How do I adjust my choke?

[Æon]

After getting my bike back from the mechanic, the choke seems sticky. When I put it on, it doesn't always go on. I have to jiggle it. Even when I push it all the way in, under the tank, it bounces out after a few seconds, to stay at mid-level choke. What's the quickest way to adjust the cable so it pushes the choke in all the way?

Thanks!

[adidasguy]

The cable actually pulls the choke.
See where the cable connects to the brassy colored thingy that operates the coke on the carbs. Where it connects there is a spring to make the choke spring back off. If the spring is not correct, it could bind up.

Now, at the handlebars. If you look at the underside of the left hand control there is a screw holding in a smallish rectangular cap thingy. That holds in a pressure screw and a plastic friction thing. That spring and plastic thing apply pressure to the clutch lever. That's what holds the clutch in the on position as the spring at the other end is there to release the clutch.

Most likely the choke cable is not connected to the carbs correctly. I doubt they removed the left hand controls.

Someone might have a picture of that or it is in your Haymes or Clymer manual. It helps to know the year of your  bike. Choke cable is different on 2004+ carbs compared to 1989-2000 (at the carb end, handlebar is the same)

[Æon]

It's a 2000. I'm selling it after work today so I just wanted to adjust it properly for the person buying it...

[adidasguy]

Unfortunately you'll have to lift the tank to get at the choke connection on the carbs.
I'm betting they worked on the bike, disconnected the choke cable to get valve cover off then re-connected it wrong.
Something the dealer should correct but simple with the tank off. Then, it is work to take the tank off.
Rarely does the choke cable ever need adjusting except when replacing it. So  I still bet on it not being connected correctly at the carbs. You might be able to look up there and see the connection and the spring on it. Maybe just getting the spring seated properly will take care of it.

[Æon]

Trying to get in the habit of posting once things are resolved, so...

Turns out the hose/sheath that the cable's in wasn't seated in the slot, and it was just kind of sitting there. The spring, which is supposed to sit on the other side of said slot, was actually wrapped half way around the sheath. So not a lot was happening when I moved the choke lever on the handlebar.

Used this pic, from elsewhere on this board:
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc179/gs_beRto/Starwalt-CarbPhotofront-small-marku.jpg

[adidasguy]

Yep - that's what I was referring to.
Mechanic did not put the spring & stuff back on correctly.

Glad you're running OK now.