Fuel Injection....?

[phil on a fazer]

First off im not trying to start the "carbs vs FI" argument.

Im looking (and have been for ages) at getting a 2^nd bike. I want a dual sport or adventure bike (what ever you wish to call them) and it will probably be fuel injected (either a single or a twin…prob a single, for on and off road use)

Ive never been a fan of fuel injection. Why?...well, FI is a bunch of electrical sensors and injectors, and that means (to me anyway) when or if you have a problem you have to pay a stealer to sort it for you. (=$$$$$)

The carbs on my Fazer thou have been sound. Balance them here and there….maybe chuck some fuel additive in to clean them….once in a blue moon you can even take them out for a overhaul – easy!

I know the benifets of fuel injection but it’s the negatives that worry me. I know some people buy and sell bikes regurley but im the type of person that does as much research as poss, buy something and then keeps it for life. (like my trusty Fazer) 

So what "maintance" do you need to do to a fuel injected bikes…if any? Do the injecters need cleaning?....replacing?....checking? any one had any problems and had to have a dealer sort it out?

Im a simple person who likes simple things and bikes with fuel injection/ABS and so on just screams to me "this is gonna cost ya big somewhere down the line and if it breaks down in the middle of nowwhere you've got lesss chance of getting it fixed than a plain old simple bike". 

What are peoples views.....…do I need to change with the times & worry less? or earn more money so i can pay for the repairs?
 
Tar
Phil

[AdieR]

To be honest, most systems will be quite reliable. After a significant mileage, injectors will need to be removed and cleaned, but don't require any periodic checks. Many faults attributed to FI / engine management system faults are often due simply to the usual wiring faults (loose / corroded terminals, broken / chafed wires etc) - its important when fault-finding these systems that you don't go overlooking the basics. For example, a system may give a fault code relating to a particular component (eg code 34 "O2 sensor faulty"). Many people will assume the sensor to be faulty, buy a new one, and have the same problem - because the wiring to it is damaged and the ECU can't get a signal. The signals in these systems are tiny, and it doesn't take much to upset them and cause a problem.

I've always taken the view that if I don't understand whats going on underneath, I'll take some time to find out - maybe it'd be worth buying a couple of books or looking for a college course to get clued up on these engine management / FI systems? You'll certainly learn something from it, if you do it through college then you'll make some new mates, you might get a couple of beers if you can help your mates having trouble with their machines, and you might just enjoy it - or indeed, you may even be able to find a job or carve out a new career with it if you're so inclined.

[phil on a fazer]

I've always taken the view that if I don't understand whats going on underneath, I'll take some time to find out - maybe it'd be worth buying a couple of books or looking for a college course to get clued up on these engine management / FI systems?

Thats a good idea, I have seen some books actually. and lets face it, times are changing, engines are changing e.t.c
 
as i said the main thing that puts me off is if it goes wrong it will cost me big style, but from what I've been reading that don't go wrong often.
 
swings and roundabouts spring to mind.