Wanna choke it!

[berryspatch1]

Does anyone have any problem with the choke not really working? On my '89 the choke will work when set at about 1/2, but only for one try. If I don't keep the throttle up, it dies and then it can take several, many, hundreds of attempts to get it started. It wasn't a problem during the warmer months of summer and fall. Lately it has been in the twenties overnight and, although it is a garage queen, it can be difficult to say the least.
Can the choke be adjusted for varying temperatures?or is there something else I am missing? I appreciate any info.

[38 special]

I have an 86 ZN 1300 with nearly the same situation. The choke on or off it makes no difference. I still manually keep the throttle open. I now think it's (after talking with some of theguys here) the valves need adjusting cause she also backfires at low speeds. That'll be an early spring job, as well as a new rear tire.

[onegunguitar]

The "choke" on the 1300 is actually a high idle,it does not serve as a choke.Tight valves will definitely make it hard to start,especially when it has sat for awhile and cooled down.

[David (N. Alabama)]

My '01 Voyager on full choke will bring the RPMs up past 3000. I usually start the bike on full choke and then as fast as I can I move the choke lever to get the RPMs around 2000. As it warms the RPMs creep up so I have to continually adjust the choke while I am donning my gear.

Maybe your cable is stretched or loose. With the choke off, check for play in the cable down by the carburators.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Have you checked the condition of your spark plugs lately? Half fouled or worn plugs could cause this assuming your choke and all else is ok. I also highly recommend the iridium plugs also.