Choke on 850

I have newish Amals on my 1973 850 and am having a choke also fitted as I have been told that it can be done.

Are there any reports on how the choke helps with the starting of the bike?

Thanks

Frank

Having the choke slides fitted means you can lightly tickle the carbs, give it some choke, give it the boot and it will start and idle reasonably reliably in cold weather.

No slides means you have to tickle it till it bleeds, and then give it some throttle for a minute or 3 until it warms enough to idle reliably.
In traffic, this can easily mean a stall or 2, until it warms up.

Worn amals will usually start and run reasonably well with no choke slides.
But when I bought a new set of Amals, some years back now, it would barely start without some choke.
The worn jets had meant it was like having the choke on a bit, all the time...

In summer time, you may never need the choke.

Watch that they don't vibrate down and give it choke while out riding though.
Kills the performance, and the engine if left like that...

Choke usefull for a very cold motor . No throttle or very little. Take it off choke A.S.A.P. as a super rich mixture washes away the critical oil film needed on cold startup. That's why I trashed mine. Ticklers work just fine on those cold mornings. Wiped snow off seat and tank one morning , tickled, ka-boom ,warmup,go.

lawman said:

I have newish Amals on my 1973 850 and am having a choke also fitted as I have been told that it can be done.

Are there any reports on how the choke helps with the starting of the bike?

Thanks

Frank

Click to expand...

Frank
Experience with cold weather has taught me to use the choke. I live up in Canada and our temps can range from 100+ f to 45/ 50 degrees were I call it quits for riding m/c traveling with any pleasure. Below that is a chore or burden. :cry: About a half hour tops, on the fingers and I want off. When temps get to about 60 and under the choke is there and works. I still tickle till I see the dribble and with choke on and no throttle....till I hear the catch from the first boot. Then open up. The choke stays on till I hit my end of the driveway and then I get it off. Summer days you will not need the choke. But its nice in the colder autumn and late fall to still kick it over with one or two boots.
My five cents
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN

2 canucks.

Hi,

I agree with Rohan, new Amals start better with choke. On a 850 you need a left handed choke lever, because of the master cylinder. Original Amal LH levers are not produced anymore, but pattern parts are available.

Ralf