Triumphrat

dkreidel · 01-08-2009, 01:24 AM

I don't want to start another EFi/carb war, but I rode my 2009 EFI Bonnie for a couple hours today after riding several hundred miles on my carb T100 last weekend. There is no doubt the EFI is smoother, quicker and all around runs better. I have no axe to grind guys - I own and love a lot of Carb'd Triumphs. Go to the dealer and take a test ride and see for yourself.

Dick

sodapop · 01-08-2009, 02:38 AM

That's good to know. I'm looking to pick up a Bonnie sometime this year and wasn't sure if I should get an older carbed version or the new EFI. I hope more EFI owners will post up their comments and views of the new EFI models.

crash&burn · 01-08-2009, 04:14 AM

What are we going to talk about on this site if everyone gets FI, no more Iv'e got 195 mains & 62 Pilots & you have only got 140 & 42 Yeah I am the man

mikeinva · 01-08-2009, 06:52 AM

If you want a stock bike and dont want to do much to it the efi might be the way to go.But the after market hasnt caught up to the carb bikes yet so if you want a faster bike right now and plan on building it up the carb bike is better,there is alot better stuff out there that wont work with the efi bike yet.

modre · 01-08-2009, 07:25 AM

the benefit of carbs is ability to diagnose and fix on the side of the road. for the handy, this makes all the difference in the world. if you were going to war, running around the world without a support team/camera crew, or on a budget, then reliance on a social system for a crank sensor, O2 sensor, or engine management module is a bigger problem than a simple dirt in the jet orifice fix or leaking float valve.

if you aren't one who appreciates this difference, then FI is fine.

the KISS principal still remains long term wisdom.

the 2 major success stories were the Model T and the VW Bug designed specifically to benefit the consumer...today the auto industry is in trouble.

think about that.

Scrambler57 · 01-08-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkreidel

I don't want to start another EFi/carb war, but I rode my 2009 EFI Bonnie for a couple hours today after riding several hundred miles on my carb T100 last weekend. There is no doubt the EFI is smoother, quicker and all around runs better. I have no axe to grind guys - I own and love a lot of Carb'd Triumphs. Go to the dealer and take a test ride and see for yourself.

Dick

Thanks Dick! As an unhandy guy who just wants to change his own oil, lube his chain, and ride when I get my EFI Scram, I'm happy to hear that from an experienced, mechanically savvy guy who owns both.

dkreidel · 01-08-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modre

the benefit of carbs is ability to diagnose and fix on the side of the road. for the handy, this makes all the difference in the world. if you were going to war, running around the world without a support team/camera crew, or on a budget, then reliance on a social system for a crank sensor, O2 sensor, or engine management module is a bigger problem than a simple dirt in the jet orifice fix or leaking float valve.

if you aren't one who appreciates this difference, then FI is fine.

the KISS principal still remains long term wisdom.

the 2 major success stories were the Model T and the VW Bug designed specifically to benefit the consumer...today the auto industry is in trouble.

think about that.

I sort of agree: my airplane has a carburetor, all of my other bikes have a carburetor, even my lawnmower has a carburetor. They are simple to tune and diagnose, and cheap and easy for almost anyone to work on. When the constant vacuum carbs first came out (on Hondas in the late 70's - mid 80's ??) there were lots of problems, and anyone who has worked on SU carbs from an English car would no doubt disagree with you. I have **LOTS** of issues with the Amal Monoblocks on my two '66 Bonnies, and often swear I'm going to dump them and install Amal Concentrics like on my '68. My point is 1) as carbs age they become an issue and are very difficult to diagnose and repair and 2) just because you can't easily repair a FI system under a shade tree doesn't make it a bad system if it never breaks, and lastly 3) the FI provides a better riding experience.
My 2009 has a Power Commander on it, and i saw how incredibly easy it was to alter the A/F ratio via a PC/USB cable and dial it in perfectly across the RPM range under varying loads. I've spent more than 40 years tuning Triumph vertical twins - anything from stock to full race - and the future isn't carbs - it is FI. Go ride one - especially one with a Tune Boy or a Power Commander - and tell me it doesn't run smoother and better than your carb bike. I concede you can't fiddle with it in the traditional sense, but you sure can download the myriad of Bonneville specific A/F maps that Power Commander(Dynojet) is posting on their website **for free** to try different A/F ratios.

Dick

dkreidel · 01-08-2009, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeinva

If you want a stock bike and dont want to do much to it the efi might be the way to go.But the after market hasnt caught up to the carb bikes yet so if you want a faster bike right now and plan on building it up the carb bike is better,there is alot better stuff out there that wont work with the efi bike yet.

Yep, I agree with what you say. But the aftermarket guys are really moving fast, and there is lot of EFI experience (including Triumph) that the aftermarket is drawing upon.

Dick

mikeinva · 01-08-2009, 12:50 PM

I think when and if someone comes out with bigger throttle bodies and the right map for them and some open pipes with no cat. Then the efi can be made as fast as the carb bikes.carbs and efi on stock bikes dont flow enough air on to feed these motors what they need to make real hp .You buy bigger carbs easy now.EFI dont make alot more hp then flat slide race carbs do anyway.

dkreidel · 01-08-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeinva

I think when and if someone comes out with bigger throttle bodies and the right map for them and some open pipes with no cat. Then the efi can be made as fast as the carb bikes.carbs and efi on stock bikes dont flow enough air on to feed these motors what they need to make real hp .You buy bigger carbs easy now.EFI dont make alot more hp then flat slide race carbs do anyway.

Agreed, it is cheaper and easier to make big HP with carbs right now. That may change, and faster than you think because there are a lot of bike EFI systems and clever young people who know the ins and outs of the associated electronics. When all is said and done, EFI won't bring any more horsepower to the party - but it will offer improved rideability and (you may not agree) it is actually really simple. A Kia or Hyundai has EFI. Most people on this board, and the large percentage of Triumph twin riders who aren't on here are interested in fun, reliable riding and not squeezing the last HP out their bikes. I'm an old graybeard who still keeps one magneto on my airplane engine because I don't 100% trust the electronic ignition on the top plugs. I don't have the Boyer electronic ignition on my 60's Triumphs; I prefer the reliable and comprehensible Lucas points and condenser. But I am warming up real quick to the EFI on the 2009 Bonnie :>))

My Kawi W650 used to develop ice in the carburetors during certain weather conditions, and the carb heaters couldn't keep up with the ice that developed in the venturis. Another advantage of EFI : no venturi=no ice.

Dick