Do you have to pull the choke out every time you start?
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
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Do you have to pull the choke out every time you start?
I've only been riding for about a year now, so I have a question about carbs. Do you need to pull the choke out every time you fire up the bike, or once it's been warmed up, you shouldn't need it anymore?
I was riding yesterday and had to stop for fuel and when I tried to start it back up without the choke it stalled out immediately afterwards (twice in a row), and then i pulled the choke out and tried it and i had to keep the starter cranking for about 5 full seconds before the engine started up. Whenever I do a cold start with the choke out, it starts up perfect, loud and rumbles.
If anyone could explain the choke situation to me, it'd be appreciated.
I was riding yesterday and had to stop for fuel and when I tried to start it back up without the choke it stalled out immediately afterwards (twice in a row), and then i pulled the choke out and tried it and i had to keep the starter cranking for about 5 full seconds before the engine started up. Whenever I do a cold start with the choke out, it starts up perfect, loud and rumbles.
If anyone could explain the choke situation to me, it'd be appreciated.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: Eaton, OH
You didn't mention the year and model or if the carb is stock or not, but my bikes from the early '90's did the same thing. They ran really lean and often needed the choke to start. I had the carb rejetted and it made a big difference.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 23
From: Summit, Mississippi
Like about everybody says....each bike has its own attitude. You can manage to foul the plugs if you choke it when it's not needed though. Every carburetor equipped bike I ever owned had a certain little "combination" to start it.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 672
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From: Pensacola Florida
Totally agree. Sometime think they have mind of their own. My 2001 Low Rider, with stage 1, will spit, sputter and shake all over if you don't use the fuel enricher just right. 2003 Road King about the same. If engine is warm really don't have to use fuel enricher. Think you just have to know your bike and you learn that by Riding it.
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6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
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yeah, i think i fixed the problem... looked like there was about half a quart too much oil in there and it was probably making the engine hard to turn over. it was also spitting oil out of the air filter too. Not sure if that really was the fix for the problem, but now it starts right up without using the choke, so either way, I'll take it. Thanks for the replies.
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