What is the normal position of the choke on a motorcycle?
2 Answers
Motorcycle's choke is normally located on the carburetor. Here is the relevant introduction about the carburetor: 1. Definition: The carburetor is a mechanical device that mixes a certain proportion of gasoline and air under the vacuum generated by the engine operation. 2. Working principle: The carburetor is essentially a tube with an adjustable plate called the throttle valve in the middle, which controls the airflow through the tube. There is a constricted section in the tube called the venturi, where a vacuum is formed. This constricted section has a hole through which fuel is drawn in by the vacuum.
When it comes to the position of the motorcycle choke, based on my riding experience, it's usually located near the handlebar for easy operation during startup. For example, on my Yamaha, there's a small lever under the right handle—just a gentle pull opens it. Normally, it should be in the closed position because the engine doesn't need it once it's warmed up. During cold starts in winter, I use it for a minute or two before pushing it back; never leave it open for long, as it increases fuel consumption and may harm the engine. Once in the mountains, I forgot to close it, and the engine suddenly emitted black smoke, which startled me. Anyway, its position isn't hard to find—either on the handlebar or near the instrument panel. Try around your bike, and you'll get familiar with it. Oh, and on older bikes, the position might rust, so clean it regularly to prevent jamming.
