Is the motorcycle choke switch in the upward position for on or off?

[McLena]

The motorcycle choke switch in the upward position is on, which is used to assist in starting the motorcycle, while the downward position closes the choke. The working principle of the motorcycle choke has the following two points: The choke, also known as the air choke, operates on two principles: one is to reduce the amount of air entering, and the other is to increase the amount of gasoline entering. Both aim to enrich the air-fuel mixture, making it easier to start the engine when cold. The function of the motorcycle choke: The choke is a unique device in carburetor-type gasoline engines, which can adjust the concentration of the air-fuel mixture for easier starting. Under normal circumstances, it should be kept in the open position.

[Cassidy]

I've been riding motorcycles for over 20 years, so I'm extremely familiar with the choke lever. Typically, the design is to push it up to close the choke (i.e., the choke-on position) and pull it down to open it. When starting a cold engine, pushing it up enriches the air-fuel mixture, making it easier to fire up. After starting, you need to pull it down quickly, otherwise the bike will run poorly and consume more fuel. Last week, my young neighbor forgot to open the choke and ended up stalling halfway through his ride. Different bike models might have slight variations—some older models have the lever in different positions. If you're unsure, the best approach is to observe the RPM changes after starting the engine. If the RPM noticeably rises when pushing it up and stabilizes when pulling it down, you're doing it right. It's important to pay attention to the lever's position and develop good habits.

[AlexRose]

I remember when I first started riding, I always got confused about the choke lever direction. Later, a mechanic taught me a trick: Pushing it up closes the choke, just like covering a lid to reduce air intake; pulling it down opens the choke, allowing air to flow. On cold mornings, you need to push it up before starting, then pull it down once the engine runs smoothly. Last week when I rode my Kawasaki to the mountains, it was freezing in the morning—I pushed it up and the bike started in one go, warmed up for a minute, then pulled it down. If you forget to open the choke, the bike will struggle to breathe while riding, with noticeably weaker power. Most brands follow this same design, but it's best to check your bike's manual. Though a small switch, it affects riding smoothness—practice a few times to build muscle memory.

[LillianDella]

The working principle of the motorcycle choke switch is actually quite simple. Pushing it up closes the choke, reducing air intake and enriching the fuel mixture for cold starts. Pulling it down opens the choke, restoring normal air intake. Most motorcycles follow this design logic. Operation should be adjusted according to ambient temperature—the colder it is, the longer the choke needs to stay closed. Remember to open it immediately after starting, otherwise an overly rich mixture can lead to incomplete combustion. I often remind beginners about this—last week I saw a guy forget to open the choke, and black smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. Different motorcycles may have slight variations in switch positions; if unsure, just try starting it to find out.