

[Bill_Lakeville_MN]

By the way, how is Hwy 34 up through Estes Park to ride?

[virgilmobile]

It's been a few years.We camped out all over the mountains including Estes park.
The roads were never a issue and generally better than here in Louisiana.
Just don't try to push it.I had a great week just lolly gagging about.
The bike never coughed once.
Well maybe going over the pass at 12k feet it did a bit.

[virgilmobile]

One thing,you might try running a bit higher octane fuel in the mountains.Mine did ping a little under a heavy load.Up hill,no tail wind,2 up and fully loaded.
I just slowed it down a bit.Sheesh,even I don't breath well at that altitude.

[Placerville]

I live at 2,050' AGL. I routinely ride between 2K' and 7K' AGL without any performance issues. I have electronic ignition and always run regular fuel.