do we really need them

 

Need ?? Well you dont need it but then again there are lots of stuff we dont need. Fuel injection is a very nice option though. No choke, no gas shut-off, starts as easy cold as does warm, no regetting for temp or altitude and once add a programmer changing the fuel ratio for mods is easy.

 

so there are no advantages to carbs

 

well...i would think carbs couldnt short out, and less stuff to break. other then that, EFI would rock. better fuel efficiency, better power, better startup, no adjusting (though several cheap mods are available). for someone like me who rides all year, the temperatures run anywhere from 70F in the summer, to -30F in the winter. EFI would be great for winter riding, as i wouldnt need to play with the throttle/choke to help the engine warm up, and as long as my battery has power, then it can start up with ease and i can wait inside for 10-15 minutes while the engine is warm enough to ride.

 

We didn't need it on cars either. But it provides better fuel economy, more power wit a broader range, and fewer emmisions. Not to mention more tunable and less hassle. Maintaince or adjustments are a pain for the backyard mechanic, or just more expensive. But it's technological progress.

 

Yep...not sure efi is built for underwater...not that I ride that way...but if its called for I'd be better off with a simple carb..

 

you dont really get more power from FI. it depends on the size of the throttle body. lets say i had a 38mm carb then went to a 40mm throttle body Fuel injection system, that would be more power but 38mm carb vs 38 mm FI i doubt there would be a power difference.

 

I was going to say that but you beat me to it.

 

Well, none of my quads are FI. However I do have a street bike that is. This is my 4th street bike and the first one with FI.
Pro's of FI. --- Easy starting at any temp. (not that I ride when it gets cold anyway).
Con's of FI.-- Not as smooth at low speed as a bike with carbs.

 

EFI? Of course! Think about temperature change and elevation. What do you have to do when there is a extreme tempature change? Nothing! It makes your ride run so much smoother. Never have to worry about running too rich.