choke???????

[GZ250]

Choke is there to use it. So no harm if you use it. I even use in the late afternoon when going back from work. This small engine wont start without a choke. Actually GZ250 wont even run smooth if the engine is not fully warmed up.

[alantf]

I must be lucky. I live in Spain. (in the mountains, so it's not real hot.) the only time I need the choke is the first time I start it after a 3 week holiday (vacation?)

[Canuck]

After reading a few post I tried keeping the choke on for about a minute or 2 open just 1/4 of the way in the morning or night when its a bit colder out.

since doing so i never stall within that first 3 minute warm up period...

unsure if this is damaging or not... doesnt affect the shift at all and the bike runs pretty smooth ..

I keep it open 1/4 or lower judging by how the engine sounds...

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Canuck

unsure if this is damaging or not...

With all these "automatic" features in modern cars, it seems that nobody understands basic engine operation anymore. :whistle:

All the choke does (it really isn't a "choke" anymore but an "enricher") is to make the idle mixture SLIGHTLY richer and the idle speed SLIGHTLY higher. As soon as you move the throttle off idle, it goes out of the picture altogether.

So.....there is absolutely no "damage" from leaving it on a bit (unless you put it SO far on that the engine races); that is exactly what it is designed for.

Enjoy your new discovery.

PS I bet it says something about that in the user's manual but I'm too lazy to look right now! :roll:

[alanmcorcoran]

I'm not sure how long it takes to completely "warm up the engine" but it's more than a few minutes. I found if I take the choke down too soon (after say 3-4 minutes) the engine will sometimes quit after a quick deceleration (like a sudden red light.) However, after 10-15 minutes, I can take it off completely and the engine actually idles smoother. (When it's on unneccessarily, the timing is slightly off and it almost "misses" when idling.)

I have had some "whoop-shit" moments when the choke is left on too long. The idle climbs way too high and the bike wants to go places even if you are completely off the throttle.

For outside temp comparison purposes, I'm in Southern California. It's 80 today.

(And very sunny. Not a cloud in the sky, actually. Should be out riding, really.)

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

I have had some "whoop-shit" moments when the choke is left on too long. The idle climbs way too high and the bike wants to go places even if you are completely off the throttle.

I get three possible things from the information you provided:

1) You are using TOO MUCH choke.....or you are riding off too soon. The only time it should "race" like that is in the first 30 seconds or so after starting.
2) Your idle speed is set a tad bit too low.
3) You are adjusting the choke in increments that are too large. It is a touchy adjustment.

Whenever you notice it starting to idle a little faster, release the choke lever just a TINY bit but allow the idle to remain just a tad higher than "normal". About the third time you do this, it will be completely OFF.

[mrlmd1]

I use the choke just for starting first thing in the AM or if the bike sits for a few days of not using. It takes 30 seconds to a minute running to be able to ease it off (the choke is on while I'm putting on my helmet or gloves or zipping up my jacket), and within 2 minutes, or riding about a block, it is off and the engine is smooth, never stalls. If I start it up in an hour or two of the first ride, like going to a store, I never need the choke.