Where is the Choke on a Motorcycle?
2 Answers
Motorcycle choke is located on the carburetor. Function of the choke: The choke enriches the air-fuel mixture. When starting a cold engine, the temperature is low, and the inhaled mixture tends to form particles rather than the mist-like state when the engine is warm, making it harder to ignite. Therefore, a richer mixture is needed for easier starting. Pulling the choke lever closes the choke valve, achieving this effect. Working principle of the electronic choke: When the motorcycle engine is running, the current generated by the magneto is directed to the internal PTC heating element (in some cases, the ignition system or rectifier supplies power to the electronic choke). This generates heat, causing the wax thermal expansion body to expand. The expansion pushes the small piston downward via the diaphragm and liquid medium, which in turn moves the sliding fuel control needle valve downward, closing the enrichment fuel outlet.
When I first started riding motorcycles, I found that the so-called throttle is actually the twist grip, always located at the top of the right handlebar where it can be rotated. Operating it is quite simple: turning it clockwise accelerates by opening the throttle, while turning it counterclockwise reduces speed. However, you need to be careful not to twist it too abruptly, as this can easily cause wheel spin or even a wheelie. If you're riding an older model with a carburetor, you might also need to use the choke lever—usually located near the left handle. Pull it out for a richer fuel mixture during cold starts, and push it back to reset once the engine warms up. When I first started riding, I often forgot to reset the choke, which led to higher fuel consumption and unstable engine performance. I recommend that beginners always check their motorcycle’s manual to confirm the exact positions, as designs may vary slightly between brands like Honda or Harley. Before daily rides, practice gently twisting the throttle in an open area to ensure safety and control.