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If you look all over the world, they have obsolete carburetors with fuel injection systems in their motorcycles (except for some less-developed countries). Our neighbor, India, has especially gone too far in the motorcycle market. They have a wide variety of bikes, all of which are equipped with the EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system. For them, the carburetor engine is a relic of the past. 

However, the Pakistani motorcycle market is still clinging to carburetor engines, with all of our production bikes relying on this outdated technology.

Even the newly launched Suzuki GSX125, though it’s an imported unit from Thailand and comes with hi-tech goodies, is based on a carburetor engine. Oh, the irony! This 125cc bike costs 500,000 PKR, the most expensive bike in Pakistan, but can’t even include a basic EFI system. Surprising, isn’t it?

This is the first time in the country that someone has raised this issue. Here, we’ll declassify some reasons why our manufacturers, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Atlas Honda, don’t use EFI systems in their motorcycles.

Note: This is an opinion-based criticism article, with data gathered from multiple dealers, mechanics, and our team of bike experts. We invite readers to share their opinions in the comments!

What will be the Benefits of Using EFI over a Carburetor Engine?

EFI has all the advantages over a carburetor. Here are some:

  • Much better fuel economy
  • Better throttle response and better acceleration
  • Less maintenance required
  • Reduced emissions 
  • No cold start issues in winter
  • Easy to diagnose because of onboard computers

So, why are Pakistani motorcycle manufacturers still not offering EFI motorcycles despite bike prices soaring every year? Here is the analysis:

Monopoly of Big3

Our top three motorcycle manufacturers have established a monopoly in the market because, in Pakistan, there are no other major bike brands besides those three. Due to this lack of competition, they have no incentive to innovate or offer competitive prices, and they can sell their motorcycles at prices dictated by these manufacturers, which are always overpriced and way behind the world in terms of features. Moreover, the Pakistani government has no regulations over motorcycle pricing, giving our Big3s an additional edge in the market. 

Mechanics and Maintenance Issues

Most local mechanics in Pakistan are trained in carburetor engines and have limited to no knowledge of EFI systems. Introducing motorcycles with EFI systems will pose an issue in finding skilled mechanics outside of company-operated shops.

But it’s not a critical issue. You see when electric cars were a new concept, people hesitated to buy them because there was a lack of aftermarket support and availability of mechanics. As interest grew and more people started purchasing EVs, the infrastructure developed accordingly. Today, worldwide, electric cars have the same level of mechanic availability and aftermarket support as gasoline-engine cars.

Similarly, if manufacturers start producing EFI motorcycles like in India and demand for EFI motorcycles increases in Pakistan, mechanics and other support services will gradually become available, just as it happened with electric cars.

Unfortunately, none of our local motorcycle manufacturers seems to be interested in taking this kind of step, and they prefer to stay on the safe side.

Lack of Government Strictness

India has implemented stricter emission norms, such as Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) standards, which are comparable to Euro 6 standards. These regulations have necessitated the use of EFI systems, which are better at controlling carbon emissions than carburetors. 

Governments not just in India but all over the world have banned the use of carburetor engines because of their carbon footprint issues and mandate every bike and car manufacturer to use at least a Euro-5-certified EFI system.

However, the Pakistani government shows less interest in controlling emission standards in the automotive industry despite the heavy smog that engulfs the country every year. Manufacturers here are given the freedom to use carburetor engines despite how inefficient and environmentally harmful these are. Yet our government does not seem bothered by this problem.

Economic Factors of Pakistan

EFI systems are generally more expensive than carburetors. The cost of manufacturing and maintaining EFI-equipped motorcycles is higher, which is a factor to consider in price-sensitive markets like Pakistan. 

Again, it doesn’t justify using old technology. Like any new technology, the initial cost can be high, but as infrastructure develops, it becomes more affordable. For example, in the 2000s, hybrid cars were once seen as vehicles for the elite. Now, due to the stable hybrid technology infrastructure, they’re commonplace among the middle class in the West and Japan.

Similarly, if the Pakistani government regulates EFI system usage and manufacturers switch to fuel injector engines, prices may initially be higher. However, as infrastructure grows, costs will soon stabilize.

What Would Happen If Government Imposes Regulations on Mandating the Compulsory Use of EFI?

If a government imposes regulations mandating the compulsory use of EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) systems in motorcycles, it would likely lead to several positive changes in the market:

Manufacturing Shift: Motorcycle manufacturers would need to adapt their production lines to accommodate EFI systems. This could require investment in new technology, retraining of staff, and adjustments to assembly processes.

More Product Offerings: With EFI systems, companies might introduce new and more fuel-efficient motorcycles with bigger engines like 200 and 250cc, as EFI engines have much better fuel economy than a carb. engine.

Initial Price Changes: Motorcycles equipped with EFI systems might initially be more expensive due to the added technology and manufacturing costs. However, as production scales up and technology becomes more widespread, the price difference between carbureted and EFI motorcycles could diminish.

Consumer Preferences Towards EFI: Consumers may shift towards EFI motorcycles for their efficiency and performance benefits.

Environmental Impact: EFI adoption could reduce motorcycle emissions, benefiting air quality and sustainability efforts.

3rd Party Maintenance Support: Third-party local mechanics will soon adapt to working on EFI engines, and soon, their aftermarket support will be available just like that of a carburetor engine.

Unfortunately, it seems that our government is doing nothing to address this issue, and the Big3s are also monopolizing the market.