Motorcycle Fuel Pumps & Components

The engine of your motorcycle generates power by burning fuel inside the combustion chamber. To ensure smooth and efficient engine operation, fuel should be supplied continuously from the gas tank. And this is exactly when a fuel pump comes into play! An integral part of your motorcycle fuel system, it transfers fuel to the carburetor or fuel injectors via fuel lines and hoses. Basically, fuel pumps are divided into two main types: mechanical and electric. They are comprised of different components and operate in a different way but perform the same function. They guarantee that your engine gets the exact amount of fuel needed to operate at its optimum.

Mechanical fuel pumps are usually found in older motorcycles that come with a carburetor. As a rule, they are mounted on the engine and driven by the camshaft or a distributor shaft. They use some kind of vacuum to pull fuel and then transfer it to the carburetor. These pumps usually feature a rubber diaphragm that is actuated by a lever. When there’s a demand for fuel, the diaphragm moves down with the lever creating suction and pulling fuel from the pipe. Then the return spring moves the diaphragm up to transmit fuel to the carburetor. The faster the engine speed, the more suction is created, and the more fuel is sucked by the fuel pump and delivered to the carburetor.

Most modern motorcycles come equipped with a fuel injection system which requires fuel to be delivered at high pressure. However, mechanical pumps are low-pressure devices, so all bikes with EFI come with an electric fuel pump that supplies high-pressure fuel. Most electric fuel pumps are located inside the gas tank, which helps considerably reduce the risk of fire caused by excessive heat. However, the technology has moved forward, and now some fuel pumps can be safely mounted outside the fuel. Unlike mechanical fuel pumps, electric ones don’t rely on engine rmps to start working. When you turn the ignition key on, the ECU activates the relay to power the pump. Then the pump motor begins to spin for some time until the engine starts, which helps build pressure in the fuel system.

An electric fuel pump is working constantly until you turn the ignition key off to shut off the engine. Since this pump is controlled electronically, it provides more precise high-flow rates allowing for better horsepower and fuel efficiency. When, for instance, your control unit determines that your engine requires more fuel, the pump starts running faster. The control unit can also shut the pump off even when the engine is operating, which will help avoid leakages in case of a crash. While electric fuel pumps are mostly designed for bikes with EFI, it doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy their benefits if your motorcycle has a carburetor. Today, some manufacturers offer externally mounted low-pressure electric fuel pumps that work great with a carburetor.

In our online store, you’ll find an extensive variety of premium-quality motorcycle fuel pumps and components from some of the most trusted brands in the industry. From mechanical and electric pumps to diaphragms, springs, fuel pump connectors, switch kits, and much more, we have everything you need to ensure a flawless supply of fuel to your engine. Made using the finest materials and the latest technology, the fuel pumps we stock are guaranteed to deliver uncompromising performance and longevity. Want to maintain constant fuel pressure even when there’s a dramatic change in fuel demand? You need a high-quality fuel pressure regulator. This vacuum-powered device controls the fuel flow to the injectors, ensuring that the right amount of fuel is delivered to the cylinders.