always have to choke to start the bike

[sidwin]

If i let my bike sit for a couple of hours i have to use the choke. I just got the bike 300 miles ago and it only has 3700 on it. I thought that's weird for an 01 to have to be choked that often.

I raised my idle to 1k after the bike warms up but having to choke the bike at start up is a tad frustrating.

is this normal for a vmax?

Thanks,
Sid

 

[maleko89]

It's normal. If the engine is cold and you don't have to choke then you are running too rich.

 

[2fear]

Normal, welcome to the Max.....

 

[4gasem]

It's normal...

Chris

 

[sidwin]

ok thanks... weird... my shadow only has to be choked in the winter or after long periods of sitting.

 

[gamorg02]

yea the bikes are really finicky and should be tuned for normal operating temps.

 

[sidwin]

I think i have it fixed...

I went and put in one of those huge ass batteries today. never knew i had to put in the acid myself. When i removed the stock battery out i noticed the acid level was low.

I cut only the corners of the box so i could retain the strap. I dremeled the terminals to make sure they were clean. I put a new ground wire from battery to the side right under the seat then another from the battery to the left side engine bolt. Then another 12 gauge wire from the engine bolt to the back side of the vmax plate. I dremeled the paint off of that to make sure i have a clean contact.

Put everything back together including my cracked coil packs. I don't think that effects anything and started the bike right up with no choke even though it has been sitting overnight. I guess with the choke the rpm was at 3k and that was enough to get the voltage the bike needed. after cleaning, replacing and adding stuff the bike is able to put out @ 1k what it wasn't before.

Thakns,
Sid

I can start my bike now without the choke. I guess the terminals were pretty bad or

 

[gamorg02]

i'm surprised that fixed it, but good to hear.

 

[sidwin]

yeah me too. i guess @ 3k rpm the bike was producing enough voltage. I confirmed the test again today. the bike sat for 1.5 days and i was able to start her right up with no choke. she idled a little rough 650rpm but then after a minute was at 1k rpm.