I'm looking to upgrade from my '07 TE to an '08 or '09. I want the newer frame/suspension combo but from what I've been reading in this forum it seems the EFI system is more aggravation than it's worth. Am I just seeing the glass half empty or do the majority of bikes with EFI work well?
I've got an 09 EFI 510 and so far (knocks on wood) has been trouble free and runs well at all elevations and conditions I've encountered. The thing I don't like about EFI is if you make air/exhaust flow changes and your an average guy garage tinkerer it's impossible to tune without taking it to a dealer or buying husky's expensive software or a power commander. I just pulled the throttle restrictor out of mine and have to take it somewhere to have the trim angle checked/set on the TPS. Very annoying, I hate other people touching my bikes.
I think you are seeing the problems here and not the success. Hard to evaluate if you are not getting the full spectrum. Like with tires, not many will mention NOT getting a flat, but nearly everyone that does will find a way to mention it, for one reason or another. So I will say, no problems so far with mine...1300 mi. It fires up a little easier at sea level where I live than at 8000 ft. where we have a condo. Sometimes at altitude, I add a tiny bit of throttle for the first minute or so while it's warming up. Don't think it's ever lost fire on me in the dirt that it hasn't been my fault.
That's what this place is all about...if someone is having troubles they post here. And we try a sort things out. I think you might only hear about 5% of people that don't have problems. Everyone else is to busy just enjoy'n themselves.
some of the EFI stuff is just frustration with now having to adjust to different tuning methods- I feel in control of a carb- now I need help with EFI- However, it seems better out of the box than a carbed bike out of the box especially with PU kit. If you don't have a dealer in your area you may have to invest in the Power Commander or the Ibeat- unless you do a road trip when adjustments are needed... Once tuned with Ibeat after doing the power up kit and all is good- its hard to say at this point when you need to readjust or if you will- too early to tell. Once a year? I love the way it handles- I have all stock settings on suspension and its magical comparing to many KTMs. I am just getting acquainted with it yet too.
Mine's run like a champ so far with no tweaking after 1500 miles and 90hrs. A racer type might find something at fault with it but that's not me! No jets, no floats, no bundle of vent lines to reroute. You do have to rely on an operational fuel pump and battery for the bike to start and run. Bike has been down to Baja and up to 4000' in WA-always started easily. Have been on a ride where a friend's pump on an identical 510 decided not to work anymore. No way around it, the bike was dead and had to be hauled out. The exception, not the rule!
I've had no troubles with mine though I think Eraldo did some tuning before they released the bike to me. A good, slow break-in and the arrow kit and it runs great!
I too am a little worried about FI troubles, my 06 TE 610 was trouble free after getting the jetting right, I hope someone out there has all the good set up info for a 08 or 09 TE 610 as that is my next bike I will have. Like stated above, you never hardly hear of the good on these forums but you hear allot of bad Sethro
I'm trying really hard to get concrete / solid information because I know you fine people want those efi bikes, and of course you want them to run properly especially when you break something like the exhaust pipe and put on an aftermarket - without having to drive to your dealer that may be many hours away.
Yea Most EFI run great. Mine shows the classic flame out but its not a huge problem. Just go faster or clutch it when slow. I have high hopes for the power commander V auto tune, once i hear some real reports from people, I will prob get one. i like the idea of a gas savor mode and power savor with a simple switch.
I too plan to add the PC V w/AT to my 08 250. After the TPS was adjusted it runs very, very well, but is a bit 'thick' just off idle up to about 1/2 throttle. I've never experienced the flame out problem. I too would like the gas saver mode, but I'm thinking of gas saver in 6th gear, if it will recognizes the gear. Anyway, wanted to plug the good guys at http://fuelmotousa.com/ I emailed Jamie regarding using the PC V with AT on an 08 and starting out with a map for a 09 310. He said it should work no problem and will relatively quickly build a suitable map. Check out http://fuelmotousa.com/ they also extend warranty and have experience with models DJ has never made maps for...they maintain their own map db, claiming the largest in the US.
It is my hope to get good information soon. If you fine people can wait a little while longer... within a few weeks at the latest (I hope). If you can wait a little while longer...
I have a '08 TE 450 and once I had my dealer set with Ibeat it has run great. No flame outs at all. It was too lean before that especially on the bottom.
