Where is the motorcycle choke located?
3 Answers
Motorcycle choke is located on the carburetor. Introduction to motorcycle choke: The choke is a unique device for carburetor-type gasoline engines, which adjusts the concentration of the air-fuel mixture to facilitate starting. Under normal circumstances, it should be kept in the open position. The choke, also known as the air shutter, is used to regulate the amount of air entering the engine. Principle of motorcycle choke: There are two principles of the choke: one is to reduce the amount of air entering, and the other is to increase the amount of gasoline entering. The purpose is the same, which is to enrich the air-fuel mixture, making it easier to start the engine when it is cold. If you are not in a hurry to ride, it is best to let the motorcycle run for about one or two minutes, and then return the choke to its original position. If the engine speed cannot stabilize, the choke should be pulled out a little more before riding.
I've been repairing motorcycles for decades and often encounter beginners asking about the choke position. On most bikes, it's located on the left side of the handlebar—often as a small lever or knob designed to be within easy reach. Older models may have it fixed near the carburetor, while modern bikes sometimes integrate it into the electronic system, appearing as a button. Pull it open when starting in cold weather, and close it immediately once the engine warms up to avoid fuel waste or engine damage. Don’t mistake its position—it’s commonly found near the dashboard or at the base of the handlebar; just inspect carefully. A handy tip is to keep it clean and free of mud, as grime can make it sluggish or even jam, causing startup issues. During routine maintenance, I always wipe it down to ensure smooth operation—I recommend owners refer to the manual’s diagram to avoid wasting time fumbling around. For unusual models, just snap a photo, and I’ll help locate it—simple as that.
When I first started learning to ride a motorcycle, I always had trouble finding the choke. A friend told me it's usually located on the left side of the handlebar, often as a small lever or paddle. The position is typically visible and easy to operate, but some models are designed so discreetly that you might need to fumble around to find it. Before starting the engine in cold weather, pull it out, and push it back once the engine RPM stabilizes. Don’t forget to close it, or else it’ll increase fuel consumption and strain the engine. Later, after riding for a while, I noticed significant variations in its placement—newer models might have it on the inner side of the handlebar, while older bikes could feature a manual knob near the fuel tank. The operation is simple, so don’t panic; just practice a few times to get the hang of it. During routine maintenance, check if it’s loose. If you can’t locate it, refer to the user manual or ask fellow riders with the same model to avoid startup delays affecting your trip. Always confirm its condition before hitting the road to prevent minor issues from turning into bigger problems.
