My '05 1200c (12k miles) won't start with choking it and it takes quite a while to warm up. This, in 60-70 degree temperatures. So I'm thinking the carb needs cleaning, at the least. New plugs and battery didn't change anything. It had straight-shots on it when I got it and I took them off and put stock pipes on. Wonder if it's a jet problem.

 

A 10+ year old carb is past due for a rebuild, and with those few miles on the bike, ~1K per year, probably more so. I wouldn't be surprised if the jets and other passageways have a varnish build-up.

 

Thanks. That was my suspicion. Took it to the dealer and they said "It doesn't need a carb clean". They also said that vibrating like a jack hammer is "Normal" too. I think they just didn't want to work on it.

 

You can get a rebuild kit for <$20.00 and a set of new jets and other carb parts from CV Performance.
They're a great place for this stuff.

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You might try some Seafoam in your gas. It cleaned the boogers out of my carb and I use a little on a regular basis as a fuel stabilizer.

I'm about ready to open mine up, I guess 25 years is a little overdue. But, she runs so well, it's hard to want to mess with it. I got a carb kit for under $20 as posted above.

BTW, the carb screws are JIS head, not Phillips head. Be careful not to strip them if you use a Phillips driver. I even got a JIS driver for when it's time.

John

 

+1 on the Seafoam. Yes, and be very careful removing jets if a rebuild is in order.

 

Always choke to start a cold engine is normal but warm up time should decrease dramatically as weather warms up. Most folks tend to choke way too long and even forget to push the choke in.

 

Never herd of a JIS head but have wondered why I strip so many carb screws. Maybe I learned something today???

 

I've got an '06 1200L and yeah - you got to choke it to start. and I've got to leave the choke pulled about half way for at least a few miles unless its hot out. It got a little worse when I did my stage one a few years ago. I put in a set of 118W TTI's and that helped alot, runs better too. Thats with a rejet, K&N, and 2" Rush slip-ons.

 

It stands for Japanese Industrial Standard, the right driver does make a difference.