Fuel Filters

Pump Up the Volume with XLMOTO Fuel System Accessories

Because they’re low maintenance, we take motorcycle fuel systems for granted. There’s not a lot that can go wrong with them, or is there? The fuel system is a vital part of a motorcycle. Fuel stored in the tank passes through a fuel filter before reaching a device that feeds it into the combustion chamber. It may sound simple, yet consider the vast difference in fuel an idling motorcycle needs compared to one at full throttle. The fuel system has to get the amount right at every twist of the throttle. This device may be a carburettor or an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system. Unless the precise amount of gasoline gets introduced into the combustion process, the party is over before it begins.

The Difference Between Carburettor and EFI

Carburettor

Although doing the same job, carbs and injectors go about it differently. Fuel flows from the tank into the carb, where it fills a float bowl. The correct amount of fuel transfers to the cylinder head intake. The carb measures the delivery of fuel mechanically via two jets. The pilot jet handles tick over. Meanwhile, the main jet kicks in the moment the throttle cracks open. As temperature extremes and air pressure can negatively affect the explosive power of the gasoline, the carb has a choke lever. This device temporarily restricts airflow, allowing more fuel into the combustion chamber. Once the engine is warm, the choke is turned off.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Electronic fuel injection came about in 1980 thanks to the Kawasaki Z1000 Classic. The lack of carbs and the complexity of a huge electronics box under the seat met with scepticism. The media and motorcyclists feared it meant the end of roadside repairs and home maintenance. EFI systems today remain complex but are low maintenance and reliable. The system uses a fuel pump to get gas to the injector. The pump then consults throttle, crankshaft, temperature and pressure sensors. The information passes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which checks it against a fuel map. It only takes a fraction of a second before the ECU tells the injector how much fuel to deliver. These precise amounts of injected gasoline improve economy and a cleaner running engine.

How can you improve your Fuel System?

To keep the carb running at peak performance, it’s possible to make upgrades and enhancements to the fuel delivery process. XLMOTO’s range of quick-release hose clips, high flow couplings and in-line motorcycle fuel filters make the process more efficient. If the gas tank is below the carb level, a high-output fuel pump is the answer. Meanwhile, aftermarket precision-machined jets allow fine-tuning of the carb to the exhaust. EFI systems benefit from efficient fuel lines and fastenings. Yet, the most effective modification is achievable with an aftermarket tuning unit. This small electronic device plugs into the EFI. It fine-tunes the injection system to prevent snatching and jerking at low throttle openings.