Choke Lever and Warm up cycle

[rdivy725]

Greetings,

Being new to the K Bike I have a question about using the choke lever on cold starting. With an ambient temp above 50 degrees (lets say 50-80 degrees, that is the temp I have started it at since I obtained it). How long should the choke lever stay in position "1" ? THe manual states " to slowly move the lever off as soon as it is possible ". If I take the choke off in less that 10 minutes it does not want to idle. I have ridden with the lever in position "1" after a 5 minute warm up until the engine got to operating temperature and then moved it off, and it runs fine until the next warm up cycle. THe bike has 9300 miles and because the riding season here is coming to a close, I am planning a full run through of vacuum hoses, replace plugs, synch TPS, etc. over the winter. I just don't know if this condition is considered "normal operation" or should I dig into it deeper. 

[The Mighty Gryphon]

first off, it's not really a choke like what is on a carburetor, rather it's just a fast idle that opens the throttles a small amount.

There is no harm in riding all day with it on other than that the idle will be a bit high when you come to a stop.  Chances are that you have a small vacuum leak that is leaning out the idle mixture and by idling faster you can keep the engine running until it's totally warmed up. 

The first place to look for a vacuum leak is the "z" tube from the crankcase breather to the air box that is located at the top rear of the engine block between the relay box and the air box.  They are famous for cracking and leaking at the hose clamps.

[Laitch]

It isn't normal to activate the choke lever for normal riding. The problem with using it that way is that someday, you won't get deceleration as fast as you expect it or need it then serious trouble might follow. Just mind Gryph and everything will be ok.

[rdivy725]

I did a deeper dive into the tubes, specifically the Z tube Gryphon spoke of and sure enough, when I pushed the hose back to inspect it by the clamp, I found a crack. Thanks All!