I am looking to upgrade my XT225 to the new KLR. I know that the extra power will be great, as the XT really struggles on even a slight incline at 6000 ft. Will the new KLR, with carbs, get me over any and all passes in Colorado?

I haven't ridden the 08's but the 07 and down will, some rejet the carb and adjust it for the altitude.So I would think the 08 would be about the same.

I just took my 08 KLR on its first adventure....a 200 mile run up Highway 88 to Bear River Reservoir, CA via back roads...Highest evelavtion was 6,600 feet...I'm at 50 feet at home.....seemed to have alittle less power, highway more noticeable than off road....Of course I've only ridden a total of 500 miles and it is a DIFFERENT type of ride than my Harley.....I don't think I'll change the carb...maybe the gearing.....The bike never stumbled due to the altitude... All in all agreat time....hope this helps

I am looking to upgrade my XT225 to the new KLR. I know that the extra power will be great, as the XT really struggles on even a slight incline at 6000 ft. Will the new KLR, with carbs, get me over any and all passes in Colorado?

Will the bike be loaded?
Are you heavy or a lightweight?
Will you ride the passes if there are torrential rains or will you wait for clearer skies?

There are a lot of variables.

I live at 5000' and ride up to 8000' with stock carb. No problems.
These things are a little lean anyway so more altitude will cause you to run a little richer. No need to rejet for short rides that high. You may consider it if you do a lot of high speed stuff.
I use the slab just to get to the dirt.

Have fun.
John

I am looking to upgrade my XT225 to the new KLR. I know that the extra power will be great, as the XT really struggles on even a slight incline at 6000 ft. Will the new KLR, with carbs, get me over any and all passes in Colorado?

I'm in Colorado right now, and come here often. I bought my KLR at sea level (and live in Florida). I keep thinking of a jet kit and pipe but for now it is bone stock. The only problem is the idle. I have to increase the idle or it will die. So far it has been over a number of passes at 11,000' and seems happy. I'm sure it would run stronger with a jet kit but for now it does fine. (300lb payload.)
OBTW, I get 50 mpg here, and so does my fuel injected bike. I'm not sure why.
Seems like it should be rich with thinner air, but it doesn't translate that way.

I think the KLR is above average for running stock at high altitude. I sometimes swear it runs better!

I snapped the clutch and pulled a good wheelie on top of Pike's Peak (14110 ft) just to spite my Dad on his struggling XR. He does have a flat slide carb in it and didn't change jetting so that only compounded his elevation issues.

But no, I have been to Colorado at all elevations on about every pass you can name (that's not in Oaray, haven't been down there yet) and it has run great with completely stock setup.

Will you ride the passes if there are torrential rains or will you wait for clearer skies?
.

Forgive me, Im new to the KLR. Havent owned a carbed bike in years. How will the ride be effected if there is rain? It rains alot here am I in for a surprise?

Forgive me, Im new to the KLR. Havent owned a carbed bike in years. How will the ride be effected if there is rain? It rains alot here am I in for a surprise?

No effect when riding in the rain.. I've ridden in absolute downpours and haven't had any issues other than a wet seat and wet feet..:)

I go to colorado every year and ride the off road passes up to 13000 ft and have no problems at all.Rain is no problem however,heated grips come in real handy.