QuestionHello Mike, I am looking for an opinion on carb vs efi. I am a couple weeks from purchasing a new Harley. I am going to purchase a 2005 Road King Custom. Twin cam 88. I am a bit old fashioned, I HATE COMPUTERS! I am researching the carb vs efi debate. I personally want the carb but allot of guys swear by the efi. I can never get access to the Harley Mechanics, I really don't trust the salesmen, I would like the unbiased opinion, could you help me with this decision? My friend took a 10 day trip up to the high country this past summer and he said he could not tell any difference in the way his bike ran but the salesmen tell me I will have to retune any time I go to high altitudes.
Also, does the carb engine have a computer on the bike like the efi engine? If so what is the purpose?
I am an engineer so I have many questions!
Thanks for any insight you may give me,STEVE WATSON
AnswerFirst, you need to look at what you are going to do with the bike. If you the type of person that is going to ride the bike and not try to make alot of changes to the motor (cam, exhaust, air filter, etc.) then stick with the EFI. I myself own a EFI bike and have ridden it all over the US. It performs well and does not have a problem with altitude. The computer composates for altitude. You do not have to retune when you go to high altitudes. Remember, everytime you change somthing like above, the computer has to be reprogrammed. It doesnt know you made the changes!
Now if your the kind of guy that wants to add horsepower, change cams and make the bike a hotrod then go with the carb. Easier to work on and making jet changes are a breeze.
Yes, the carb has a computer, not like the EFI bike though. It works the advance and retard so you dont get pinging.
Hope this helps
Mike
