Choke Every Ride?

[Vova]

I have only been riding a couple weeks, so am a complete noob. But it seems off to me that I have to choke before every ride. Sure it has yet to get warm here in Seattle, but is it normally to have to choke warmup on a 50 degree day? Also if that is required what is the best way to be gentle on the bike. Frequently I let it run on full choke, get my helmet on, and take off, and start letting out on the choke and its off pretty quickly. Is that bad for the bike? That is what we did in the MSF class, but my Nighthawk there wouldn't stay started and I don't doubt for a second they worry less about the condition of the bike and more about keeping schedule (aka I wouldn't be surprised if running with full choke is bad for the bike, but they still had me do it). What is the proper procedure here?

By the way, bike is stored outside (covered, but not that that means anything for the temperature of the bike lol), so I am sure that makes a difference on temps.

[Paulcet]

Your start and warmup routine is perfectly normal. Warmer weather will require less time with choke on, but will still need it.

[5thAve]

Agreed. Stock GS500 carburetion is EXTREMELY lean and usually needs choke on startup, even in warm weather. Easy fix is to insert a larger pilot jet in the carburetor.  User "The Buddha" on this forum will sell you the proper jets at a very fair price, cheaper than your local dealer.  This is an easy modification and makes around-town riding much easier, smoother, too!

[Edit]  Go to the For Sale forum on this site and look at the sticky discussions -- one there is by Buddha listing his prices for jets. He will give you the exact right jets for your bike (depending if you have stock air filter & exhaust, or modified exhaust, etc).

[RSK70]

^^ are those the same kind of jets that would be found in a jet kit? I have trouble getting my head wrapped around jets. I will be cleaning my carbs soon (hopefully) and figure I should rejet to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Thanks

[5thAve]

^^ are those the same kind of jets that would be found in a jet kit? I have trouble getting my head wrapped around jets. I will be cleaning my carbs soon (hopefully) and figure I should rejet to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Thanks

The sum of wisdom on this forum is this:  Jet kits (e.g. from K&N) are NOT a good idea for the GS500.  A "jet kit" usually includes new jets (the small brass orifices through which fuel flows) and a needle (the movable needle that slides in and out of the main jet when the throttle changes position).  THE STOCK SUZUKI NEEDLE HAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE, PROGRESSIVE SHAPE.

The best advice is to replace the jets with larger ones, and KEEP THE STOCK NEEDLE, moving it up in its holder either by moving the adjustable e-clip (international bikes) or using a couple washers (U.S. bikes).

Buddha will give you exactly what you need for your bike. Just tell him if it is a U.S.A. model or international, whether you have a stock airbox or have replaced it with K&N filter, etc. and whether your exhaust is stock or modified.  His prices are fair and WAY CHEAPER THAN A K&N jet kit anyway!     We need more helpful people like Buddha in this world.  

Details and instructions are available in the wiki, by the way:
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Rejetting  

[mister]

Needing the choke to start Every time is normal. Read the manual.

Michael

[Pigeonroost]

Be the it good or bad, the "enrichment" contol on the Gs is not really a choke, right?  The bike, especially recent model years, runs really lean.  The pseudo choke is really an enrighment device that adds extra fuel to the carb mix where as a true choke is a device that restricts air intake into the carb.  Anywho, it is ok to "enrich" with each cold start (cold being engine temp and not ambient temp).  Just don't forget to return the lever unless you like changing spark plugs.

prs

[adidasguy]

Everytime is normal. My 2009 never needed much choke until RMC screwed things up with the 4000 mile checkup. Now I need choke on longer.

Junior, my cute red old 1992 almost never needs choke. He's Canadian so probably jetted richer and runs on beer and back bacon.

Trey, my American 1994 needs choke just for a half minute or so just to get started.

Each bike is different. How each bike is tuned makes even the same bike different - as I've seen. I'll be adjusting Suzi in the next week or so. As weather is in the 50's, choke is less of an issue now so I'm in no real rush to tweek her.