Carburator Harley models?
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 858
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From: USA
Carburator Harley models?
I don't know much about Carburator models Harleys, I only had one from 1986 which it was an FXLR model, sold it due to constant leaking issues etc but it was a fun bike. Anyway, my INDY prefers carburator models instead of the fuel injected models. He said that you can do more with them
He wasn't very specific but since I dropped off my bike today to get some major work done (110 kit, headwork, cams, dyno, diamon cut, etc etc) I figured I would inquire since I've been on the market for a decent used/pre-owned bike.
He said that if I was going to buy used to get a carburator model. Anybody care to chime in?
He wasn't very specific but since I dropped off my bike today to get some major work done (110 kit, headwork, cams, dyno, diamon cut, etc etc) I figured I would inquire since I've been on the market for a decent used/pre-owned bike. He said that if I was going to buy used to get a carburator model. Anybody care to chime in?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,255
From: San Diego, CA
I'm old school too. I remember reading plugs and changing jets, etc.
While I am gaining an understanding of the new ECM/fuel injection school, I am far from expert.
It appears the amount of input on the settings and control of the combustion process over the entire rpm range, compared to a carb, sure seems to be light years ahead with the new technology.....
That would have to lead to a better, more efficient tune... just my 2 cents
PS... I remember working on the SU2 carb on my 1978 FXS. I got it dialed in after adding cams and the bike was running awesome. I was putting down the highway admiring my work when it started to sputter. Hmmm, maybe the choke somehow kicked on. I reached down to check the choke and the carb came off in my hand.... forgot to tighten the clamps.... That hasn't happened to me on any of my FI bikes yet!
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 4, 2013 at 01:32 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
+2.. the current version EFI is pretty dandy, but there are considerations
I do constantly see big twins with EFI aftermarket "tuners", that clearly are not running well---blowing soot out the back, getting 30 MPG.
etc.
So it comes down to the tuner/builder/tech and the tuning device.
I have a CV carb on my 88 FXRP and it works really well- I've had other bikes with CV carbs and they can be great.
I've also see carbed bikes which were not tuned correctly and blew soot out the back and got 30 MPG.
much of this comes down to the talents of the tuner and the owner to recognize a good or bad running condition.
Looking at a older used bike- the early EFI was a mess and a carb would be much easier to set up, probably get better power and MPG.
Less expensive to service and maintain
I would suggest that any EFI pre 2007 is not worth having on a bike.
The CV carb was phased out after 2006- so given my druthers, carb or early version delphi or magnetti marelli efi, I'd be getting a carb.
and I would much prefer a Keihin CV carb over a Mikuni or S&S.
The Keihin CV carb self compensates for changes in air density due to altitude or temperature- the others do not- you may sometimes hear of guys having to change jets or needles when touring. ( I had to do this when taking my BMW R60/6 from KC to Denver)
I've covered below sea level to over 10,000 feet and not needed to change a thing on the CV carb
mike
I do constantly see big twins with EFI aftermarket "tuners", that clearly are not running well---blowing soot out the back, getting 30 MPG.
etc.
So it comes down to the tuner/builder/tech and the tuning device.
I have a CV carb on my 88 FXRP and it works really well- I've had other bikes with CV carbs and they can be great.
I've also see carbed bikes which were not tuned correctly and blew soot out the back and got 30 MPG.
much of this comes down to the talents of the tuner and the owner to recognize a good or bad running condition.
Looking at a older used bike- the early EFI was a mess and a carb would be much easier to set up, probably get better power and MPG.
Less expensive to service and maintain
I would suggest that any EFI pre 2007 is not worth having on a bike.
The CV carb was phased out after 2006- so given my druthers, carb or early version delphi or magnetti marelli efi, I'd be getting a carb.
and I would much prefer a Keihin CV carb over a Mikuni or S&S.
The Keihin CV carb self compensates for changes in air density due to altitude or temperature- the others do not- you may sometimes hear of guys having to change jets or needles when touring. ( I had to do this when taking my BMW R60/6 from KC to Denver)
I've covered below sea level to over 10,000 feet and not needed to change a thing on the CV carb
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jun 4, 2013 at 04:21 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I love my CV carbed bike. Runs flawlessly, idles slow(er) and it has never let me down. My indy is old school and he tunes it for me perfectly. Who care if I have to pull the enricher **** for 30 seconds. Plus I can push start if I have to!
"The Keihin CV carb self compensates for changes in air density due to altitude or temperature- the others do not" So true, I have ridden in CO up to 12K feet with no issues at all.
Right now I have no desire for EFI with this set up. Just me I guess
"The Keihin CV carb self compensates for changes in air density due to altitude or temperature- the others do not" So true, I have ridden in CO up to 12K feet with no issues at all.
Right now I have no desire for EFI with this set up. Just me I guess
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
I have no issues with my carb. I'm a firm believer in the KISS mind set of Keep It Simple Stupid. The more crap the can go wrong, the more goes wrong. I can rebuild my carb a hell of alot compared to trouble shooting and repairing an EFI problem. Just sayin'
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 134
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From: Illinois
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 18
From: Beautiful SW Missouri Ozark Mountain Country
Not to mention you can rebuild it in a parking lot anywhere. Nothing against EFI models, but there is so much you just can't do outside a shop. But I'm old-school too.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
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From: TOAK western branch
But with a code reader you can diagnose and make more adjustments than you can with a carb. Sure I like carbs but FI is easy too. 119k on her and had to replace a few TPS sensors none of which left me stranded.