EFI or Carb???
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From:
RE: EFI or Carb???
I would save yourself the grief and just use the search function on this site, this is an endless topic and is being discussed right now on the general discussion forum, good luck. [sm=signs003.gif]
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From:
RE: EFI or Carb???
Just in case you want to save some time on doing a search you can take my advise and go with EFI. It's great if you're one of those people that like to have their bikes start right up the first time - every time!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From:
RE: EFI or Carb???
Not even a fair choice EFI EFI EFI I've owned many differant things with both. Carbs are touchy with Temp., Altitude, Moisture and countless other factors. If you want to ride and not think about other things go EFI. If you like putsing with something you probably should get the carb. Your choice.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 0
From: Central FL
RE: EFI or Carb???
I bought Carb. I don't want to have to take it to the stealer everytime it needs an adjustment. So far, no problems with starting. Haven't had it at high atlitudes (and probably won't) so I can't speak to that. I have seen a lot of posts that say "I don't want to have to play with the enricher to start it and then wait for it to warm up". I just don't get that at all. Pull out the enricher, start the bike, ride on. Works for me!
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Central NJ
RE: EFI or Carb???
Hey powerpro. I just ordered an '06 Softail Deluxe with a carb. I like carbs on motorcycles. The thought of my bike not firing up even 50 miles from home freaks me out. With a carb, I know that as long as there's fuel in the tank, juice in the battery, and air around the bike I'm starting up.
Here's my opinions on the pros and cons of EFI v Carb...
EFI PROS: You can tune it much more accurately, modern system, startups are a breeze, no adjustments necessary for different altitudes, well designed, better gas mileage.
EFI CONS: Dyno tunes are expensive, problems with the computer = a return trip to the dealer (possibly on a flat-bed), personal home tuning is tedious and more expensive (requires SERT and or PCIII with a computer and a little more than basic knowledge - although many tools exist to help you), computer can initiate engine knock (although I understand the SERT can cure this).
CARB PROS: Easy to work on, no computer to fail, overall they're cheaper to redesign or rejet or replace.
CARB CONS: Gotta use choke on startup, known to sputter more, harder to pinpoint tune, primitive (although effective) design.
Not a complete list, just off the top of my head. Any point there could be argued or challenged over and over. I just like the reliability of a carb, even though I admit that EFI is now probably equally reliable. According to my dealer HD won't offer carbs on big twins anymore starting with 2007. I don't mind taking 3 or 4 minutes to warm up my bike. I don't keep the choke on and foul the plugs, either. When I change the pipes, I pull off the air filter and rejet the carb. It requires a little knowledge, but I learned it in auto shop in 10th grade. So, to answer your question.. it's totally up to you. What do you prefer? I'll eventually wind up with an EFI bike. Just not yet. I'm not scared of em, I just still like the simplicity of a carb on a bike. Good luck.
Here's my opinions on the pros and cons of EFI v Carb...
EFI PROS: You can tune it much more accurately, modern system, startups are a breeze, no adjustments necessary for different altitudes, well designed, better gas mileage.
EFI CONS: Dyno tunes are expensive, problems with the computer = a return trip to the dealer (possibly on a flat-bed), personal home tuning is tedious and more expensive (requires SERT and or PCIII with a computer and a little more than basic knowledge - although many tools exist to help you), computer can initiate engine knock (although I understand the SERT can cure this).
CARB PROS: Easy to work on, no computer to fail, overall they're cheaper to redesign or rejet or replace.
CARB CONS: Gotta use choke on startup, known to sputter more, harder to pinpoint tune, primitive (although effective) design.
Not a complete list, just off the top of my head. Any point there could be argued or challenged over and over. I just like the reliability of a carb, even though I admit that EFI is now probably equally reliable. According to my dealer HD won't offer carbs on big twins anymore starting with 2007. I don't mind taking 3 or 4 minutes to warm up my bike. I don't keep the choke on and foul the plugs, either. When I change the pipes, I pull off the air filter and rejet the carb. It requires a little knowledge, but I learned it in auto shop in 10th grade. So, to answer your question.. it's totally up to you. What do you prefer? I'll eventually wind up with an EFI bike. Just not yet. I'm not scared of em, I just still like the simplicity of a carb on a bike. Good luck.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,460
Likes: 2
From: SouthEast Michigan
RE: EFI or Carb???
How long has Harley-Davidson been using EFI on their motorcycles? I would like to think that it has been long enough that all the bugs have been worked out and that the systems are as reliable as those on automobiles. Is this true?