H-D warns you not to idle down to low, although it sounds more like a Harley should, the oil presure drops and may starve some parts. I've got carbs, you can change things with out having to re-program anything, the carbs are usually set fat enough. Then again they aren't as efficient.

 

I've been tryin' to think of a good way to describe it... earthy! I like it. My father-in-law's Fat Boy is EFI, and my Heritage is carb'd. I could hear the difference, but couldn't quite describe it. His sounds more punchy, mine is more earthy and... airy sounding.

Oh, and I prefer basics, myself. Never owned an EFI bike. No character, no soul. Too easy, IMO. Just fire it up and go. Who wants that?!? LOL.

 

My carbed EVO Sportster liked to cough once in a while in 40 degree weather. Ever since I got a bike with EFI I prefer it. EFI seems alot quicker acceleration, less time to warm up. I wish they had the lower idle (shovelhead) sound but oh well.

 

I prefer EFI by a long shot, but I do respect and like how you said:

"Oh, and I prefer basics, myself. Never owned an EFI bike. No character, no soul. Too easy, IMO."

I think you're right, but I don't think I ever learned how to properly tune a carb, even after hours of reading manuals, experimenting, etc.

 

Carbs sound better and are easier to tune in your garage. That is exactly where the benefits stop. Comparing EFI to a carb is like comparing a horse and buggy to a car, IMHO.

 

I had my S&S Super E set real low for the idle, the thing sounded like a beast when I was stopped at lights and I loved it. But then a local wrench with a very good reputation explained to me that idling that low was taking a huge chance with the oil pressure, and that the idle should actually be in the 1000-1300 rpm range.

 

I've got both. Carb on the Sportster, EFI on the Deluxe. Carb is rejetted and EFI has a Fuel Pak. Both are reliable, however I like the EFI much better. It's easier to start in the cooler weather and it's a more modern method of fuel delivery.

 

I wonder if HD would have stuck with carbs if it weren't for EPA regulations. That had something to do with the migration, right? Is water cooling next? I heard the argument in the past when EFI first came out that an EFI bike isn't a real Harley. We seem to have gotten over that. Probably the same for every evolution of the engine.

No doubt the EFI is technically superior but for many, low-tech (or classic tech) = Harley. I'm not sure how practical that is.

 

Carb sounds so much better...Both my 80 and 01 sound better then my 06 the only problem is I still have the old twist the wick,pull the choke out problem with the 06.Dont care how many times I tell myself its EFI I still reach down for the choke and twist the wick....Getting better tho....It is nice to just turn key,wait a sec hit start and go...
As for sound nothing beats a Shov or Pan...

 

"The only thing i liked about FI bikes is that you dont have to warm them up before you take off" All aluminum headed engines without coolant should be warmed to operating temperature prior to riding. Off course, I don't practice what I preach but I at least take it where the bike will run without the enrichener all the wat out! I prefer carb cuz I don't have to hook-up a breakout box to anything to fix what's wrong.