Should the motorcycle choke normally be open or closed?
4 Answers
When the motorcycle is running normally, the choke switch should be open. Working principle of the motorcycle electronic choke: When the motorcycle engine is running, the current generated by the magneto is also connected to the internal PTC heating element via an additional lead wire. This generates heat, causing the wax thermal expansion body to expand. Through the diaphragm and liquid medium, the small piston is pushed downward, thereby driving the vertically sliding fuel control needle valve to move down and close the enrichment fuel outlet. Function of the motorcycle choke: The choke is a unique device in carburetor-type gasoline engines. It can adjust the mixture concentration to facilitate starting. Under normal circumstances, it should be kept in the open position.
When I first started riding motorcycles, I was completely baffled by the choke, finding it quite mysterious. Later, I learned that the choke is actually an air intake restrictor, mainly used during cold starts to help the engine fire up more easily in low temperatures. Normally, it should definitely be kept closed because it creates a fuel-rich, air-lean mixture leading to incomplete combustion. If left open all the time, the bike's power will drop, and it can easily cause oil fouling on the spark plugs, affecting performance or even damaging the engine. I learned this the hard way: once I forgot to close the choke after starting, and the bike ran rough with abnormal sounds. The mechanic said I was being too lazy. So now I've developed the habit of pulling the choke lever at startup and closing it immediately when the engine warms up, usually after riding for just a few minutes. It's particularly useful for cold starts in winter, but hardly needed in summer. I'd advise beginners to check the choke before every ride and develop good habits. Don't be afraid of the minor hassle, otherwise you'll face numerous problems affecting both riding pleasure and safety.
After riding motorcycles for many years, I've noticed that the choke issue is often overlooked by beginners. Normally, the choke should remain closed; it should only be opened to enrich the fuel mixture when starting a cold engine. Once the engine warms up, it must be closed because the engine requires a leaner mixture for efficient combustion. Leaving the choke open increases fuel consumption and may lead to engine carbon buildup or even stalling. Based on my experience, when starting the bike in the morning, I open the choke for a few seconds, then push it to the closed position once the engine fires up and the RPM stabilizes. If I forget to close it and ride more than a kilometer, the bike starts making gurgling noises, which is quite dangerous. The choke is designed as a temporary aid for starting—don't misuse it. During seasonal changes, like in winter, the choke may need to stay open longer when cold, but it must be closed once the engine warms up. Regularly checking the choke cable's flexibility is also crucial; otherwise, stiff operation makes starting even harder.
As a female rider commuting daily, I use the choke very cautiously. Normally, the choke is closed because opening it consumes more fuel and affects the engine's smooth operation. When starting a cold engine, I gently pull up the choke lever, the bike starts, and within a few minutes, I push it back to the closed position. Keeping it open makes the bike accelerate slowly and noisily, which is bad for both safety and the wallet. The actual operation is simple: pull the choke when starting the bike in the morning, and reset it after riding a short distance to avoid unnecessary repair troubles.
