Choke not working

r311music · August 25th, 2011, 03:33 PM

I have a 2009 250 that I bought used about two weeks ago. For some reason, I cannot get the choke to function properly. On a cold start, I'll put the lever all the way towards me. At first, the rpms jump from 1k to about 2k, then after a few seconds, it goes back to 1k. I'm pretty sure with the choke fully engaged I should be seeing higher rpms at idle, right? If I try to ride off, even after waiting 5 min with the choke still fully engaged, it dies out. So right now, I have to sit and rev it for 5-10min before I can go anywhere. Btw my normal warm idle is 1500 or so.

I also brought it to the dealer today, and he said nothing was wrong with it and changed the air filter. Charged me $30, even though I have a warranty on it. So I let my bike sit for a few hours, and once again, I started it up, engaged the choke, and well, same thing. So that didn't do it. Any ideas on what the issue might be? I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow but I'd like to have some idea of what could be the issue.

Thanks

alex.s · August 25th, 2011, 03:41 PM

does the choke change anything? as in, when you have it idling with the choke on, does turning the choke off drop the rpm at all?

Boom King · August 25th, 2011, 03:52 PM

With the choke open on start, the needle should read > 2000 RPMS once it starts to reach warm temps. Once you close it, RPM should idle around 1200 - 1300. 1500 is a tad high if your engine is fully warm, meaning after or during a ride but I doubt that could be your problem here. Does your tach needle seem to hunt for an RPM when it idles?

As for the air filter, it's a consumable and wearable item not covered under warranty just like oil and filter changes.

r311music · August 25th, 2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boom King

With the choke open on start, the needle should read > 2000 RPMS once it starts to reach warm temps. Once you close it, RPM should idle around 1200 - 1300. 1500 is a tad high if your engine is fully warm, meaning after or during a ride but I doubt that could be your problem here. Does your tach needle seem to hunt for an RPM when it idles?

As for the air filter, it's a consumable and wearable item not covered under warranty just like oil and filter changes.

Yea I figured that was the case on the air filter. Just kinda annoyed that it didn't fix the problem and I just got the bike with a fresh filter and oil change 200 miles ago. But anyways, my bike with the choke on, does not go above 2000 rpms. It jumps up for just a second, then back down to 1,000 as if the choke isn't on.

Boom King · August 25th, 2011, 04:04 PM

Could be some bad gas or dirty carbs if it was sitting at the dealer for a while and they didn't store it properly.

Cuongism · August 25th, 2011, 04:04 PM

Have you tried adjusting the freeplay of the choke cable? It does require taking off the fairings, but you can adjust the cable to make it longer/shorter which will affect how much more fuel it lets in. Also, it is a cable so lubing it won't hurt either

r311music · August 25th, 2011, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Have you tried adjusting the freeplay of the choke cable? It does require taking off the fairings, but you can adjust the cable to make it longer/shorter which will affect how much more fuel it lets in. Also, it is a cable so lubing it won't hurt either

I'll bring that up tomorrow at the dealer. That sounds like it could be the issue. The bike only sat at the dealer for 4 days. However it was an 09 with 400 miles on it. So I don't know how much the previous owner ever used it.

Boom King · August 25th, 2011, 04:26 PM

This link shows you how to quickly check the free play on the choke if you want to do a quick check before bringing it back to the dealer.

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...08&postcount=5

ninja250 · August 25th, 2011, 04:31 PM

Idle/pilot jets. They are hiding inside the carb and very easy to miss.

09 with 400 miles is your indicator. It's half way to 2012 already.
Bike has been sitting.
Jets are clogged.

Ask the dealer if they have a different mechanic. lol

I can get my choke to work the bike up to 4k.
That is with proper manual recommended cable/lever play/slack.
I don't let it get above 3K though per Kkim spec.

You just need enough choke to get the bike to idle without it. Do not rev the engine while the choke is on.

r311music · August 25th, 2011, 06:56 PM

Yea if my choke worked, I wouldn't have to rev it haha. I just need it to warm up so it won't stall when I give it gas. I currently have to sit and rev my bike for about 5min anytime I leave the bike sitting for an hour or more.

