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Difference between Fuel Injection and Carburetion in Bikes

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Published on May 19, 2020. EST READ TIME: 5 MIN

Bikes have undergone much technological advancement like fuel injection system with passage of time aimed at enhancing the performance of bikes and also to improve the driving performance. However just as we give importance to these technological advancements,we also need to get them security coverage by buying bike insurance.

Fuel Injection

The fuel injection system refers to the computer controlled fuel delivery system in bikes,based on many sensors,to determine how much fuel is needed in the engine. The sensors are placed to measure critical information like RPM,engine temperature,air temperature,throttle position,manifold pressure,crankshaft position,etc. and a fuel map is programmed to use the information from these sensors and inject fuel accordingly.

Advantages

• The first advantage of using a fuel injection is that a cold start is easy as it just requires hitting the start button. Technically speaking,the amount of fuel and air required for starting the engine is automatically calculated using a lot of parameters. In some cases,even altitude and barometric pressure are electronically gauged by the system to provide a smooth experience to the rider.
• The throttle response is better since the system provides information on operating conditions and engine load,and maintains the fuel injection in the bike accordingly. The bike runs with more fuel efficiency and maintenance cost is lower.

Disadvantages

• A disadvantage of this system is that it increases the cost of the bike. Also,fewer mechanics are comfortable with this technology since it is a comparatively recent one.
• From a mechanical perspective,this is a more complex system with a fuel pump in the tank,and electronic engine controller and multiple sensors. It is not easy to fix,and any problem would require a replacement of the part.

Carburetion

The carburetion system uses a demand device to mix air and fuel in the proper required ratio for internal combustion in the engine. It uses a series of fuel circuits to maintain the air-fuel mixture in the required ratio,and different valves for letting in air and fuels are used. This is a more mechanical system of mixing the air and the fuel with the required pressure,which makes it easier to understand the technicalities and mechanics are more comfortable with it.

Advantages

• The carburetion system has been used in bikes for a long time and the switch to fuel injection is a relatively recent one. So,most mechanics understand this system better and the old bikers prefer to stick to this as it is simpler to use,maintain and repair without touching the engine.
• Another advantage of a carburettor is that it is made up of lighter materials that are long-lasting. Since it doesn’t require any electrical components,its installation is also easier.

Disadvantages

• The disadvantage of a carburettor is that in low temperatures,these bikes take some time to hit the roads as the choke system is used for the engine to start. At low temperatures,the gasoline sticks to the walls of the cylinder because of condensation,requiring choke to start the engine and warm it up.
• Also,any change in the physical conditions requires a mechanical tweak in the engine as it doesn’t have any ECU (Electronic Control Unit) like the fuel injection system.
• The throttle response is a little slow and certain parts like the diaphragm are relatively delicate and prone to damage.

Conclusion

So,a comparison of these two systems reveals the fuel injection system to be a more efficient one,albeit a little expensive. Most bike manufacturers are shifting to the fuel injection system,as vehicles equipped with this system produce lower carbon emissions than the carburetion system. So,by shelling out a bit more initially,you can get a higher value for money in the long run and be more environment-friendly as well.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details,please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by S. Gopala Krishnan | Motor Insurance Expert | 40+years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in insurance industry. S. Gopala Krishnan is a name to reckon with in the field of reinsurance,he has headed the Reinsurance department and has rich experience in other fields of motor insurance. He loves to share his opinion on latest topics in the insurance industry and how he can help people in safeguarding their assets using insurance products.

Mr.S. Gopala Krishnan recommends "HDFC ERGO for your vehicle insurance needs, it has always put customer’s interest at the forefront, with round the clock assistance to deal with emergency breakdown issues and hassle free claims process. You can be assured of complete and reliable guidance through the whole process."