Yeah I think as far as stock to stock goes FI is waaaaay more reliable and trouble free than carbs. Not to mention it makes the bike just so much more enjoyable. No choke, no crappy running until warm, no ill effects of altitude changes, better throttle response, etc... Plus I think the point of availability of parts is a problem that has been fixed at least in the US. I think that was more of an issue last year when they came out and the dealers weren't getting any parts in yet or failing to order any parts. I think everybody is pretty much stocked up now. Plus as reliable as these bikes are I don't know what "price and availability" of parts you're talking about??? A valve adjustment at 600 miles and then nothing but oil changes (as basic as maintainence gets) for 16 THOUSAND miles! Even the guy (one lucky owl) that took his to the arctic circle and back and all over hells creation is barely over that!