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....

 

Let the bike run for 30 seconds then push the choke back in 1/3 and go, if you are jetted right the choke can be push all the way in, after 2-3 miles.

 

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!

 

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.

 

Change out all your intake seals, rebuild the carb, especially with a new accelerator pump diaphragm. Make sure your pilot jet is a 45 and a 175 mainjet. Be sure to clear out all passages, especially the pilot jet/mixture screw passage. Mine was all clogged up with 25 years of fuel deposits.

My bike had the same symptoms, they are all gone now.

John

 

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.

 

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??