Quote:
Originally Posted by Mohawk
So I guess you must all be youngsters. Back in the 70's when most bikes were twins & if 4-stroke they usually only had 2 valves per cylinder. The performance models would have a carb per cylinder & the commuter/cruiser/shopping bikes would have one carb. But all basically had the same engine with maybe different cams.
A single carb model robs you of the intake pulse tuning, so fine for low to midrange power, but NOT good for maximum performance. A single carb made the bikes cheaper too, so that is why it went on the plain old cooking models. A single carb model would lose 25-40% of its peak power output, but would give better mpg, if not thrashed everywhere.
Your choice  |
No, I'm in my 60s. Listen, performance isn't everything. Most people are so bad at multiple carb tuning, balancing and synchronization, they lose any performance gains that multiple carbs may offer.
But, I agree. For high revs, quick performance, like on a race track, yes, multiple carbs are the answer. But, most people, especially with smaller engines could benefit from a wider performance band and more low end torque.
One last point on "intake pulse tuning". In my old and feeble mind, good engine power is all about a sooth and constant intake manifold pressure, which a single carburetor gives you. Most people aren't racers or even mechanics, they are just riders that want a good running, reliable and easy to fix engine. Motorcycle manufacturers use multiple carbs because it is a sales gimmick. They want people to think they have a racing bike. Most people can't maintain a commuter bike, much less a complicated racing bike.
As I have said around here in almost every thread I post on, SIMPLICITY IS ALWAYS BETTER. I believe that the easier we make things, the better life gets. Thus, my view on bike carburetors.
Just my opinion.