Even though carburetors and classic fuel injectors have been around for years, more and more people are choosing to convert their dirt bikes to EFI (electric fuel injection) because of the benefits that they offer. If you want to learn the best way to convert a carburetor to fuel injection on a motorcycle, you have arrived at the right place.
A carburetor can be converted to fuel injection on a motorcycle or dirt bike by using an EFI (electric fuel injection) kit. The tricky part is finding the right EFI kit for your dirt bike because converting the carburetor is quite simple. You simply have to get access to the carburetor and connect the EFI to power alongside the sensors and the fuel pump.
If you are unsure how to convert the carburetor on your dirt bike to fuel injection, you should keep reading because I will present a step-by-step guide. Make sure to stick around for the end where I will answer the internet’s most asked questions on this topic.
How to Convert Carburetor to Fuel Injection on a Dirt Bike
Whether you want to convert the carburetor to fuel injection to get better mileage or more horsepower, an EFI kit is always required. The EFI kit contains the throttle bodies that will replace the carburetor, the sensors, and the ECU computer. Those unfamiliar with these parts should know that the ECU computer is required to make fuel calculations by using the input provided by the sensors.
I need to mention that installing an EFI kit requires mechanical knowledge. If you don’t know your way around a dirt bike or ATV engine, you shouldn’t worry because I will point you in the right direction. Below you can find a step-by-step guide that showcases how to convert a carburetor to fuel injection on a dirt bike. I will also include a YouTube guide because there’s no better way to learn how to do something than to watch a video.
First Step
The first thing you need to do when installing the EFI kit is to remove the rider’s seat. Disconnect the battery cables and turn the fuel petcock off. You also need to disconnect the fuel line from the petcock and remove the gas tank.
Second Step
After getting access behind the rider’s seat and removing all the parts, you need to disconnect the throttle linkages and the fuel lines that are tied to the carburetors. With the fuel lines out of the picture, you can go ahead and remove the carburetors. It’s also necessary to detach the electrical wires from the fuel pump. My advice is to either label them or take a picture with your smartphone so that you know how to place them back.
Third Step
Next, you need to find the ignition circuit wire connector that is located in the main wiring harness. Take off the stock connect and install the new that comes bundled in the EFI kit. The wires need to be installed on the ECU computer, and the universal bracket (comes in the kit) can be attached to the dirt bike. The wires now need to be routed to the bracket.
Fourth Step
Use the instructions manual included in the kit to learn how to install the oxygen sensors (next to the engine’s first cylinder). Once again, the sensor wire needs to be routed towards the bracket so that it can access the ECU computer.
Fifth Step
Installing the intake air sensors can be tricky, but you shouldn’t run into too many issues if you place them next to the EFI throttle bodies. The best thing you can do here is to mount the throttle bodies on the intake manifolds right at the cylinder heads. The wires need to be routed from the sensors to the mount or bracket so that they can access the ECU.
Sixth Step
After the ECU is attached to the mount or the universal bracket, it’s time to use the instructions and color codes (included in the wiring diagram) to connect the sensors wires to the ECU.
Seventh Step
The high-output fuel pump needs to be mounted in the same spot where the old pump was located. Make sure to pay extra attention when connecting the fuel lines at the pump and the throttle bodies. Luckily, you can follow the labeled electrical leads (or use the picture that you took in the second step) to connect the terminals in the right order on the fuel pump.
Eight Step
The throttle linkages can be reattached to the new throttles bodies. You can do this by using the clips and keepers that come bundled with the EFC kit. You can twist the throttle grip while you are adjusting the linkages to make sure that they are working right. The final step is to mount the gas tank back on, connect the fuel lines from the petcock to the new fuel pump (by using clamps) and then reconnect the battery cables.
You can also check out the video linked below to see a video guide:
Is Fuel Injection Better than Carburetor Motorcycle?
There is a good reason why you only seem to find carburetors on vintages motorcycles. EFT (electrical fuel injection) is a much better option because it provides more power, lower emission rates, and improved fuel economy.
How Much Does It Cost to Change a Carburetor to Fuel Injection?
Replacing the carburetor with a fuel injector on a dirt bike requires some expertise, and if you don’t feel like doing it in your garage, you should be pleased to know that the price of changing a carburetor to fuel injection is not too expansion. In general, the price to convert a carburetor to fuel injection ranges from $50 to $100. However, I need to point out that the price can vary depending on the dirt bike model.
