I assume you mean until it runs ok. Everyone will have a slightly different answer. I crank mine and then put on my gear as it warms up slightly blipping the throttle occasionally to make sure it stays at good rpms. The difference comes here. after pulling out of my drive it is one mile to my first stop. (Either way) After that, choke in, hammer down. For those of you who have a stop sign at the end of the street it will be different. Also depends on your carb and the way it's tuned, I guess.

Boofer wrote on 12/07/10 at 17:45:35:


Yes i mean when until it runs without shutting off.  

@Boule
How many sizes should i go up?  Currently its all stock, '97 Savage.  Changing jet size may be an option but the way i ride, it would probably be worse off for the MPG.

Boofer wrote on 12/07/10 at 18:22:54:


I've heard from someone that twisting the throttle from a cold start is very bad for the engine.  I think there may be some truth to what you're saying.

It usually takes me 3-4 minutes of waiting while it idles.  I'll usually start the engine, and then put on my gloves and helmet.  Then I sit on it for a minute or two, while testing the engine sound to make sure I don't hear it struggling and losing power while revving.

If I hear the engine struggling to keep up with the throttle while riding, I avoid revving it until I feel the engine warm enough to have power.

Before doing anything to the carb, try running with the petcock in prime position in case you have a stiff diaphram starving it for fuel when cold.

I let my bike warm up with the choke out for a couple mins. If I need to rev it a little I do, yet make sure I don't overdo it. Like others, I finish putting my gear on in the mean time. Our driveway is a lil steep and gavel. The last thing I want is for her to stall going up to the top of the driveway. kim

I suppose I am in with most here with a little variance.....crank with choke on - put on coat, helmet, glasses & gloves roll to bottom of driveway in neutral - choke still on now at 3-5 minutes post crank......if it is in the 40's i take the choke off and drive away nice and easy never over 2-3K rpm's to 2nd gear in the neighborhood to the main road about 1/2 mile with several turns......if it is in the 30's i leave choke on until i get to the main rd.....if it is in the 20's I leave the choke on until I get to the first stop light about 1 mile from the house...all the while keeping the rpm's around 3k or less......even after that initial warm up distance and farther i dont "get on it" unless the air temp is in the upper 40's or over 50F......