best idle speed?

[niteshade]

This is totally a newbie question, so feel free to just give me an old thread.  But what is the best RPM for idle, with the engine cold, and with the engine hot?  I'm in a lot of stop and go traffic here in Chicago.

Lately, I've been choking up to around 3500 to start, but bringing it back to 2000 when the bike warms up.  Is this a good thing?

[Turd Ferguson]

It depends on the temperature.  If it is cold out, I'll usually choke up to 3,000-3,500 for 30-ish seconds, and then bring it down to 1,500.  If it's fairly warm out I'll only choke up to 1,500 RPM for about a minute at most.  Don't leave the choke on for any longer than you need to keep the bike alive.  It causes the bike to run too rich and can foul plugs as well as leave carbon deposits in the motor.  Once the bike is warmed up, take the choke completely off and the bike should be idling (according to the manual) at 1,200 RPM.

Others may have different methods.  Try searching for "Idle Speed" or similar.

-Turd.

[niteshade]

Thanks Turd.  I've been leaving the choke on more than I should, apparently.  I appreciate it.