High Altitude, High Performance: 3 Essential Upgrades for Your Harley in Colorado
Colorado's stunning mountain roads are a Harley® rider's dream, but the high altitude can present a challenge. But riding at our higher elevations can lead to a noticeable drop in horsepower and a less-than-optimal ride. Fortunately, with the right upgrades and expertise, you can ensure powerful performance for your Harley-Davidson®. At Sun Harley-Davidson®, we’re the experts at making sure your bike is ready for the unique demands of high-altitude riding. Submit a service request!
The Science of Altitude
Your engine requires a precise mix of fuel and air to generate power. At higher elevations, the air pressure is lower, and the air is less dense. This means that for every intake stroke, your engine takes in less oxygen than it would at sea level. Less oxygen leads to an overly rich fuel-to-air mixture, which results in a loss of horsepower, a sluggish throttle response, and reduced fuel efficiency.
The Performance Air Cleaner
The first step to unlocking your bike's potential in the mountains is to upgrade its air intake. A high-flow air cleaner, like a Screamin' Eagle® Performance Air Cleaner Kit, is designed to allow more air to flow freely into the engine's combustion chamber. By providing a less restrictive path for air, you can compensate for the thinner atmosphere
The Performance Exhaust
A performance exhaust system with a less restrictive design helps your engine expel gases more quickly, reducing back pressure and allowing the engine to operate more freely. Whether you prefer the deep rumble of a 2-into-1 system for maximum performance or the classic look and sound of another style, a performance exhaust is a critical piece of the high-altitude puzzle.
The Engine Tuner
Using an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) tuner, such as the Screamin' Eagle® Pro Street Tuner, allows us to precisely remap your bike's fuel-to-air ratio. This optimizes your engine for the specific elevations and the new performance parts you've installed. Just make sure you trust our Harley-Davidson® services experts for installation!
Ready for the Rockies
Don't let the thin air hold you back from enjoying all the incredible roads Colorado has to offer. With these three essential upgrades, your Harley-Davidson® will perform stronger and more reliably at any elevation. Get your bike ready for its next mountain adventure and schedule an appointment today!