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[dicko]

Last week while riding in the Dixie National Forest in Utah we managed to climb to above 10,000 feet.  Although the ride was wonderful, I learned two things:
1. Harley's don't run worth a crap at over 10,000 feet.  Twist the throttle and nothing happens unless you kick it down at least two gears.
2. Spring hasn't come to the mountains yet.  I live at 3,000 feet in the desert near Las Vegas and we've already had 100 degree days but up on the mountain in Utah they are still running snowmobiles.  Who knew?
     -Dick-

[Wraith]

Sorry to hear you couldn't feel the fun over 10K.  I line in Denver metro and frequently find myself (intentionally) over 10K and never have issues like you mention, maybe you just need to get there more often or stay a little longer... Seriously though they don't like a short transition to the high country and that may be all you felt.

Silver Wraith

[grc]

Last week while riding in the Dixie National Forest in Utah we managed to climb to above 10,000 feet.  Although the ride was wonderful, I learned two things:
1. Harley's don't run worth a crap at over 10,000 feet.  Twist the throttle and nothing happens unless you kick it down at least two gears.
2. Spring hasn't come to the mountains yet.  I live at 3,000 feet in the desert near Las Vegas and we've already had 100 degree days but up on the mountain in Utah they are still running snowmobiles.  Who knew?
     -Dick-

The same is true of any naturally aspirated engine.  As altitude increases, air density decreases.  Less air is ingested, the engine management system reduces the amount of fuel injected to match the amount of air, and the amount of power is reduced.  At least with modern systems the adjustment is automatic.  The old systems would just run too rich and really run like crap.

Jerry

[ltank]

I have used the 40mm CV carb up there years ago with no problems.  They are self adjusting to some degree for altitude. My S&S Super E did not fair so well as the CV carb at 8500 ft. My Super E was fine at 6500 ft.

[willyB]

Making power at altitude is a bitch.