How Do I
Kickstart My Norton and Choke On,
Choke Off, Which Way Round Is It?
Cold Starting
1] Turn the choke on - usually about 1/2 to 3/4 (see diagrams below)
2] Turn the fuel on
3] Tickles carb/s until one drop of fuel drips off the bottom of the carb/s
4] Turn the ignition on
5] Depress the kickstart to the top of the swing, usually about 2 inches or so, you may hear a small shuuush noise, in any case, you are depressing it past the really easy bit to the start of where it feels hard.
6] Twist the throttle slightly, usually about 1-2cm of twist, hold it in place
7] Give it a good kick remembering to follow through with the kickstart under the front footrest to the end of the swing
8] Slightly rev the throttle when the engine tries to come to life
9] If the bike doesn't start, repeat points 5 to 8, if you try more than three or so times, you may have to re-tickle the carb/s
10] Gradually turn the choke off, usually within a few seconds of starting depending upon the weather
11] Turn your lights on and go ride.
These instructions are just a general guide, ALL Norton's are different (some have valve lifters, assisted electric starters etc) and you need to find out how to tame your own beast. Good luck.
| Norton's With Choke on the Right Hand | |
|
Choke Off The choke is off when the cable is tight This is normal running  |
Choke On The choke is on when the cable is loose For cold starting of bike  |
| Norton's With Choke on the Left Hand | |
|
Choke Off The choke is off when the cable is tight This is normal running  |
Choke On The choke is on when the cable is loose For cold starting of bike  |
| Please Note: The diagrams above show the extreme positions i.e. totally off and totally on. Many bikes, mine included, never require the choke to be fully on when starting the bike. You will need to experiment with your own bike. | |
After a ride out, to release the pressure on the choke cable, stop the bike and push the choke lever into the on position, this should give your choke cable many more miles worth of life.
Am I teaching you to suck eggs? You'd be amazed at the number of people who don't know this and ride around with the choke on, then complain their bikes ride like a dog!!!
Page last updated 27/06/07