GS850 Choke won't stay closed

[junglej]

I did a search for choke and didn't find anything on this. I have an 81 GS850 and the choke will not stay pulled (closed choke). I haven't found anyplace to tighten that would create friction to hold the knob pulled out. I've made a little fixture to slide under the knob to keep it pulled until the engine warms up, but like to eliminate that - and I can't reduce the choke to partial open.

[tkent02]

try twisting the knob?
It's supposed to tighten if you turn it to the right.

[junglej]

try twisting the knob?
It's supposed to tighten if you turn it to the right.

That's too easy! It used to stay open just fine, so I'll bet you've got it. I'll check in the a.m. Thanks

[Steve]

try twisting the knob?
It's supposed to tighten if you turn it to the right.

Mine does not tighten like it should, so don't expect miracles.

My son's didn't either, but we got a new cable for other reasons and the new cable locked just fine.

NOTE: if you have your carbs set right, you don't need the "choke" very long anyway, so it's really not much problem.
I can start any of our bikes, put on the helmet, get on the bike and ride. By the time I'm in second gear, the "choke" can be turned off.

.

[tkent02]

Mine does not tighten like it should, so don't expect miracles.

My son's didn't either, but we got a new cable for other reasons and the new cable locked just fine.

NOTE: if you have your carbs set right, you don't need the "choke" very long anyway, so it's really not much problem.
I can start any of our bikes, put on the helmet, get on the bike and ride. By the time I'm in second gear, the "choke" can be turned off.

.

Dude! How do you put on a helmet and hold the choke at the same time???

Sometimes if you take the knob part of the cable apart and Grok it a bit you can get the friction thing to work again.

[850 Combat]

I'm assuming it is a pre 1982 with the choke cable on the upper triple clamp. Under the rubber cap below the pull there is a knurled adjustment knob for tightening the cable. In my experience, they are good for about one adjustment, maybe. If you bypass the clutch lock out switch, you can at least start it with one hand. It is possible to pull in the clutch with the crook of your left elbow, while pulling the choke with your left hand.

Often the adjustment strips out or breaks, and you will need a new choke cable to properly repair it.

[bwringer]

I've seen a few clothespins clipped to GS handlebars for this situation... pull knob, secure with clothespin, start bike, don helmet unimpeded...

[Larry D]

I've seen a few clothespins clipped to GS handlebars for this situation... pull knob, secure with clothespin, start bike, don helmet unimpeded...

Hey.....I resemble that remark I have a new choke cable, just haven't gotten around to changing it yet. C'mon warmer weather !!!!

[junglej]

clockwise turn worked - choke

try twisting the knob?
It's supposed to tighten if you turn it to the right.

Worked like a charm to turn the knob clockwise! Thanks for eliminating this big irritation for me.

Jim

[Tom R]

I find if I pull mine out and twist it a little it stays. It used to stick on sometimes when I did this; but I seem to have it tamed now.

[tatu]

It is the twisting of the knob that buggers it, as 850 combat says there is a knurled nut under the rubber boot and the reason it's only good for one adjustment is because the knob has been twisted.
They're plastic threads so don't go mad.

[80gs1000e]

I replaced my choke cable because the previous one was too stiff/stuck all the time...probably the rust in there.

New one does not stay up hardly at all so I manually nurse it/hold it in place while she warms up. Not a big deal, better than having it stuck up in the on position.

[mike10]

choke won't stay pulled

I replaced my choke cable because the previous one was too stiff/stuck all the time...probably the rust in there.

New one does not stay up hardly at all so I manually nurse it/hold it in place while she warms up. Not a big deal, better than having it stuck up in the on position.

I have a 1980 GS1000E, (I think E) My choke won't stay pulled either. I bought a tiny vicegrip from Harbor Fraight. I just clamp it on enough to hold it where I want it. To start, I only need to hold it out a second, Its not cold blooded at all. My 2005 GS500 has to sit and warm up 2 or 3 min. Cold Blooded as can be.

[nitro3custom]

I took the cap off at the pull lever rapped some teflon tape around the top part so it had something to squeze around the shaft. That seems to work better,but a new cadle is probably in order because the little plastic tabs wear out.