Bike doesn't start immediately anymore

[TarzanBoy]

Hey... I've owned my GS for a bit over half a year.  When I got it, it would start immediately with no choke (granted, this was in the middle of the summer).

However, now I am finding that I must use my choke more often than I used to.   What usually causes this?

-I have just hit 16k miles, so it is time to check my valve clearances (I hear a knocking/pinging much of the time, so I am pretty sure that they need adjustment)
-I was forced to use regular 10w40 oil at the last change (I usually use synthetic, but was in a bind)

What do you think?

[MarkusN]

Ambient temperature definitely is a factor. When the motor is cold fuel will condensate in the gas ports and inside the cylinder, leaving the mixture leaner than it would be with a hot motor. Choke changes this by richening up the mixture.

Valve clearances may be a minor factor, but my money is mainly on the temperature.

[TarzanBoy]

You misunderstand the latter part of my post.   I NOW have to use the choke at temperatures that before, the bike would have just started up at.

I am trying to figure out why

[allmtrslut]

i dont see why thats a problem?? but then again i have no clue as to why now you have 2, did u mess with the idle switch?

[Mandres]

You misunderstand the latter part of my post.   I NOW have to use the choke at temperatures that before, the bike would have just started up at.

I am trying to figure out why

I don't think he did    In the middle of summer, when it's warm out, you wouldn't need to use the choke as much since the engine is sitting with a higher temperature.  In the winter the engine will be colder and harder to start, thus requiring (more) choke.

-m

[Budrick320]

I have an 05 with 5K miles on it and I always use the choke for the first min or so. It helps with the start up and warms faster. If I try to start it without it, it just dies after about 10 seconds.

[Cal Amari]

What condition is the battery in? When is the last time you filled it with distilled water, and charged it? A weak battery can cause starting problems, so check it with a meter and a flashlight (to see the level of the electrolyte). Ceck the battery soon, you might be surprised by what you find...

[My Name Is Dave]

Where's the problem here? The choke is there for a reason- to help your bike warm up in colder conditions. It's colder outside now, so you need to use the choke to start up your bike.

I'd say everything's in order here. Repost in the summer if this "problem" still exists.

[TarzanBoy]

I must not be typing clearly enough.

It is warm down here again.   Avg daily high temperatures for the past 2 weeks have been in the high 50's/very low 60's.

Lately, my bike has needed the choke more often to stay running after starting than a few months ago when temperatures were about the same.

I am looking for possible reasons as to why that might be the case

[coll0412]

Yeah...well besides tha fact that everything in my book says your bike is fine

There are a couple possible issues...

1. Yes the valves may have an effect since when bike first starts it is more prone to miss, so maybe you have lost a slight amount of compression, or maybe it not a smooth as it used to be.

2. Carbs(my guess at the culprit)....as gas sits in there it oxidizes and forms varnish, which coats everthing and reduces the size of varying orfices used to meter fuel. There by making your bike run lean, and then need some choke to compinsate. One possibly fix is to check and see if the brass caps that allow for you to adjust your idle mixture are gone. Do a search on idle screw and mixture and you will find what it looks like and what to do with them if the brass caps have been removed.

My guess would be that the bike has been re-jetted since everybike I have ever ridden(that has carbs) has to start using the choke unless in has be rejetted, even in like 90 degree weather.