This Kawi Vulcan 800 is my 3rd bike, but my first new one. My first 2 were both Vulcan 300s (1993 and around 1999). And I believe both had a 3 stage choke. When I was a new rider, I distinctly remember the sales guy telling me to open the choke fully for 15 seconds. Then to middle position for about the same, then close it to ride. On this 800 however, it seems to take quite a while to warm up, so my question is, can you ride with the choke open for a few minutes until the engine is warmed before closing it, or is there a reason not to? I have done this a few times lately, not so much out of impatience necessarily, but because I work nights, and am not crazy about running my bike in my driveway for 5-10 minutes at 10:30 at night, for fear of disturbing my neighbours. Once again, any help is appreciated!
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Leaving the choke open.....
- Thread starter AjaxRider
- Start date
I wouldn't as you're running your bike excessively rich - dumping excessive fuel into the cylinder, diluting your oil, causing mis-firing and carbon buildup under load. It's fine at idle when it's cold only for as long as you need it. Most operator manuals advise against it. Let it warm up properly before you ride.
Diluting your oil?
the choke opens the carb to allow more fuel. dont ride with it open. if the bikes works without stalling ride it as soon as this is possible. its summer so it shouldnt take more than a few minutes. just go easy on the gas. the biggest issue is getting oil throughout the engine.
Not sure about the Kawi's 800 but, my Sportster allows the choke to slide and hold in different positions. So, I can start and ride right off the bat. By the time I hit the main street out of my subdivision, the choke isn't neccessary anymore. It's located in a easy spot to safely adjust while riding too. Just take is slow and easy.
Sundie
Well-known member
This is when you're pulling enough fuel into the cylinder that you're "washing" the cylinder walls. Fuel (thinner than oil, remember) will push down into your rings, washing oil off your rings. Really excessively, fuel will get into your oil system, rendering it less effective.
Typically, especially during warmer months (like, y'know, april through october...) i don't even use the choke/enrichment, unless the bike will not start without it. Which, on a 20 degree + day, i have yet to see a properly tuned bike that wouldn't start without the choke, and be warm enough to take off lightly after putting on your helmet/jacket. Around 60 seconds, not 5 - 10 mins. It's *much* better/faster to warm up with load (ie: riding) than it is simply idling.
Follow that, and you'll be fouling plugs less often too.
Typically, especially during warmer months (like, y'know, april through october...) i don't even use the choke/enrichment, unless the bike will not start without it. Which, on a 20 degree + day, i have yet to see a properly tuned bike that wouldn't start without the choke, and be warm enough to take off lightly after putting on your helmet/jacket. Around 60 seconds, not 5 - 10 mins. It's *much* better/faster to warm up with load (ie: riding) than it is simply idling.
Follow that, and you'll be fouling plugs less often too.
wearelopey
Well-known member
Doesn't choke just affect the idle mixture? Correct me if I am wrong.
If what I say is true, then as long you load your engine (above idle), then whether choke is on or off is irrelevant.
Choke it until it idles and doesn't stall. If it idles a little low, just ride it a block or two and it should warm up no problem.
Again, someone correct me if I am wrong.
If what I say is true, then as long you load your engine (above idle), then whether choke is on or off is irrelevant.
Choke it until it idles and doesn't stall. If it idles a little low, just ride it a block or two and it should warm up no problem.
Again, someone correct me if I am wrong.
this is how I've always done it with my bikes that have chokes / carbs ...
1. turn bike on, full chock, hit the starter fires up ...
2. after about 10 seconds i turn the choke down until bike is running at approx 2k rpm
3. i walk back inside to get my gear
4. come back out and put on the gear
5. turn off choke and ride away
whole process takes maybe 2 minutes ... so my bike has about 2 minutes to warm up while I'm doing stuff to get ready to go...
1. turn bike on, full chock, hit the starter fires up ...
2. after about 10 seconds i turn the choke down until bike is running at approx 2k rpm
3. i walk back inside to get my gear
4. come back out and put on the gear
5. turn off choke and ride away
whole process takes maybe 2 minutes ... so my bike has about 2 minutes to warm up while I'm doing stuff to get ready to go...
I know, they actually made mention of this, in my Yamaha manual, when I got the bike.
They warned, that you wouldn't want to run with the choke on too long, as they mentioned it would produce excess heat, and could discolour your exhaust (pipes).
Why does anyone need to run with the choke on, for so long, unless your bike is not running well to begin with? Even on *cold* days, I never need to run long with the choke.
They warned, that you wouldn't want to run with the choke on too long, as they mentioned it would produce excess heat, and could discolour your exhaust (pipes).
Why does anyone need to run with the choke on, for so long, unless your bike is not running well to begin with? Even on *cold* days, I never need to run long with the choke.
Usually when there is an obstruction, dirty fuel filter or kink in the fuel line. The engine will suck harder when the choke is on (closed) - basically richen up a fuel to air mixture that is so lean, there is little to no ignition. At that point, it's time for service.
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Start it and ride away immediately if you want. Just don't rev the s*** out of it. After a 100 meters or so open choke half way and shortly after that open it fully. I've been doing this for years with no issues.
Leaving the choke on too long could result in piston skirt scuffing if excess gas to air mixture washes away oil, in theory anyway. A few minutes on full choke wouldn't do this, but why ride with the choke on if you don't have to.
Leaving the choke on too long could result in piston skirt scuffing if excess gas to air mixture washes away oil, in theory anyway. A few minutes on full choke wouldn't do this, but why ride with the choke on if you don't have to.
Restriction in the fuel line will not cause the "engine to suck harder". Actually there is so much wrong in what you say, there is really no point trying to correct it. Complete post is wrong.
Choke is closed when applied, not open. Generally you will need the choke applied when engine is cold. Apply it fully, start the bike, then set the choke to half way. If the engine is running smoothly, slowly reduce the choke, try to get the choke off as soon as you can. Some bikes cannot be ridden with the choke on, some bikes don't care if the choke is on or not.
My own experience is that my bike (02 FZ1) does not require choke if the outside temp is above about 40 degrees F. If below that, the choke applied fully to start, then half way immedietely after starts, then off completely about a minute later. Try to experiment with the choke, keeping in mind that this is one time that less is better
There is no such thing as a choke on a motorcycle carb, it is a fuel enricher and it is not a problem to ride with it engaged until the bike is warm enought to run with out it. New bikes are lean to meet emmisions requirements and may take a bit of enriching of the fuel mixture until they are fully warmed up to run properly.
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