I get about 48 MPG on my 2007 EFI 1200 Sportster. I have never had a problem with my FI and I have already put over 23,000 miles on my bike.

 

But with the price of gas the way it is, I was looking into getting a FE bike

If you reach a point where mpg is *really* important to you, maybe you should get a bike that is known for its mpg.

As you know:

Smaller, slower, lighter, higher compression, are better for mpg. All things being equal, a single will do better than a multi. I don't know about mpg on an efi bike, but I imagine it would be desireable on any motorcycle. I expect it would give better mpg (it does typically on cars), because it very probably achieves closer to the Stoichiometeric 'best burn' mixture. Also, these days, with ECM's that you can tune yourself, and wide-band O2 sensors, you can run leaner at cruise if ya wanna too.

GeoB

 

I've got a 2001 1200 Sportster and I'd have to run it harder than my normal riding to get under 50 MPG and it has a carb. I just checked and it is reading 134 miles and not on reserve yet, with the small tank. The FI ones do not seem to give any issues to my knowledge. I like both and have both.

 

The main advantage carbs give you, is the ability to run pretty much ALL grades of fuel with little or no hit in performance. Often you'll find that your mpg is lower with premium fuel, since the octane is higher (it's like adding more ethanol to your gas--it burns cleaner and a little hotter, but drops your mileage by about 10%). You do need to choke and warm up your engine before riding, as well as have your carbs synched every year (since most bikes today run multiple carbs), but this is something you can actually do yourself.

Injectors allow you to start the bike and pretty much go, without having to warm it up. They are more finicky about fuel used, as well as additives. Over time, they can become plugged or partially blocked, and you won't know it until the engine just begins to run like a tub of ****. Then you get to run FI cleaner through it and listen to it try to beat itself to death. It's also far more electronic and less user-serviceable (as in when you're out on the road).

 

FI engines are way more dependable than carbed engines, yes it's more expensive when they go down, but they don't go down as often.

 

Well, NASCAR engines use carburetors. If they're not as fuel efficient as FI, the teams wouldn't be using 'em.

 

Or, more importantly, as responsive. Unlike EFI, there's NO lag or latency between throttle blip and engine grip. Even if it's a microsecond, that lag can feel like an eternity when you need the power NOW.

EFI is another attempt to shut out the shadetree mechanic in favor of the overpaid profession union version.

 

Better Gas Mileage?! You'd think so BUT....?!

IMO, I would say EFI's (Electronic Fuel Injection) greatest forte is it's ability to allow manufacturers to meet current U.S. Federal Emission Standards. Unlike normally aspired carbureted engines, EFI can further articulate the incoming fuel mixture to a degree that conventional Butterfly (or even Constant Velocity) carburetor equipped engines cannot. Further taking into account (at least most more sophisticated EFI systems) ambient and engine temperatures, altitude (CV does too but only to a point…), engine load (more so then a Vacuum Advance can…) and so forth. Mind you, at least that’s what THEY (the manufacturers) keep tellin’ us. Myself I’ve as yet to realize any (personal) benefit from this complicated mess! But I’m trying to keep an open mind more so these days, especially with the acquisition of an EFI equipped Victory a year ago. Still, I’ve been ‘arguing’ with a EFI equipped Pontiac for the past 10 years now and my wife has said enough! Nuff’ said?!

LRG

Let’s Help Those Who Truly Can’t Help Themselves: Save a LIFE by making a donation to the STURGIS ANIMAL SHELTER at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/SD02.html Your Karma will thank you and so will the Critters!

 

I will say that it is nice to just turn the key on and go with the FI. Nothing else to remember to do. My carb model, you turn the gas on ,choke it ,and start it, and warm it up. After one block I have to remember to push the choke in. The carbed sporty gets 50 plus MPG any day any way so it is worth it to me.

 

If you think pulling and pushing the choke once after starting the bike is too much hassle...

 

No, but I know of one rider that got hit by a car because he forgot to turn the gas on and it died at the wrong time.

 

I think FI gives better mileage, but also important if you're a touring rider and find that you're elevation will be changing drastically, FI is sorta self adjusting for the conditions.A carb might not perform as well at 5000 ft as at sea level without rejetting.

 

I'm getting the impression though so far that not all EFI systems are created equal?! My 2000 Victory doesn't have a Fuel 'Valve' (sorry, the correct word is NOT allowed in here, go figure?! ) which is a real pain when removing the Fuel Tank. But it does have a 'Fast Idle' Lever (not a Choke Lever) on the Handlebar, and it definitely will NOT be started when cold without it! Also apparently Victorys do NOT have the additional EFI Sensor in the system for compensating for differences in Altitude?! Aw well....

LRG

Let’s Help Those Who Truly Can’t Help Themselves: Save a LIFE by making a donation to the STURGIS ANIMAL SHELTER at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/SD02.html Your Karma will thank you and so will the Critters!