Fuel Injection in dirt bikes?

When is this coming? I am looking to add a CRF230F and CRF250X to the stable but dealing with carbs is not my idea of fun. Has anyone heard of FI coming to the dirt? I'm actually surprised that the CRF250 and CRF450 do not have FI already. Is there any real benefit to staying with carbs in a dirt bike?

[BDA116]

The weight, complexity and electronics will keep it off the hyper motocross bikes for quite some time.
The engines and carbs on the four stroke single dirt bikes are so simple and work so well there is absolutely no reason to replace them.

I didn't think that they were that heavy. I assumed that a set of injectors and an ECU would take up less space and be lighter than a carb setup. I realize that a carb setup is fairly simple mechanically but I was thinking that FI systems have come far enough in terms of cost and functionality to be practical in virtually all powersports machines.

I guess that there is no reason to wait for what's on the horizon!

My real issue is that I'm at 5000 feet and bikes around here run very rich unless you remap/jet them. I've had my (carbed) SV for over two years now and I'm still searching for the sweet spot. The power delievery depends so much on the outside temperature that it's virtually impossible to lock in a setting. I may be better off to run the dirt bikes stock in order to avoid the annoyance of searching for the right setting. I should just ride the damn things!

Thanks for the input!

[BDA116]

I too am at 5000 feet. Yes, for the bikes to run properly you need to jet them, but for an FI system to run properly you would need to map it.
Either way bikes at this altitude are never right from the factory. But you're right..........just ride the damned thing.
I like how easy it is to kick my CRF, as well as the way it rides. I really don't want an FI system on my dirt bike.
However if FI is something you want, buy an ATK. They are injected and are made right here locally.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

If you want FI in dirt bikes, give it 2 years. If you want FI systems in a dirtbike that actually WORKS for its environment, give it 6

rumours exist of an Al framed YZf in 06 followed by FI or perhaps with, due to Hondas tech. kicking their butts.

but rumors are a dime a dozen, everyone knows someone @ one of the big 2 4 stroke makers

FI would be more difficult and expensive for weekend warriors (those who make up most of the sales of dirt bikes). I know lots of guys who race motox, freestyle etc. They can all rejet their bike simply, and quickly when needed. To run FI they would need to carry round a laptop, and be trained in how to use the whole system. IMO FI on dirt bikes would be technology for technologies sake. It'll happen eventually, but id say it'll be quite a few years yet before it becomes mainstream

Cannondale had this for a while now. Different maps available with a push of a button on the handlebar.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by Cowboy1600

FI would be more difficult and expensive for weekend warriors (those who make up most of the sales of dirt bikes). I know lots of guys who race motox, freestyle etc. They can all rejet their bike simply, and quickly when needed. To run FI they would need to carry round a laptop, and be trained in how to use the whole system. IMO FI on dirt bikes would be technology for technologies sake. It'll happen eventually, but id say it'll be quite a few years yet before it becomes mainstream

Your opinion is incorrect

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

Cannondale had this for a while now. Different maps available with a push of a button on the handlebar.

Yah, at least when they were building bikes

Can also do this already with ignition mapping on the YZf/CRf's with a blackbox too. 10 years of putting FI in everything else tells me it's closer then we all beleive for the world of dirt.

There is even an FI 2 stroke engine for the Boat Market right now by Evinrude..pretty impressive tech. from what I've seen of it (mostly infomercials mind you ).

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

Yah, at least when they were building bikes

Believe the bikes are still being made....just by ATK.

[BDA116]

Originally Posted by RRWANTR

Believe the bikes are still being made....just by ATK.

Hence their previous mention. Their system has never been known for working all that well, though.

Originally Posted by EatnAsphalt

Cannondale had this for a while now. Different maps available with a push of a button on the handlebar.

Wasn't that only available on their upper models?

Originally Posted by BDA116

Hence their previous mention. Their system has never been known for working all that well, though.

Really? In the last couple months was researching those and read ALOT of good stuff on them....the main issues that I read was bolts coming loose in the engine (kit out to fix that and the new ones have the problem solved) and the degradation of the magnesium case when the wrong coolant was being used...

Don't think I remember reading anything bad about the fuel injection or suspsension.

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by BDA116

I too am at 5000 feet. Yes, for the bikes to run properly you need to jet them, but for an FI system to run properly you would need to map it.

If it is a decent FI system, you shouldn't. The MAP sensor should catch the change in air density. So could other sensors depending on the type of system used.

I think we'll see this on thumpers quite soon, but personally I wouldn't wait for it. Most people find the 450's easy to jet. Here in Cali (0-2000') most people run stock settings and say they're great.

[BDA116]

I know two guys with Cannondales that aren't fond of the FI system. Their bikes are harder to start and aren't near as smooth as the carbed thumpers.
ATK does have a ton of engineering expertise at their fingertips however, so they may fix that.
It is just now starting to come into viability on ATVs - where batteries, starters, electronics and weight don't really matter as much and are already in place.
I'm sure it will be there eventually, but I really doubt it will catch on very quickly.
Hell, there are still tons of guys out there doing all they can to avoid the aluminum frames.

Originally Posted by luvtolean

I think we'll see this on thumpers quite soon, but personally I wouldn't wait for it. Most people find the 450's easy to jet. Here in Cali (0-2000') most people run stock settings and say they're great.

I think you are right. Polaris is already offering 2 models with EFI. and the rest of the industry will probably follow suit.

Suzukis new 450 quad has it. I would be surprized if the bikes did not follow.

i am making fuel injection for single cylinder, it can be installed in any 4 stroke single cylinder engine. Fuel injection is more simple than all you are thinking and cheap!

http://www.sportdevices.com/efimania/ecu.jpg

joseluis
jlcortex at gmail dot com

[.OrgOwner]

Aprillia 4.5 and 5.5 use it - I've never ridden one but the last write up I read was not favourable, it's only a matter of time of course. The 5.5 Aprillia is a beast from what I have heard and read.

Hey guys, first post on the page. FI is comming to the Crf 450 next year, Mc Grath has had spy photos of him testing the bike and the FI bikes have been in the Japan Nationals for the past few years. The companys have release when they will be comming out with the new FI, Suzuki and Honda should have their 2008 bikes fitted with FI. Yamaha could be around 2009-2010, and Kawai isn't far behind the Yamadogs....