How to Use Choke on Motorcycle? Definitive Guide

Have you ever faced any difficulties in starting your motorcycle engines in cold weather? I think most of the bike owners had this struggle in the cold weather, especially for the carbureted engines. This is where a motorcycle choke does its work. A bike owner should know how to use choke on motorcycle to make an easy engines start.

The choke is a very important part of the carburetor-fitted bikes. A choke is used to restrict the airflow via an engine’s carburetor. This contributes to the enrichment of the fuel-air mixture, which improves the engine’s ability to start in low-temperature situations.

To say it simply, the choke increases the amount of fuel available to the engine. This article will help you to know using of choke on the motorcycle in a proper way.

Choke- All you need to know

The choke is a mechanical lever that is coupled to the lever. The carburetor mechanically determines the air-fuel ratio. The carburetor will alter this ratio in response to the rider’s throttle input. The choke allows you to manually modify the air-fuel ratio by decreasing the air supply to the engine.

The choke’s purpose is to provide an enhanced air-fuel mixture into the cold engine to facilitate its in starting. A rich air-to-fuel ratio flowing into the cold engine aids in starting it while it is cold. There is a greater chance of ignition with more fuel going into the cylinder. The choke is no longer required once the engine has warmed up.

Know-How To Use Choke On Motorcycle

Only carbureted motorcycles have the choke. On carbureted motorcycles, the choke is required because the engine demands varied air-fuel ratios at different temperatures. This is related to variations in air density and gasoline evaporation. It is located on the left handlebar, above the horn. There are steps to use choke on the motorcycle:

Step 1: Search for the “choke” lever switch

The “cut-off switch” or choke lever on the handlebar is used for cold starting. Some motorcycles may have a choke lever located on the carburetor. When the motorbike is “cool” – that is, it hasn’t been used in more than a few hours – this will produce the appropriate rich fuel combination. The dirtier the carburetor, the more the choke will need to be activated.

Step 2: Unlock the choke lever

Check that the cut-off switch is “on.” While running the engine or kick-start lever, you must keep the handlebar throttle twist-grip closed. Otherwise, the engines can cause difficulties in starting.

Step 3: Set your ignition to “on”

When it’s in this position, your dash lights should “light up.” Even if your bike is in neutral, as indicated, you should see a green light indicating that you are in neutral.

Step 4: Start the engine

Squeeze and hold your choke lever (placed on the left) while pressing the start button (located on the right). You should be able to hear the delightful sound of your motorcycle starting up.

Step 5: Close the choke and turn on the engine

As the engine heats up, gradually close the choke lever and open the throttle slightly. You may still require some choke for a short distance when riding, but close the choke lever as quickly as possible to obtain smooth running.

Signs that your choke isn’t working

1. Hard Starting: If the engine struggles to start, even when the choke is purportedly engaged, this suggests that something is wrong with it. This may need some investigation, but there might be other factors at work. Either the choke isn’t closing completely, or the fuel is being turned off. Check that the choke opens and shuts properly, and then proceed.

2. Excessive fuel usage: Excessive fuel usage is also caused by a faulty choke. The choke’s whole function is to produce an enriched mixture. If the choke is left on or becomes stuck, the enriched mixture will continue to be generated. Even during a very short length of time, such as 10-20 minutes, fuel usage is dramatically decreased. The limited airflow should have an influence on engine performance as well.

4. Engine starts and stops immediately: If your engine is starting and then immediately stopping, you could be inclined to believe that the choke isn’t functioning.

Tips for maintaining choke

• You should only use the choke when starting and warming up your motorcycle. While the engine heats up to operating temperature, you can keep the choke engaged. To warm up the bike, you may need to leave the choke on for the first mile or two of riding.
• You don’t have to use the choke every time you start your motorcycle. After you’ve gotten a sense of your bike, you’ll be able to judge how many chokes you need to operate based on the temperature.
• Furthermore, the choke does not have an on/off switch. The highest air restriction is provided by a full choke, whereas a half choke offers less air restriction. You’ll need to draw the choke out deeper in chilly weather than in hot weather. Remember to modify the amount of choke you apply according to the temperature.
• It’s not a good idea to ride with the choke on purpose, but doing so once in a while isn’t a big deal. But the high fuel mixture might clog the spark plugs if you kept the choke on for months of riding.

Final Words

The choke is designed in such a way that can enhance the air-fuel mixture may be delivered to the fuel tank even when the engine is cold. When the engine starts, everything heats up, making it easier for the fuel to burn, and the choke is steadily opened.

It seems very difficult for new users to use a choke when starting a motorcycle. But actually, it’s a very simple process. Furthermore, this article demonstrated how to use the choke. Knowing how to use choke on motorcycle can help you to properly use the choke on your motorcycle in cold weather.

Happy riding!

Also Check:

1. How Does a Choke Work on a Motorcycle.