evening all

got my 1997 CB400sf in summer, and never needed choke to get it going.

however, now its getting a bit colder (kept outdoors) without choke it won't start.

But, with full choke, it stutters, won't catch and then I usually get a big "phut" out of the exhaust.

after several more cranks at various choke levels, it catches.

SO - does anyone have any tips on cold starting?

Maybe I should start with just a bit of choke, and build it up?

thanks

Ian

Hi,
I don't have the same problems as you have: Full choke is not a problem but then my CB400 has 4 exhausts! On full choke it roars at 4000 revs. Then I slide it back to ~3000 revs. No choke would be ~1200 revs. Sounds like you certainly have to be easy with the choke and not give it the full load.
Cheers, Mansie

cool

I've tried starting with a tiny bit of choke, and building up (rather than starting at full) and it seems to be working a lot better - catching straight away.

too used to car chokes that need to be out full.

cheers

Ian

If I use the choke to start in the coldest part of winter I only use a small amount, but generally I hit start and give it a small amount of throttle, keep it at 2-3000 revs for a few seconds and it is fine idling after that. :)

Mine starts on full choke and revs high at around 4000rpm so I close the choke about halfway for a minute or so, then close it all the way where it runs happily at around 1200rpm.

I finally got to the bottom of this

the bike's poor starting and use of choke was down to an old connector I found under than rear cowl.

I think it was running an old scot oiler, but this had 6v on it, and was draining the battery each night.

therefore, each morning the battery was quite low, and so not turning the engine fast enough.

When I removed the offending connector and charged the battery up, it started first time with hardly any choke.

So, for any poor starting I'd say check the battery power before attacking the carbs.

Ian