injection or carburettor
 

Hi all,

I am stuck between Honda TA and Suzuki DL650 or Yamaha XT. All three bikes are similar (OK, the DL650 is more road oriented then the other two) same engine size, similar price, 2 cyl, etc. However, only one of them is using carb, and other two injection. I have heard that bikes with injection are much more sensible to the quality of the petrol. Dirt and low octane may cause end of a journey. So, I am considering buying a TA. The only point is that the carbs consume more petrol then the injection ones.

I'll use the bike for RTW and not only tarmac.

Any recomendation will be helpful.

Thanks
ozhan u.

Strange enough I have experience with all of these 3 bikes in a way. So let me start;

XT660, the new version is monocylinder. I used to have the earlier XT600E. I can see the improvements, more responsive and stronger engine, decent headlight and dash (mine did not have the tachimeter), some wind protection. Probabily the most dirt inclined of the bunch. Only drawback the exhaust pipes are routed below the engine. Easy to hit. Probabily you can fix that with decent engine guard.
If you ride solo, don't mind slower speed on asphalt, and some vibrations I would have taken this one. With 175kg is lightest bike in the group.

Transalp, has been around for years. Bullet proof engine. Very few quirks. I had a 600cc version from 98. Very impressive bike. More roomy than XT better wind protection, twin V means less vibrations. Give it a good set of tires and same bike will take you over the mountain paths and highway at the same ease.
Heavier that the XT660 (191kg), lacks power on higway compared to DL.

DL650, now things start getting a bit exciting. After selling my TA I have purchased the DL1000. Reasons were, travelling 2 people I needed more space better performance and comfort. I did manage to go over dirt roads and gravel paths with DL1000. I have also tested the DL650 on a short ride.
Advantages of DL650: Powerfull engine compared the TA. Lot of space for 2 person to travel, solid engine.

On the other hand the front tire is 19" and others are 21". The bigger tire is an advantage at offroad. More Heavier that the X660E, (194kg)more or less same weight with TA.

I would have focused what type of riding I was going to do before choosing one. If it is a mix I would have gone DL. Add engine guard, crash bars, hand guards, chain oiler, side cases, cross bar at the steering, lighter outlet, some grip heaters.

If you are going to be prefering lesser traveled roads than XT660 would be the part.

On the other hand if you run into a cheap second TA even if it is pre 2000 (600cc) you may give it a try. The saved money can be spend to accessories and to trip.

Best of lucks
Burak
EMOK :: Enduro Motosiklet Kulübü

If i had a choice, i would definately go with injection! This is old tecknology now, and if your really worried, pack an extra injector. Sure, you can fix carbs...or can you? Try getting new needles and jets in Bolivia? Drowned float? O-ring kit? Bike will still run, but really s##tty! On the other hand, you will find shops that deal more with fuel injection than carburators these days. Ironicly, i had my carbs cleaned and outfitted with new o-rings in a fuel-injection shop in Medellin!?! I think the fuel savings and lack of tinkering at altitude speaks for itself. Just remember to keep the gas as clean as you can.

...now, how am i going to bodge those 1100 throttle-bodies onto my trusty ol'
r100?? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.................

Vote for carbs
 

Issue is, the injection systems are installed nowadays to comply with emission requirements, not to make bikes better. So, we end up with highy complicated fuel systems that need serious tinkering before real performance is reached (hp AND fuel economy).

Now, the pros for carbs:
- Bullet proof, on my XT's never had a carb going wrong in a party stopping way. Yes, float needles wear, easy to fix.
- Optimum mixture
- Easy to adjust for altitude (admit, most fuel injections do the same and easier)
- Simple
- Only breaks when you hit it with a hammer, no other way for it to go wrong
- Tends to be more economic with fuel, as injection systems are set for emissions

Cons for carbs:
- Higher tinker factor (this one might be in the pro-list BTW)

Then, add the vulnerability of the injection system:
- Fuel must be really clean
- The electrical fuel pump can (and eventually will) give out
- You need electrical power for it, so you add dependency on battery / charging system
- If it stops, you will be looking at nasty black boxes with wires sticking out of them, diagnosis impossible, unless of course that well-equipped bikeshop is around the corner

So, guess the choice depends on what kind of trip you are planning. If real reliability is required, go for the carburettor.

Auke

Not sure how easy it is to get the 1100 throttle-bodies to fit an airhead but there are other options. A few people have fitted carbs to the oilheads so it might be some parts somewhere but you ca also try:

http://www.silent-hektik.com/ICM_All_4.jpg

http://www.silent-hektik.com/Boxer_7.jpg

A bit pricey:
42 mm bodies (kit) 1897 €
45 mm bodies (kit) 1997 €
51 mm bodies (kit) 2297 €

thanks a lot for the posts.. were very useful.

burak, thanks for compering the bikes, however you didnt write anything about the main issue: carb or injection :) Anyway, even so, comperison was very good and useful. i wanna get a brand new one. my last trip was with a '97 F650 and the engine blew up in Istanbul, couldn't go further.

mr.ron, i might fix a carb (i had a f650 pre2000). so would be much more reliable for me. thanks for compering the carb and inj. as well.

i think:
and the oscar goes to
to
to
to
CARBBBBBBBBB!!
clap clap calp.


hope to see you on the road
ozhan u.