How do cruisers perform at high altitude - riding in the Rockies?

Question

Is there anything special you do to prep your bikes for a summer up to the mountains?

Answer 1

Never been in the Rockies but if they are mountains then air is thinner, in that case the motors will run a bit richer, that's all.
They'll consume a bit more gas than usual but I wouldn't worry too much.
edit: if it's dusty, then the air filters might even block up a bit, making it even worse. Bring a set of new spark plugs :)

Answer 2

Well, if your bike is fuel injected.... no. The 'computer' should take care of that. If your bike has a carburetor, yes. You need to lean your fuel/air ratio, especially in the summer when the air is 'thicker' in the summer. Check your manual on how to do this if needed. If rich, your bike will tend to 'waste' plugs (dark deposits on spark plugs). Cruiser or not, it all depends on the fuel delivery system your bike is equipped with. There is LESS oxygen in higher altitudes. Therefore your bike will run RICHER (less oxygen, needs more AIR).

Answer 3

Generally speaking yes a bike will run different at high altitudes vs sea level....but I wouldn't recommend doing anything to your motorcycle BEFORE you get there...I recommend riding your bike up there for a bit ...see how it runs...and then if and only if it needs adjustment...go find a local dealer to tweak your bike into the proper adjustment

Answer 4

Definitely yes.
Riding from the east coast to Colorado, I generally
drop the needles on my carbs one notch before hitting the mountains. (BMW R-100)
Even on the western plains, (about 5000'),
you will experience an over-all performance decrease.
Be careful trying to pass, you won't have the
acceleration you're used to.
Remember at 10,000' you're above 1/2 the earths oxygen, and your bike feels it.
(So will you if you try anything strenuous.)