Carb or EFI
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,913
Likes: 8
From: Darlington WI.
RE: Carb or EFI
Ive got both, my 05 Springer with EFI and my 87 Softail Chopper with a carb and the only advantage Ive found with the EFI is that when the temp get down in the 30's & 40's the EFI does start a bit better. But when it comes to gas mileage the carb kicks the EFI's butt. The EFI averages 41-43 mpg. and thats with the stage 1 and SERT. while my 87 with the carb pulls around 52 mpg. and thats running 10:1 pistons, cam and some head work and it will also out run the 05 so bad its not even funny. Also had a 93 Springer and that would run 56-58 mpg.
Banned Camp
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 526
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville, VA
RE: Carb or EFI
I have both: 05 Fatboy EFI and 03 Sportster Carb. The EFI is much easier to start. I also like the way EFI automatically adjusts at elevation. I took a carbed ATV to Colorado hunting a couple of years ago and it sucked at 11000 feet because it should have been rejetted for the high elevation. I didn't want to worry about changing the jets for a week of hunting. Guys w/EFI at high elevation just ride. They can't tell the difference because the brain automatically adjusts for the elevation. I sure wouldn't want that happening to a carb'd bike if I went out West.
But, I know there are a lot of old school dudes that still like carbs and that is fine too. Nothing wrong w/a carb.
I watched OCC build the Billy Joel Bobber. Billy has his own bike company where they take bikes from other manufacturers and pimp them with nostalgic style parts and accessories. He had a good quote "People like the way old things look, but they like they way new things work." I agree w/him. I like the old looking bikes, but like the way new ones work.
But, I know there are a lot of old school dudes that still like carbs and that is fine too. Nothing wrong w/a carb.
I watched OCC build the Billy Joel Bobber. Billy has his own bike company where they take bikes from other manufacturers and pimp them with nostalgic style parts and accessories. He had a good quote "People like the way old things look, but they like they way new things work." I agree w/him. I like the old looking bikes, but like the way new ones work.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 17
From: Williamsport, Pa
RE: Carb or EFI
a closed loop efi with good air cleaner and polished manifold would kick a$$ its just way to expensive but a cv carb is very easy to tune and very forgiving but definetly take the EFI
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 197
Likes: 23
From: Edmonds Wa
RE: Carb or EFI
The carb just sounds better
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
RE: Carb or EFI
Carb! I pull out the choke (fuel enricher in Moco speak), start, push in half way and ride off. It's simple, an electical glich won't bring me down and I like having a reserve for those long "off the beaten path" rides. Old school all the way!