Choke and warmup questions

[dufoes]

I just recently bought a new GS500 F last Saturday and I think my choke is acting strange. It seems as if there is no "middle" position - it's either all the way off or all the way on. It has no effect if it is in the middle. Is this something I should be worried about?

Also, how long is a good time to let the bike warm up? Is there a certain engine noise I can listen to to tell if it is warmed up sufficiently?

Thanks,

dufoes

[cernunos]

The choke on the Baby G is VERY touchy. Actually it isn't a choke in the sense of restricting air-flow as much as it is an enrichener device. Go full choke when you first start it and adjust the lever as the bike slowwwly warms up to keep the revs around 2000-3000 rpm and you should be ok. But yeh the Baby's choke is touchy. Love that little bike and this forum.

C......

[BK]

Yeah my little G-Thing was the same way. It got to be kinda annoying, The only two settings it had, regardless of where I had the slide positioned, was revved all the way to about 5K or stall.  I rejetted and haven't had to touch the choke once since.

[Dima26]

My new F has the same problem. It is either almost stalling or revving to 4,500 RPM. Usually I keep the choke on for ~30 secs (while getting my helmet, gloves, etc on) and then completely turn the choke off. Usually it is enough for me. Then I will just wait for another 30 secs or so getting in the mood of riding    with engine running and no choke.

[neonyello]

My 1996 GS only needs the choke when he's been idle for 12+ hours.  I used to try to find the right amount of choke to use, but now, if he doesn't start with no choke, I give it max choke and he'll start.  Once the engine turns over, I rev to 5k and close the choke.

When I first got the bike, I would use the choke for a couple of miles until I felt the engine was warmed up.  This led to the engine stalling at wierd times.  It was winter so I waited 3-4 months to tow it a garage.  The mechanic fixed the fouled plugs and gave me a slight scolding.  At $40, it was a cheap lesson.

[alexXx]

When I first got the bike, I would use the choke for a couple of miles until I felt the engine was warmed up.  This led to the engine stalling at wierd times.  It was winter so I waited 3-4 months to tow it a garage.  The mechanic fixed the fouled plugs and gave me a slight scolding.  At $40, it was a cheap lesson.

how was that bad?  i use full choke for about 30 sec or so, then ride about a mile with half choke and its fine...this messes with the plugs?


- alex

[pixelmonkey]

can someone take a couple of photos of their choke in the full on / full off positions for me?

i'm thinking the cable might be bad, or the lever snafu'd, but either way, i dont have a choke.

then again...  i might have time to run by the suzuki dealer and check one on the showroom floor *hope they finally had one come in*.

chris<pixelmonkey>

[lee67]

havnt got pics..thats kerry's job lol..anyways choke off is choke all way to front of bike...choke on is pulled allway to you......

[Kerry]

can someone take a couple of photos of their choke in the full on / full off positions for me?

CAVEAT: These pictures will match 1990-2000 bikes, but not 2001+ models.

Choke lever OFF:


Choke lever ON:



Choke plunger OFF:  (Sorry for the old photo; the photo I took today focused on the cooling fins!)


Choke plunger ON:

[bikenut]

I've got an 04 and need to use the ckoke if it's been sitting for a few hours.  I start with full choke and no throttle.  As soon as she starts, I gently bring the choke lever towards off.  About 1/2 way ther the revs drop from 4 grand down to 3.  After about 10 seconds, I gently move it toward off until the rpms get to about 1800.  After another 10 seconds I get on and ride and turn the choke off.  I ride in 1st and 2nd at 4 grand until I get  out of my neigborhood and then it's fine,  The lever is very sensitive and you just have to move it verrrry slowly and watch the tach.

[pixelmonkey]

thanks kerry!

i was afraid it was supposed to go further then that.
chris<pixelmonkey>