Warmup

[Nightsbane]

Just wondering what your thoughts on warmup are. I noticed even on a hot day the bike may need to use the choke to get going. I find using the choke going down the road annoying because it is running at higher base idle rpms, and I can't hear my power usage in the gears, and it's easy to kill it. Yesterday I instead started it up in neutral and flipped the choke all the way on and let it sit idling at that higher choke speed for a couple minutes and then shut off the the choke completely to drive off. Seemed to work much better, thought I wanted to verify I wasn't damaging the engine leaving it idling high from the choke like that for a few minutes sitting.

[alantf]

In my handbook, Suzuki recommend using choke (when needed) to start, and leaving it on for ½ minute, then knocking it off. With my European bike, I rarely need the choke, but our American members seem to recommend using the choke to keep the revs up on starting, then reducing it bit by bit as the engine warms up. :)

It's not a good idea to let an air cooled bike stand stationary with the engine running, as it needs air flowing over the fins to keep it cool.

[geezer]

wen i take off on a cold mrning i start it up and immediatly ride off full chock over the distance of 2 miles igradually turn the choke down till its off, done

[mrlmd1]

You may need the choke for starting if the bike has been sitting for hours, regardless of the ambient outside temp. Put it on to halfway or so, try and start it. If it won't start in 2-3 sec, turn it up a little. After the bike starts and runs for 15-30 sec. slowly turn it down if it's idling really fast. If the bike is running smoothly, just ride off at a moderate speed, do not let the bike sit at idle to warm up. That is unnecessary and depending on how long it sits like that, can be detrimental. As you ride, slowly and gradually in small steps, turn down the choke to it's off position. You may not have to ride more than 1-2 min or 1 mile or so to get it to be off. You have to judge by how the engine sounds and performs and this doesn't take very long to figure out.

[geezer]

my main grudge with sitting at idle is itsa waste of fuel to

[savrip]

Mine takes about 2 minutes to warm up. I know there are some adjustments needed, but I'm going to get the back wheel mounted again and change the oil before I proceed with other projects.

[Suncross]

You may need the choke for starting if the bike has been sitting for hours, regardless of the ambient outside temp. Put it on to halfway or so, try and start it. If it won't start in 2-3 sec, turn it up a little. After the bike starts and runs for 15-30 sec. slowly turn it down if it's idling really fast. If the bike is running smoothly, just ride off at a moderate speed, do not let the bike sit at idle to warm up. That is unnecessary and depending on how long it sits like that, can be detrimental. As you ride, slowly and gradually in small steps, turn down the choke to it's off position. You may not have to ride more than 1-2 min or 1 mile or so to get it to be off. You have to judge by how the engine sounds and performs and this doesn't take very long to figure out.

How exactly is it being detrimental?

I was going to ask this same question. I ride my bike every day, and I have to use the choke to get it warmed up. I found that letting it sit for about a minute - 30 seconds really does the trick, but then I turn the choke off and let it idle for a few more minutes. Is letting it sit there for that few minutes really going to hurt my bike? I only ask because I am new to riding. Also, new to manual transmission vehicles. I have never driven a standard car or truck.

[geezer]

some peope think so, but probably not if you dont sit for more than a few mins. now your routine, i wouldnt be doing all that idling, get on the bike and ride! leave at full choke then take some away as you ride then its off, you should not stall after only a mile or so of riding after you remove the choke. stop wasting fuel ma dude

[Rookie Rider]

I let it warm up too, and as idle gets faster i turn that white knob under seat to lower the idle. Bout 5 minutes and im off.

[blaine]

I let it warm up too, and as idle gets faster i turn that white knob under seat to lower the idle. Bout 5 minutes and im off.
The white knob is the Idle screw and should be adjusted to about 1200 rpm,when the bike is warm,and than left alone.If your choke is working properly,and the idle is set properly,the idle should lower as you take the choke off.
:) :2tup:

[mrlmd1]

Like Blaine said - that white idle screw is used to set the idle ONCE, after the bike has fully warmed up, to 1200-1300 rpm, then don't touch it again. That is not an adjustment you make every day or every time you ride. You use the choke to start the bike and after 30 sec or so, ride off and turn it down as you go. That's normal operating procedure, for almost every bike that's not fuel injected. Why is that so hard for everyone to understand? Reading the owners manual might help.