The mechanic working on my bike was "the best" they have apparently. It was pretty quick, so I'm thinking he didn't take anything off and check it out. I'll bring up a few items from this thread. Thanks again everyone

Vampyre · August 25th, 2011, 07:05 PM

Nice to meet you man. How'd you like my slip on. lol

August 25th, 2011, 03:33 PM	#1
r311music ninjette.org member Name: Rob Location: Orlando, FL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147	Choke not working I have a 2009 250 that I bought used about two weeks ago. For some reason, I cannot get the choke to function properly. On a cold start, I'll put the lever all the way towards me. At first, the rpms jump from 1k to about 2k, then after a few seconds, it goes back to 1k. I'm pretty sure with the choke fully engaged I should be seeing higher rpms at idle, right? If I try to ride off, even after waiting 5 min with the choke still fully engaged, it dies out. So right now, I have to sit and rev it for 5-10min before I can go anywhere. Btw my normal warm idle is 1500 or so. I also brought it to the dealer today, and he said nothing was wrong with it and changed the air filter. Charged me $30, even though I have a warranty on it. So I let my bike sit for a few hours, and once again, I started it up, engaged the choke, and well, same thing. So that didn't do it. Any ideas on what the issue might be? I'm going back to the dealer tomorrow but I'd like to have some idea of what could be the issue. Thanks

August 25th, 2011, 03:41 PM	#2
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	does the choke change anything? as in, when you have it idling with the choke on, does turning the choke off drop the rpm at all? __________________________________________________

August 25th, 2011, 04:31 PM	#9
ninja250 You are sleeping Name: Casey Location: LMFAO!!! Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2 Posts: A lot.	Idle/pilot jets. They are hiding inside the carb and very easy to miss. 09 with 400 miles is your indicator. It's half way to 2012 already. Bike has been sitting. Jets are clogged. Ask the dealer if they have a different mechanic. lol I can get my choke to work the bike up to 4k. That is with proper manual recommended cable/lever play/slack. I don't let it get above 3K though per Kkim spec. You just need enough choke to get the bike to idle without it. Do not rev the engine while the choke is on. __________________________________________________ <Yeah, it's a 250. LMFAO! Weaksauce

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
To choke or not to choke?	Greyfox	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	14	May 9th, 2012 08:03 PM
Never using choke	kano6280	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	22	March 29th, 2012 03:26 PM
choke?	reabo	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	February 2nd, 2012 05:24 AM
the choke	james250ninja	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	November 6th, 2011 05:38 PM
Noob Question: Why isnt my choke isnt working?	Jordan91	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	4	January 19th, 2011 03:18 PM

August 25th, 2011, 03:52 PM	#3
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	With the choke open on start, the needle should read > 2000 RPMS once it starts to reach warm temps. Once you close it, RPM should idle around 1200 - 1300. 1500 is a tad high if your engine is fully warm, meaning after or during a ride but I doubt that could be your problem here. Does your tach needle seem to hunt for an RPM when it idles? As for the air filter, it's a consumable and wearable item not covered under warranty just like oil and filter changes.

August 25th, 2011, 04:04 PM	#5
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Could be some bad gas or dirty carbs if it was sitting at the dealer for a while and they didn't store it properly.

August 25th, 2011, 04:04 PM	#6
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	Have you tried adjusting the freeplay of the choke cable? It does require taking off the fairings, but you can adjust the cable to make it longer/shorter which will affect how much more fuel it lets in. Also, it is a cable so lubing it won't hurt either

August 25th, 2011, 04:26 PM	#8
Boom King So, where's the reverse? Name: Anson Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	This link shows you how to quickly check the free play on the choke if you want to do a quick check before bringing it back to the dealer. http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...08&postcount=5

August 25th, 2011, 06:56 PM	#10
r311music ninjette.org member Name: Rob Location: Orlando, FL Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX6R Posts: 147	Yea if my choke worked, I wouldn't have to rev it haha. I just need it to warm up so it won't stall when I give it gas. I currently have to sit and rev my bike for about 5min anytime I leave the bike sitting for an hour or more. The mechanic working on my bike was "the best" they have apparently. It was pretty quick, so I'm thinking he didn't take anything off and check it out. I'll bring up a few items from this thread. Thanks again everyone

August 25th, 2011, 07:05 PM	#11
Vampyre ninjette.org sage Name: Joseph Location: Winter Park, FL Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Black, 2005 ZX-6R Blue Posts: 623	Nice to meet you man. How'd you like my slip on. lol