EFI vs Carb

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Dec 13, 2005 | 04:42 PM

#11

MegaHDman

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RE: EFI vs Carb

Quote:

ORIGINAL: rde

I'm considering a new 2006 FLSTF. What are the pros and cons of going with EFI? I know the maintenance is higher on fuel injected engines, but performance should be increased. What are other considerations? At most I will probably only add HD slip on slash down mufflers and change the stock wheel option.

I appreciate any thoughts. I am not mechanically inclined enough to really know the advantages beyond the small performance improvement.

I own a few FI and carb'd model bikes. Both have their advantages. If your a tinkering type of guy or plan on doing alot of motor upgrades, a carb'd model may be better suited for you. Carb's are simple,easy to tune and dont require downloaded maps or proficiency in computers to get your bike operating right. If you have alot of experience with carb's you may be better off with a carb'd model.

FI, offers on average easier starts and a smoother running bike through more precise metering of fuel. Downside (this can change as technology comes to market) to FI bikes is that if you do alot of motor upgrades, you will need to reflash the computer to update the ignition and fuel maps of the bike. Many times, the new uploaded maps will not work correct for your bike. There are options like going with aftermarket fuel and ignition controllers, but again you need to be proficient at understanding how they run.

IMO FI bikes have more "potential" upside to them. But currently the ECM's for the bikes are rather limited and there are only a small number of competent tuners that really know how do dial your ECM for maximum performance with the aftermarket options available.

For the DIY tinkerer: The advantage goes to a carb'd bike.
For the Just ride and not worry type who doesnt plan on doing alot(or no engine mods) of engine mods, then the advantage can probably go to FI.

As technology develops, and dealer/ end user compentency increases, the edge will more and more over time favor the FI bikes.

Dec 13, 2005 | 07:03 PM

#12

1200c

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RE: EFI vs Carb

Here's the biggest thing that gets you with FI; stage 1. The majority of bikes on here have had the a/c replaced and pipes/mufflers changed. With a carb it will cost you some elbow grease and $10 in jets. With FI it will cost you $150 for a map from harley or $300 for a power commander to do a custom map.

Dec 13, 2005 | 07:09 PM

#13

rde

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RE: EFI vs Carb

Thanks for all the information. Sounds like EFI is the better choice for me.

Dec 13, 2005 | 11:45 PM

#14

phatboy_boy

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RE: EFI vs Carb

The air must be purer up here

'cause that's what I do also. I think there is a thread on the forum supporting the "enricher to start and throttle lock the grip, push enricher in"'. Less plug foul...longer engine life etc.....anyway, I bought into it. Thanks for listening..