Having had both of them, the carby has more character, is more comfy, sounds better, looks better. I got rid of the i.e. as it was far more cramped for me as Im tall. However I agree it was more reliable, but that's not why I want my SS, nothing else gives me as much smiles per miles. I also currently have a ZZR1400, which is more refined, and blisteringly quick, but the SS still does it for me, for blasts on backroads, it can't be beat. Visceral is the word I'd use to describe it. It depends what you want though, I do all my own work on it, which helps.
I would suggest because peeps have the ability to choose and a choice is better than a done deal. I have both and prefer carbs. It's my opinion and opinions vary. Doesn't make my vote any more relevant than those who prefer FI.
Carb means balancing. Icing. Atmospheric conditions to factor it. Dirt. FI means let ECU do it all… I get some like older bikes, but for the pleasure of working on as much as riding. Who wouldn’t love an old big school two stroke that’s more temperamental than a black female rapper with a gun and PMS. But smoother, easier, more reliable: FI
It really depends on how you measure things IMO I've pushed the carby cos the shite fuel light didn't work. I've pushed the 748 coz I filled it with diesel V+. To be fair to both. Zero work involved. Petrol in both and they both ran fine. The points you make are reasonable...but tbf.. certainly in my 15 years of ownership, are negligible in relation to carbs. Digital dashboard, cam bus electrics...thank you but no. I'm old and OK with it.
More reliable than what..... Are you sure you're comparing apples with apples. Just saying..... Seems a bit of a throwaway comparison.
Carby for me. Possibly need a bit more fettling, but that's Ducati's. Better looking bike by far. I'm an older rider, British singles and twins. My 900SS is a dream compared to some of my old bikes. Choice and experience. Team Carby !!
I must have had the best 600 carby Had a couple of problems when I first had her Alarm caused her to stop mid ride and rescued side of road Alarm taken off Carbs needed a balance after an interesting ride one day each stop revs at 3,000 After that she never missed a beat started first time every time I rode regularly as they really don't like being still. I was a pillion on an SSIE before I had my own SS That one never missed a beat as far as I know I did ride it but it wasn't as soulful as the carby There is just something about a carby you have to actually ride it with some thought and it's a pleasure to hear it chatter Did I say I love my carby SS You need to keep it running they do not like being laid up
if i had the option of two identical bikes/cars whatever and the only difference was carb, mechanical or electric Injection, electric Injection wins every time.
Horses for courses IME of the 2 valve SS, I have both and they each have positive & negative traits, if the carby bike has been well looked after it’ll be fine and from experience I can testify that fuel injection is no guarantee of problem free ownership.
Looks wise the carbie SS bike wins hands down evey time, but injection is so much better in many ways. You can of course have the best of both worlds if you put some effort in.
Haha! I have an IE, which is great. I also have the opportunity of possibly picking up another zero miles IE (not guaranteed but if things come through with buying the insurance salvage, more or less just cosmetic). Or, the possibility of picking up a very low mileage ‘93 carby. Thing is I sadly spend most of my life working, so whatever I go for will end up in storage for months on end. The cosmetically damaged IE has the added attraction of me being able to do what I want with it, make it unique, bit of a special. Decisions, decisions…
Cough Cough! Best of both worlds. https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/1000ssie-ds-900sl-hybrid.84101/
I'm not sure what you're getting at. They are quite different if you've ridden them both. The i.e. started on the button, was smoother, it's a really nice engine, and a clear improvement on the carby engine. It handled well too, and brakes were slightly better. However the riding position for me was awful, cramped and more weight on wrists. Theres well documented issues with trying to improve the riding position on these, but I tried and it was still rubbish. My Carby is still a small bike, but more comfortable, and that's with a single seat conversion on it. Now that I've spent 14 years mucking about with it, it's a monster and far more "character" than the i.e. ever had. It's a pig to start with FCRs now, really needs a tune. But I guess I'm maybe comparing an apple with a watermelon, as its far from standard and so much better. I've ridden it in standard form and my mate has a 1992 900SS, which I would still take over an I.e. That's my opinion, and each to their own. I would take a carby anyway, but I still find the art of setting up the carbs a little like mystical sorcery.
I think there is some confusion about the subject of the thread. It would appear that some are looking at this a discussion on preference/ recommendation of an FI engined bike over one which is fueled by carburetors. Meanwhile others are having a discussion of preference of a particular bike which has different versions/models/editions, but distinguishing between them using the terms carby & FI. Thus preferring a carby because the seat/ riding position suits them.
I certainly don't think there's any confusion from myself, it's clear what the original poster was asking. I've tried to help by outlining some of the pros and cons that they both have. Hopefully it's of some use
