Motorcycles - Page 157

Quote:

Originally Posted by otc 

Is there a big difference between fuel-injection and carbs on those bikes?
Carbs aren't really that complicated but not having to deal with carb maintenance and tuning sounds pretty sweet. I feel like fuel injection would also handle periods of non-use better than carbs.

If you're doing your own maintenance, there is a bit of a difference. Carb bikes are simpler mechanically and easier to work on because there are fewer electrical things to deal with - less stuff to disconnect when you change something. On the other hand, carburated bikes require a few minutes to warm up before riding where you're tapping the choke in as the engine heats up. If your bike is nice and loud like mine, sometimes this process can be a bit of a nuisance. The EFI Triumphs spring right to life and you can ride them right away.

Personally, I'm of the mind that simpler is better on two wheels and I get really into doing my own maintenance. For instance, on a carbed bike if you change the exhaust and remove the secondary air injection system and air box (a must for Triumphs), all you need to do to retune is slip the right jets in your carbs. On a fuel injected bike you need to get the fuel injection system remaped electronically. It's technically an easier process, but the problem with that is that the electronic remap will rarely give you as perfect of an air/fuel mixture as you'll get by doing it the analog way.

If you don't want to touch the carb, an experienced technician should be able to do the job in an hour or two. But it's easiest if you take it to a place that has a dyno machine. Wish I had one near me!