Enricher Use Tip For Carbed Bikes

Resist Temptation, the Enricher is Evil

This is one of the most...

joyflyin 

Okay, here I go with another question. On carbed bikes, about what temp should you use the choke? (or enrichener for those who care what it's called ) We are getting temps in the mornings in the upper 40's/lower 50's. So, for the good news, since I'm oh so much smarter now about being in tune with the bike, I now start it with out the choke on and guess what? She actually starts easier, warms up quicker, and seems less finicky over all. Thanks ya'll.....But I'm just wondering about when I should use the choke. As of now, it is still starting fine. I will probably ride for another month or so fairly regular, then only on warm days after me & the bike go into winter hibernation.

glider 

A lot depends on the jetting in the bike Joy. If properly jetted I would say when it's cold like below maybe 50 or so, it will start faster usually but when it gets down around 40 then it's a given to pull the enricher out.

It's kind of a trial and error thing with each bike. Sometimes just a twist of the throttle will suffice without the enricher but once started may take a bit of throttle to keep it running for a few seconds until it gets some heat in the engine.

joyflyin 

Thanks guys, I did learn the twist of the throttle trick this year, I forgot to mention that. It made a world of difference. And, for the record, Smitty, I'm willing to bet that my bike will never have to worry about going out in 10* weather, unless of course, someone else owns it. I'm a fair weather rider.

NEWHD74FAN 

Glider, the twist of the throttle trick is based on those who have an accelerator pump like my Sporty right? I find that it starts immediately, but still takes a while to "clear it's throat" (so to speak) by blipping the throttle to keep the motor running, from moderately cool 55 deg or so on up.

The bike starts and runs better if you begin at full choke and immediately move it to 1/2 choke, before riding away "gently". By the time I get two blocks and come to a stop, I push the choke all the way in with my left hand, by this time I do not have to keep blipping the throttle with my right hand, the throttle can be at rest and the motor idles and accelerates cleanly...!

I have to try to keep the bike moving, as I am running essentially straight DragS 1 3/8 pipes, stage I air cleaner & carb kit...to keep the neighbors happy in the mornings (I have since added baffles), but the pipes are still pretty loud...I still set off at least three car alarms on my way to work !

glider 

That's correct, it gives the pump squirt to get the motor running.

rogeriga 

Hello to all, I recently purchased a 95 fatty and it has some of the above ailments, With most petrol powered motors I have owned I try and never use the choke as the engine then becomes "dependant"on it to start. Instead I work the throttle as suggested above to pump fuel into the motor prior to cranking. However having purchased a preused Bike I cannot get this motor to fire without the choke at full. Also once running it will stall when cold if I try and open the throttle, any suggestions?

glider 

Have you checked the jetting in the carb? Sounds like it could be stock, lean jetting.

*Twin Cam CV Carb Rejet Suggestions - Harley Davidson Community