Ok, I promised you that my last word on EFI vs. Carb would be when I got my July issue of MCNews. They tested a carbed sportster in 2004 and in 2007 they have tested an EFI sportster. I have information about tq/hp, weight, 1/4 mile times, and fuel consumption.

2004 XL1200C
HP: 58.0
TQ: 68.7
1/4 mi.: 12.99 sec.
0-60: 4.58 sec.
Wet Weight: 585 lbs.
High Fuel economy: 46.6 mpg
Low Fuel economy: 40.4 mpg
Avg Fuel economy: 44.2 mpg

2007 XL1200N
HP: 57.2
TQ: 64.2
1/4 mi.: 13.21 sec.
0-60: 4.84 sec.
Wet Weight: 564 lbs.
High Fuel economy: 45.9 mpg
Low Fuel economy: 37.2 mpg
Avg Fuel economy: 40.7 mpg


First, I told you that the 2007 EFI bikes didn't make anymore power than the carbed models and that is proven by the posted hp/tq numbers. Although, the 2007 EFI bike shows .8 less hp and 4.5 less tq. I would say they are within range to say neither engine produces more power. However, in this particular instance the carbed bike made more power.

Second, the fuel economy is suppose to be better with EFI, but the data doesn't reflect this. Instead, it proves my own personal experience. Although a 2004 bike used a carb its average fuel economy was higher by 3.5 mpg. It also had a better high fuel economy number as well as a low fuel economy number.

Third, although the nightster has a weight advantage of 21 lbs (because of chopped fenders and other body work) it was unsuccessful at getting a faster 1/4 mile time than the carbed model. The EFI bike was slower by .22 seconds (insignificant, but surprising considering the weight advantage).

So there you have it. Data from a reliable third party source. Take it or leave it.

 

Based on 2007 EFI Sportster owners and their comments in other threads, I'll take it...

 

Wow, the HP & touque numbers really don't surprise me at all, what does is the fuel economy numbers. Knowing that the 07's went to EFI to meet the EPA requirements which leaves the stock 07 bikes running anemicly leaner from the factory thanthe 04 models did, the high fuel economy numbers are surprising.

More over the high fuel economy mileage numbers listed for the 04 are 5-6 MPG lower than I consistantly get on my Stage 1 04 with larger jets crusing at 75MPH.

Somehow, I think this will not be, "The Final Word"

 

By the way 1200c, thanks for posting the data.

 

Just to add to the confusion, here are the mileage figures as shown by Harley;

Carb'd 2006 1200C ~ 52.0 Highway ~ 45.0 City

Carb'd 2006 883C ~ 57.0 Highway ~ 48.0 City


EFI 2007 1200C ~ 57.1 Highway ~ 42.4 City

EFI 2007 883C ~ 59.7 Highway ~ 45.0 City

I don't know.....[8D]

 

I know it is still better than my 10 MPG truck [:@]

 

Couldn't agree with you more; which is what I also tried to tell others myself in my own way, in another thread.

I think a carb can get even a lot better mileage than that, too, like mine does.

Also, try taking apart and fixing/cleaning your EFI on the side of the road, like a carburetor.

Carbs rule!...

 

I have both carb'd and EFI vehicles, so I'm not defending either.

But......

I would imagine most of the people in this forum are driving cars and trucks with EFI, and have been doing so for a number of years.

When was the last time you can recall that your vehicle was parked on the side of the road while you were 'cleaning/fixing' it's EFI system? Probably not very often...

For that matter, how many people have the knowledge, or carry all the required equipment with them, to stop on the side of the road and 'clean or fix' a carb that has gone bad.

Probably 99.999% of all breakdowns on the road (bike, car, or truck) result inthe rider/driver calling for a tow or other type of assistance.

 

Are you guys really that worried about gas mileage on your bike?

Also, I would still rather have the EFI for its ease of starting, no choke, etc... than the carbed model even if it has a little less HP and gets a few less miles to the gallon. For me, the trade off is worth it.

And I have a 1972 XLH with an S & S carb on it and know the pain in the butt that can be.

 

If you're way out in the boonies on a mountain run or something, chances are your RUB cell phone won't work too well. In a case like that, fixing stuck floats on your carb or something like that would be a lot easier than trying to figure out and fix something on an EFI system.

All you need to R&R a carb on a Sportster is a couple of allen wrenches, a couple of screw drivers, and a pair or two of pliers, something that most bike tool kits carry or should carry.

If people trust a cell phone and a tow service so much, then perhaps they shouldn't have a tool repair kit in their bags, then. Just carry your cell phone and phone book and credit card, then, and good luck to ya.

Personally, I've never called a tow service in my life, other than one night when I blew 3 tires on my car. I had no choice, then. I would therefore be willing to bet that you're "99.999%" figure is way off, but heck, what do I know anymore these days. I just have a feeling that you run with a rich crowd and can afford such a thing all the time these days. 'Nothing wrong with that, if you can afford it.My friends and I do most of the wrenching on our vehicles, though,and always have. I've never been more than a lowly construction worker and mechanic in my life.