How do I test the Choke?

[Paxton]

All throughout the riding season the Valk would start w/no problem. I really could not tell any difference in firing up whether I used the choke.
So, I stop using it. ???

Now, as it is beginning to get chilli out there, getting her to start requires patience. I am now "using" the choke again, but it does nothing.

When I move the choke handle, it does so freely. I feel no resistance or engagement of any kind.
Is it possible that something might have come undone?

[tank_post142]

pull the cover off the left carb linkage. then move the choke it should move the linkage that engages the choke. chances are you are just not twisting the choke on far enough. once the choke lever stops moving give it a stronger push and it will probably engage the choke then. mine travels over 1/2 before it starts to move the linkage.

[CajunRider]

+1

When it feels like you're about to break the lever, you're starting to actually engage the choke.  Another 1/2 inch or so from that point, and you're in "choke" mode. 

[Daniel Meyer]

Yep, after free travel stops...push it some more. You are not engaging it. Most every valk I've seen is the same way.

[9Ball]

you can visually see the enricheners move without removing the linkage cover....just get a flashlight and look carefully while moving the lever...you should see the linkage move and the enricheners slide out.

[Hoser]

If it does not move and you are completely at the bottom, the cable could be broken, you can set the choke by hand if you push it open on one of the sides or the other, cable is around 20 bux at HDL, not hard to replace.  Hoser

[Ricky-D]

you can visually see the enricheners move without removing the linkage cover....just get a flashlight and look carefully while moving the lever...you should see the linkage move and the enricheners slide out.

This is the best and easiest to use advise in determining if you are truly activating the "choke" system on the bike.

***

[John Schmidt]

The choke system on the Valk is by far the dumbest thing Honda ever came up with. When I installed the HD controls I lost that goofy lever so had to come up with a new choke activation. This is what I did and it works perfect....plus I think looks kinda neat.    The first picture is "under construction" and the second one is the finished project. Nothing more than polished SS and a couple small nuts/bolts to attach it. You'll notice there is some shaping to be done to allow the flat actuator to move around some of the carb parts. It will last a lot longer than the cable running from the handlbars down, and holds any position you set it on.

[Hoser]

That is pretty nifty.  Hoser 

[CajunRider]

Nice setup there, John...  I'll have to remember that when my cable breaks.   

[John Schmidt]

By using the long rod that holds the carbs together you can mount an "L" shaped bracket to the back end of it. Just loosen and back off the nut at the front of the carbs gives you enough slack at the back for the bracket. The rest is just a drill and bolt it down application as you see it. Be sure to use nylock nuts so you can tighten it to the point where it will stay put when you use the choke. The time consuming part was grinding out the sections on the long rod to clear the carb parts. Was a rainy afternoon project that only took a couple hours.

[fudgie]

One way to see where your choke is I use the 'seam' of the controls. When the choke is fully on, it will be at the seam.

[valkyriemc]

One way to see where your choke is I use the 'seam' of the controls. When the choke is fully on, it will be at the seam.

Like this,  follow link for pics;

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,25677.msg232379.html#msg232379

[Westsider]

Yes Sir ,,that time of year here too...time to clean and sillicone the ole choke lever and linkage again. Finnally valk riding season...