Choke/warm up
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: The Tuckey-of-Brick New Jersey
This is what I do to start my bike...I got it from a source on the web for tuning the carb. First start it with the enricher FULL out...let it idle for 30 secounds, then push it in half way and then adjust the throttle set screw so it's running at a fast idle...1200 or so...for two minutes...this is on a cold motor. When the rear cylinder rocker box is warm to the touch then it's good to go. I then push it in to the 1/4 position and go for a few miles, till the rear rocker box cover is toasty. That's when I will push the enricher all the way in. Now that's an optimal condition. If it's really cold out....between 60 and 25 degrees....then the warm up times are longer and the time I leave the enricher out to 1/4 are longer. But once the motor gets up to operating temps....well then it's no holds barred! Just takes longer in the colder weather. I get so much **** from "shovel-head" guys and other non-HD owners about how long I let my bike warm up and my use of the "enricher", but I just did the plug change on my bike and I don't see any fouling of the plugs what-so-ever. Very clean and burning just swell thank you. Oh, yeah...it's always good to let a motor that has iron and aluminum parts warm up to operating temps....well , it's only important if ya want to keep it for a spell. That is my humble opinion....
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane Australia
Choke On at start up
I was told when Mikuni 42 Carby,Cam work,V&H pipes,Ignition Module put on to Always pull Choke out when first start bike & let choke slide in once warm. Other Night Very Cold weather & put choke out,waited to warm bike up then off I went. Next bike coughing..spluttering..on road for say 1klm. Is it due to the Cold weather? or the fact i forgot to turn the Fuel Off when I first arrived A/noon at my destination..Normally I turn Fuel Off but forgot to do so. Can anyone suggest why bike spluttered,coughed (It was Freezing weather at Night).Never does the Bike do this!
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
It's an enrichener **** and not a choke
HD says in their owner's manual to start with the enrichener pulled out for 30 seconds and then ride it for a couple miles and then push in half-way for another couple miles and then all the way in after that for temps colder then 60 degrees. Warmer weather then do the same but for shorter distances. Warm or hot engines the enrichener is not needed and open the throttle a little to start the bike.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,512
Likes: 3,924
From: San Diego, CA
my stock 1989 883 takes a good 15 minutes to warm up in the summer. For the first 15 minutes she spits and coughs through the carb something aweful. Then... 15 minutes later its like a switch turns on and she smooths out and runs perfect. This happens EVERY time I start the motor up when it is cold. This is in high 80 degree weather. I have tried everything and I can't get the bike to run good when the motor is cold.
My bike had the same symptoms, they are all gone now.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Nov 16, 2016 at 11:23 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
Likes: 56
From: Union Bridge, MD
In cold weather I warm it up for about 2-3 minutes. I take off with the choke fully engaged and ease it in as I ride. Warm weather I only let it warm up for a minute, ease it in a bit then take off. I am always easy on the bike until I have ridden it for a few minutes or more, depending on the temp.
Stage I
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
I have a 98 sportster 1200 custom. I cleaned my carb for the first time and after putting her back together and starting her it sounds like choke is on even when it's not. I usually always have to use choke to warm her up but now she'll start up just fine even in 50 degree weather with no choke .. I took off my carb again to check it and everything seems fine does anybody know what might be going on??
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