Lookin' to buy a motorcycle for mtn. riding (how much, neighborhood)

[Dagumol]

Wife and I are looking to buy another bike. It's been a few years and I don't know much about how much power will be needed for two up riding (I spent the last 30 years in TX where it's pretty flat). The both of us together are a bit over 450 lbs. I do not like Harley's or Suzuki's; not old enough for a Goldwing either. I don't like bikes that make ya ride on your genitals (sport bikes). Don't care for BMW's because they all ride like a sport bike also.
I am mostly a Kawi-guy. I've owned three of 'em and they were all very dependable. What I am looking into is a Vulcan 1500 or 1600, Yamaha Venture 1300 with a V-4 and a Yamaha Road Star (both 1600 and 1700 models). Kinda slightly interested in the Honda VTX1800 (possibly 1300 if the power is there).
I am not seeking the biggest engine I can afford but something that is adequate without being just barely enough power. If I have to get out from beside some dude who's changing lanes without looking, I WANNA be able to get outta the way ASAP.
So I guess what I'm asking is does anyone have personal experience riding these machines (or another that I have not mentioned) in/on/around the Rockies? Also, if I get a bike that has carbs opposed to FI, would I need to adjust them as I get higher in altitude? Thanks for reading.

[proveick]

Don't forget you loose 3% of your power per 1000 feet elevation.
So if you ride in the high country (10,000 +) you loose 30%.
Carbs are fine (simple, easy to adjust) when jetted right, FI may have more electrical / mapping issues.
Here is a link to our forum, a really good resource.
The Rockies – It's all downhill from here... - ADVrider

[Dagumol]

Thanks for the info and the link.

[lurtsman]

Great research. For your neighbor's sake, please make sure the bike isn't loud when starting it. There is nothing like getting woken up in the middle of the night by someone coming or going with a loud vehicle. For safety sake I know you need the ability to let off some noise to tell other driver's to watch it, just not in the neighborhood

When you head up to the Rockies, feel free to take some photos of the sites and add them to the threads here. We have quite a few good shots by forum members showing off how beautiful the mountains are.

[Dagumol]

I only had one bike previously that had loud pipes on it and I didn't care too much for not being able to hear anything around me. I have always saw it as the bikers responsibility to ride where you are seen easily and not travel in someone's blind spots, etc. I think guys with loud pipes are boys seeking attention I am a very considerate person.