Carb vs FI, (perhaps not what you think)

[Gene]

Ok, it's generally agreed that FI is more precise, runs better, is usually more trouble free.

But, what about repairs? New cats? Defective OBD2? (is that what they call it?)

Turbo bad?

I suspect that a carb bike is cheaper to repair.

If your state has smog checks, (Like Calif) does that work with a OB2-type connector?

[Bob H]

FI is more precise, runs better, is usually more trouble free.

Right, If you store a bike, the Fuel Injection is much less prone to the issues that affect carbs.

Fuel doesn't evaporate or clog "jets". Unpopular models may sit on a dealer showroom floor for a full year or more.
The components (ECU, Injectors, etc.) are pretty much as reliable as the ones in your truck or car.

If your state has smog checks, (Like Calif) does that work with a OB2-type connector?

California does not smog check motorcycles. I am not aware of any state that does.

[Larry Fine]

On the other hand, over on the ST-Owners forum, there are complaints with the ST1300 fuel-injection system, both in drivability and reliability, that do not plague the ST1100 carburetors.

[Larry Fine]

California does not smog check motorcycles. I am not aware of any state that does.

D.C. and adjacent counties in MD and VA do.

[Bob H]

...on the ST-Owners forum, there are complaints with the ST1300 fuel-injection system, both in drivability and reliability, that do not plague the ST1100 carburetors.

Right, with the ever-tightening emission regulations.
I was riding a Yamaha MT-09 for a while with a very abrupt "on-off" throttle from the factory Electronic Control Unit. I think it is a setting for Deceleration Cut-Off or something.

I was doing a long ride up the Pacific Coast Hwy, Big sur to San Francisco with lots of tight hairpin turns. The fueling was so bad I ended up just pulling in the clutch and trail braking until it was time to give her the beans again. I would have reflashed the ECU if I was going to keep that bike.

D.C. and adjacent counties in MD and VA do.

Wow that is crazy to test emissions on a motorcycle. And I would have thought the "Land of Fruits and Nuts" would have been the first to do it. We must have been busy with something else...

[Larry Fine]

I'll check with my Maryland GL1800-owner friend.

[Pete in PA]

I've had experience with carbs and FI on my bikes.
ST1300 100% reliability till I traded at 60k+ miles.  There was a mod I did to improve fueling that was a higher press. regulator.

FZ-07 and FJ-09 I had both ECU's flashed which completely transformed them with more power and smoothness. Got rid of that jerkiness.

Several carbed bikes I've rejetted to improve fueling.

Of course this is ALL a result of ever increasing emissions strangulation.

Here in PA cars are emissions checked once a year, a big $$$ grab is all. No motorcycle check.They hook up to the OBD2 and check for codes. You can't have a check engine light and all readiness monitors must be set to pass. Even stricter than CALI! You are allowed one not set!

I can't see how they could check bikes. The various FI systems are vastly different from each manufacturer. Not standardized like cars OBD2 system.

They would have to actually attach to the exhaust and check it.

[mollusc]

Remember that EFI is different from FI.
Turbos don't have anything to do with either of them.  Whole different system.
EFI can be programmed and adjusted much more easily than either carbs or FI.
As far as repairs go, I imagine in most cases you swap out parts on an FI/EFI system.  Maybe components like the pump or the injectors will be repairable, but that's not really any different from an electronic ignition system when you can either replace the entire CDI unit or replace plugs and wires.  EFI will probably even be able to point you to the exact part that is giving the trouble.
In a roadside situation, maybe carbs are more serviceable, but even that would be a stretch.

[Bob H]

In a roadside situation, maybe carbs are more serviceable, but even that would be a stretch.

I restored a few old sports cars, Austin Healy, MG's.
Your post reminded me that with those carbs, you were more likely to BE in a roadside situation - so yeah the carbs could be serviced more easily.

Meanwhile, my old Chevy Tahoe with 170,000 on the clock has never had any service required to Electronic Fuel Injection, or even the fuel filter.

[Larry Fine]

In five years with my '01 ST1100, and five months with the '96 ST1100, both bikes have performed flawlessly. They both start immediately, idle and accelerate perfectly, and have never hiccuped in any way.

[Bob H]

I restored a few old sports cars, Austin Healy, MG's.
Your post reminded me that with those carbs, you were more likely to BE in a roadside situation - so yeah the carbs could be serviced more easily.

To be fair, those old carbureted sports cars also had "points and condenser" ignition which was much more of a failure than the carbs.

• Lucas Electrics - Prince of Darkness.
• The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark."
• Lucas is the patent holder for the short circuit.
• Lucas - Inventor of the first intermittent wiper.
• Why do British like warm beer? (refrigerators are made by Lucas in the UK)

[Pete in PA]

Forgot to add: V65 Sabre, never touched the carbs for 80k+ miles, good thing heard they're a pain to pull.

83 650 Nighthawk 30k+ miles, never a carb problem.

[Larry Fine]

I was wrong: they do not have emission testing on bikes.

[Bob H]

Forgot to add: V65 Sabre, never touched the carbs for 80k+ miles

Now there is a bike with TONS of torque. Amazing V4 engine way back when.
I was able to trade off and ride one in the 80's but never owned one.

I did have a 1986 VFR 750, your bike had similar V4 with more displacement.