bike runs better with choke half way??

[nd4spd]

Hello, my bike perform better with the choke half way??
is sucking to much air?, carbs are bad?? or...please help
btw, is a 81gs850g....t/you.

[Big T]

Well

Tell us more

What maintenance have you done?

Are you running pods or a header?

[nd4spd]

no mods, just change the plugs and oil...got it last week

[Steve]

...got it last week

Since you have no idea about the service history of the bike, you would do yourself (and your bike) a BIG favor if you catch up on the last 20 or so years of neglected maintenance.

That would include a full carb cleaning, valve adjustment and a thorough check of the electrical system. Then, before you hop on it again, check the tires (for AGE, not just tread wear) brakes and other important stuff that will make your motorcycling experience that much more enjoyable.

While you are at it, why not update your profile to show your general location (one of us just might be close enough to lend a hand) and generate a signature that at least shows your bike, so you don't have to remember to mention it every time you ask a question.

.

[tom203]

no mods, just change the plugs and oil...got it last week

Ah,Spring! when poorly maintained bikes get passed along with the typical.....
" ran good last summer, probably just needs the carbs tuned"

Dozens like this on CL in my small corner of world right now
Heed Steve's advice or plan to get frustrated real quick!

[nd4spd]

T/you..guys, it has new tires, and new battery..i put new gas with sea foam..

[spyug]

The bike is not designed to run with the choke set halfway. That is telling you that the carbs are not working efficiently and as designed and something is wrong........as in they are likely dirty or air is getting in past deteriorated o-rings or a combination of those things.

Seafoam may clean up some of the gunk that's undoubtedly in the carbs but its a stop gap measure. You need to heed the advice given. Attend to the years of undoubted neglect and start by properly cleaning and rebuilding the carbs with new o-rings. The tutorials for this on Cliff's site and the main page are wonderful and second to none and our good friends from Z1 Enterprises have a great vid on youtube showing how its done.

Its not hard but without it your bike will get no better and likely will get worse. this is how so many good old bikes die, with a whimper and not a bang.

Do the work, enjoy the ride, the pride of fixing it yourself and the knowledge that its dependable and won't let you down.

Now go learn something.

cheers,
spyug

[Maddevill]

Running better with the choke on is telling you that it is running lean, which means your jets are partially or totally plugged. Strip and clean, strip and clean. That's your answer.

[cableguy]

Not the answer you hoping for, but its all true. All the info is here, and anyone who's close to you will help you. Once you do the maintenance you wont believe how much better your bike will be.
BTW, welcome!

[josefino]

Totally Agree

I have to admit, you have clean the carbs and purchase any broken parts. Be aware that you will have to spend some money on any broken parts and acid solution to clean them well, if not you will have to re-do all work. This forum has many links on how to clean the carbs. I tried to do it the cheap way and I regret it later. Also you will have to adjust the pilot screws, is not easy but takes patience. Good luck man, if you live in the Austin area I can lend you a hand.