Choke stiffness solved!

[1500Rider]

Have noticed since buying my Valkyrie in the spring that the choke lever has been very stiff. Did some searching through the forums and found this to be a common problem. At first I just chalked it up to the fact there were six carbs and there was nothing I could do, however, it didn't seem right to me. I feared that one day the plastic choke lever would break.

I decided to do some investigating. Checked and lubricated all the choke linkages at the carbs. No difference. Opened up the left handlebar controls, took off the left handlebar grip, detached the choke cable and removed the choke lever. I put the choke lever back in the control housing without mounting it on the handle bars and was surprised at how stiffly the lever turned. Opened up the housing again and everything looked fine. I then noticed a little plastic flashing on the bottom of the unit where it had been moulded. Removed that and lightly sanded any rough spots I could find. I then looked at the housing. Found some dirt build up and a few rough spots in the grooved section where the choke lever sits. Sanded these down and cleaned the whole unit. I then put a little silicone lubricant on the lever, inside the grooves on the upper and lower cover where the level sits and a little on the handlebar itself where the choke lever sits and lubricated the choke cable itself. I then put everything back together and tested.

What a difference! The choke lever slides very smoothly and effortlessly to full choke whereas before I really had to push down hard for that last little bit. It doesn't quite move as effortlessly as my other two bikes but a night and day improvement over what it was!

[salty1]

Thanks, I'll have to give your "recipe" a try! 

[jimmyk]

Thanks, I'll have to give your "recipe" a try! 

good job,  i will have to remember that one!!!

[Jess from VA]

When Big BF was working on my bikes recently, I asked him about lubing the choke lever/cables.  He said he did it once, and the choke started backing off in its own, and didn't recommend it.  Careful with the lube.

[Hoser]

I installed a new cable after the old one broke, it works just as you said when it's new.  Cost 12 bux at HDL directline.
http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_select2.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1999&fveh=124891

[John Schmidt]

Here's my solution. When I switched to Harley controls on the Valk I lost the choke control so had to come up with a good replacement. The following pix describe it, works great, don't have to worry about breaking cables or difficulty engaging the choke. If you want the directions, I have drawings with measurements on them, just shoot me an email.

[Ricky-D]

I think Honda designed it that way.

For the reason that Big BF stated as his result.

Of course, I cannot comment on how hard your choke lever was to activate,

But on most all Valkyries commented here on the forum it (the stiffness) seems to be the common denominator regarding activating the choke.

***

[R J]

Here's my solution. When I switched to Harley controls on the Valk I lost the choke control so had to come up with a good replacement. The following pix describe it, works great, don't have to worry about breaking cables or difficulty engaging the choke. If you want the directions, I have drawings with measurements on them, just shoot me an email.

Hey John, how about building some of those Choke hand controls you have on your bike.

I'd be in the market for one.  Think it over buddy.

[1500Rider]

When Big BF was working on my bikes recently, I asked him about lubing the choke lever/cables.  He said he did it once, and the choke started backing off in its own, and didn't recommend it.  Careful with the lube.

I was worried about that myself but the choke stays put. There is a small steal ball inset on the inside of the choke lever. This keeps tension against the inside wall of the control housing. I suspect it's there to provide enough resistance to keep the choke lever in place when engaged. If this ball were not present because it fell out during servicing I have no doubt that the choke lever would back off by itself. Maybe this is what happened in your case?

[John Schmidt]

Here's my solution. When I switched to Harley controls on the Valk I lost the choke control so had to come up with a good replacement. The following pix describe it, works great, don't have to worry about breaking cables or difficulty engaging the choke. If you want the directions, I have drawings with measurements on them, just shoot me an email.

Hey John, how about building some of those Choke hand controls you have on your bike.

I'd be in the market for one.  Think it over buddy.

RJ, I'd love to but since I retired nearly ten years ago I just don't have the time.    I know I could probably sell a bunch of them but it's time consuming. Cutting and grinding the SS I used is the bigest challenge. Keep bugging me, I might surprise you one day. 

[old2soon]

Well John-throw me into the mix that likes your choke conversion lever. I could come up with the loot if you make a run of them. Also consider me buggin you about it.  RIDE SAFE.