Carburetors or Electronic Fuel Injection—What do I think is Better on a Sled?

If you're looking for a used sled and wondering whether you should buy a carb or EFI sled, this video should help.

Your sled will get fuel through a carburetor, or a throttle body with an electronic injector. Which one does a better job? Which is more expensive to fix? Which is more reliable?

In this video, I'll discuss the differences between the two systems and what I think are the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Track: Lost Sky - Dreams [NCS Release]
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[Mat]

In my opinion (having both types, myself)....if there is a problem on the trail, the EFI will always leave you stranded. Serviceability out in the woods or on long trips is super important to me. If I'm close to home, EFI is great fun! If I'm going further out, carb = piece-of-mind. The K.I.S.S. rule still applies today.

[TheGreatBeard]

You'll have 5k in no time! I found this channel a while ago because I bought a 2001 MXZ 800 and this was my first sled so I was looking more information on how to work on them and what to expect. You have a knack for making videos that answers questions that I have. My brother has a 2003 Legend SDI so this kind of video is perfect for us.

[tommygleason]

I prefer carburetor because it's simple and easy to fix

[lrm]

Thanks for the video - great info! I just purchased a 2006 MXZ 600 SDI and this helped clear up some questions I had. I found it inserting that my SDI sled needs a battery even though it does not have electric start. It all makes sense now though.

[chrisdowns]

Glad to see your “new” sled. I have the 2006 model of the same skidoo. Looking forward to see what you do for videos with it.

[supermachine]

Perfect timing of this video. Very informative. Looking forward to your carb cleaning vid. I am in the middle of a carb cleaning on my 2002 ski doo that hasn’t been started in 4 years.

[Racer]

I was on an Edge chassis for 2 years with 2 different sleds. This year I bought a 2011 Shift IQ which is EFI. Can't go back, it runs so much smoother and throttle response is so much better. Honestly, the prices of the 2010's sleds are starting to get so low, you can get into EFI for the same price as a nice used carbed sled from the early 2000's. Theres no going back, EFI from here on out.

[TheJrschaefer]

Nice job! So happy the season is finally here

[mtpilot]

Got a n artic cat 600 efi this year. I really miss having to prime and choke not to mention fouled plugs, flooded engine. it starts 2nd pull so I miss the workout and having to change the starter cord. throttle response is right on.

[marcopolozx]

Thanks again for an unbiased and informative video.
I own a carbureted sled and injected motorcycle. I love them both..
The sled that I own, was only available as a carbureted model, until 2019. I'm $1500 out of pocket for my 2001, where the 2019 was only offered in the Powersurge ordering program, and would have been about $18000. Bang for the buck, I'm more than happy with my choice.

[upnorthvlogs]

My sportsman 570 is efi I love it wish my sled was

[joshuapenner]

looking to buy my first sled. Super helpful, thanks!

[pauldubois]

Personal experience. I have a 1994 wildcat 700 efi, pull start, starts 2 pulls every time. Once the efi stops working on it the sled is toast but she’s got a few years under her belt with no problems so far.

[timmyjumbo]

We had 3 EFI sleds and a carberated one the EFI has faster throttle response and uses almost half the gas.

[robertfagga]

Hi Dave
New subscriber from NH USA.
Great videos. I just got my first efi sled, a 2000 zl 500. Only been a few miles with it but I can already feel the difference.in throttle response and smoothness of how it runs. I have owned carb sleds for forty + years, I can fix them in the dark trail side if needed. Huge advantage. My only fear is if there's a problem with efi.
Thanks for the info, great channel
Bob

[longpockets]

Great video, lots of good info. I prefer EFI over carbs for the mileage and reliability.

[oby-]

A comparison of EFI and carbs is with our side by sides. I have a 660 and my nephew has a 700 EFI and I have a higher top speed but is harder to start than the EFI. But, both of us can go fast enough to scare any passengers.

[complexlegend]

Hey Dave! Love the videos, I just had a suggestion for one. Maybe you could do a video on 2 stroke vs 4 stroke, it could be a nice little sequel to this video in a way. Just an idea.

[bushcraftnorthof]

I’m still a carb guy, on my boat and my sled. If you maintain them, they’re super reliable. And easily serviced by yourself. EFI runs better, when it runs. One buddy of mine is always bragging about EFI and 4 strokes, yet his stuff always has issues. I bought a 2012 Skandic WT 550 fan, and after running SeaFoam through it, it works pretty good. -30’s it starts no worries. I go way back in the bush solo, and don’t relish the thought of needing a generator to start my machine. LOL. All that said, carbs need periodic love, but they are steady Bettys. Take care.

[davethompson]

EFI for me! Thanks for the video Dave