I have a 1994 sportster 883, its my first harley and when starting it up cold, it needs to be choked to stay idling, until the engine is hot, it will stall as soon as you take the choke off, so after idling about 15 mins with the choke on, it will stay idling on its own. i feel this is strange my friend has an 83 shovel head that idles on its own no choke on a cold start.
is it normal? should i just take off riding with the choke on until its hot?

 

Those carbs were horrible in stock trim, have a mechanic overhaul it or get an S&S E.

 

Thanks man, i was considering an S&S anyways.