[Rookie Rider]

My choke was taken off by the previous owner, for what i do not know, so i have to play with the idle knob everytime. Once i turn it down to what i think is decent idle i take off and its good for the rest of the ride.

[jonathan180iq]

How exactly is it being detrimental?

I was going to ask this same question. I ride my bike every day, and I have to use the choke to get it warmed up. I found that letting it sit for about a minute - 30 seconds really does the trick, but then I turn the choke off and let it idle for a few more minutes. Is letting it sit there for that few minutes really going to hurt my bike? I only ask because I am new to riding. Also, new to manual transmission vehicles. I have never driven a standard car or truck.

There have been cases where people let their bikes idle for long periods of time (like 20-30 minutes) and did serious engine damage caused by overheating. If you ride everyday and you have a warm-up routine, then just stick to it. But excessive idling and wait times are not good for the motor and, as mentioned, can cause some serious problems.

[mrlmd1]

RR - replace the choke. It's an "enricher" circuit. (not an air flow limiter like on an auto carb), to enrich the mixture to allow for easier starting. Not exactly the same as adjusting the idle speed.

[Rookie Rider]

Do you think it will cost alot to replace, and is it very necessary?

[alantf]

Do you think it will cost alot to replace, and is it very necessary?

Yes, it's very necessary! Check up on folks with parts for sale on this site. If anyone's got one, I reckon it'll be as cheap as anywhere. :2tup:

[Rookie Rider]

Darn, ok thanks alantf

[geezer]

if you dont have one once it gets cold out, youll wish you followed our advice. for sure

[grego]

hi all

speaking about idling and chokes..the senerio.. start the bike no choke...2500 rpm..put on choke all the way 4000 + rpm...turn it off goes down to bouncing between 1200-1400rpm... stop at light 2000 rpm....next light 1400 +- 200.. next light 2000. at stop light while at 2000 rpm turn on choke and off rapidly idle back to 1200-1400... am putting greenfoam stuff in tank.. is it the choke or the carb.. remember choke cable was pinched at one time and i fixed it and lubbed the cable....

safe biking

grego

[blaine]

hi all

speaking about idling and chokes..the senerio.. start the bike no choke...2500 rpm..put on choke all the way 4000 + rpm...turn it off goes down to bouncing between 1200-1400rpm... stop at light 2000 rpm....next light 1400 +- 200.. next light 2000. at stop light while at 2000 rpm turn on choke and off rapidly idle back to 1200-1400... am putting greenfoam stuff in tank.. is it the choke or the carb.. remember choke cable was pinched at one time and i fixed it and lubbed the cable....

safe biking

grego
I'm guessing the cable.But wait a few days and let the carb cleaner do it's magic.I have always had the best luck with Sea Foam.
:2tup: :)

[jonathan180iq]

I would bet your choke cable is binding somewhere.

[Rookie Rider]

I just filled my gas tank and put sea foam in it for the first time, ive been stalling lately.

[Rookie Rider]

I put the sea foam in the gas tank but only rode about a quarter mile, is that ok or should i ride longer ?

[blaine]

I put the sea foam in the gas tank but only rode about a quarter mile, is that ok or should i ride longer ?
It works better on a longer ride,so it has time to clean deposits in the jets.But it works over night after it gets into the carb.
:cool:

[Rookie Rider]

Cool, i dont think i'll be riding tomorrow either, the wife wants to have date night. :hide:

[jonathan180iq]

Cool, i dont think i'll be riding tomorrow either, the wife wants to have date night. :hide:
Hahaha.
No need to hide behind a wall, man.
Date nights are necessary for happy, healthy relationships.
Cherish your wife.

If you do things right, she'll be the only one you ever have. :D

[Rookie Rider]

Shes a good girl, afterall, shes the one that bought me the bike for my 40th, and a surprise party. I had no idea about any of it.

[jonathan180iq]

Shes a good girl, afterall, shes the one that bought me the bike for my 40th, and a surprise party. I had no idea about any of it.

Even more reason. Don't be ashamed... rub it in our faces. You might possibly have one of the best. ;)

[Rookie Rider]

You got that right, we've been together since H.S. and shes beautiful and im still attracted to her. Gotta love it ehh ?