choke lever position

[Scotts]

Hey all, I have an 86 gs550es. I have another thread going on here. This is a question about the choke lever. It is positioned below the turn signal button on the left hand grip. There is an arrow pointing toward the end of the grip that says choke. The lever operates by swinging it with your thumb. Which way is choke and which way is off? It starts really well and it does smoke a bit. I have been down the block a time or two, only about 10 min. per loop. If I push the lever toward the headstock the bike will die.

Thanks

Scott

[Steve]

Toward the left is choke, toward the right is OFF.

Proper starting drill is to set the choke somewhere between half and full on, turn the key on, squeeze the clutch lever, hit the starter button. Notice there was NO mention of the throttle? That is because you don't want to touch it. If the engine races with the amount of choke applied, reduce the choke a bit. I like to keep cold engine speed between 1500 and 2000 rpm. After you do this a few times, you will get the feel of how much choke to apply before hitting the starter.

.

[Scotts]

Thank you!

That worked excellent. Bike ran like a champ. Choke on full, touch button with thumb on choke, fire instantly, move choke lever to right about 1/4 of the way and proceed to enjoy a smoke free idle up to warm.

Scott

[Steve]

Did you back it off to 1/4, or back it off 1/4 (to 3/4)?

After a few (dozen) tries, you will find the 'sweet spot' that allows it to start, but does not race the (cold) engine. 8-[

.

[Scotts]

Steve, I went from full choke to 3/4 to 1/2 and all the way to no choke in probably 5 mins or so. It has been a long time since I had a manual choke. I was all set to make the dive into the carbs when I thought, Man what if it was something simple?

Thanks for the help. Now to get all the paper work and insurance, the M on the license. It will be time for an official trip around the bigger block.

Scott