Starting your bike?

[beemer]

Do you use your choke control to start your R65 in all weathers?hot or cold?just wondering as iv'e never felt the need to use mine yet,let me know how you start your bike!

[donbmw]

Always
 I should have said when it is the first start of the day or when setting for a few hours.

[nhmaf]

I always need to, unless it has just been running within the past hour or so.
If it is above 70F, then I usually only need to move the choke to the first "stop"
position.   If it is below, then I need to move it all the way to start, then return
it to half way position for the next 1/2 mile on the road, or about 1 minute's time.
Then off.   A very slight twist of the throttle grip usually, too.

If you are able to start your bike without a choke even on cooler days (<60F), I would think that
your mixture is kinda rich ?  What do the plugs look like ?

[beemer]

I always need to, unless it has just been running within the past hour or so.
If it is above 70F, then I usually only need to move the choke to the first "stop"
position.   If it is below, then I need to move it all the way to start, then return
it to half way position for the next 1/2 mile on the road, or about 1 minute's time.
Then off.   A very slight twist of the throttle grip usually, too.

If you are able to start your bike without a choke even on cooler days (<60F), I would think that
your mixture is kinda rich ?  What do the plugs look like ?

The plugs are fine,a nice dark grey colour,but it has been warm here in the UK for a change!!so iv'e never had to use the choke,it's running fine(at least i hope it will when my new ignition coil arrives!)iv'e never had a user manual for the bike so perhaps i'm not starting it correctly,is there anywhere you can download one from?.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

iv'e never had a user manual for the bike so perhaps i'm not starting it correctly,is there anywhere you can download one from?.

Motobins has them for £14.50, for the 1978-1980 models.  That would apply up to 1984, as well.

They have a different one for the mono-shock R65.

[not-so-fast-ed]

I'm like most.  Always seem to have to use the choke (or part choke) unless it's been running and is still hot.....?
 :-/

[beemer]

iv'e never had a user manual for the bike so perhaps i'm not starting it correctly,is there anywhere you can download one from?.

Motobins has them for £14.50, for the 1978-1980 models.  That would apply up to 1984, as well.

They have a different one for the mono-shock R65.

Iv'e got a haynes manual and a reprint of the genuine BMW manual for the bike,but it doesn't give any details of starting the bike in different weather conditions,not that i can see anyway,i suppose that sort of thing just comes in the booklet you get when you buy the bike from new.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

iv'e never had a user manual for the bike so perhaps i'm not starting it correctly,is there anywhere you can download one from?.

Motobins has them for £14.50, for the 1978-1980 models.  That would apply up to 1984, as well.

They have a different one for the mono-shock R65.

Iv'e got a haynes manual and a reprint of the genuine BMW manual for the bike,but it doesn't give any details of starting the bike in different weather conditions,not that i can see anyway,i suppose that sort of thing just comes in the booklet you get when you buy the bike from new.

So which is it?

The small, blue book that fits under the seat should have the starting procedure in it.  I am at work, so I can't verify.


BTW, I use full choke just about anytime to start it for the first time of the day.  As above, if it sits for a couple of hours, I will choke again on restart.
On the other hand, I was taken completely by surprise the other day, when I forgot to turn on the choke (1st start of the day, 70 F), and it fired right up!

I, too, use a little throttle when starting.

[Altritter]

[Quote from Rob] "The small, blue book that fits under the seat should have the starting procedure in it.  I am at work, so I can't verify."

I can. Page 18 of the little blue book:

[Quote from manual]

Starting a cold engine
Pull the choke lever on fully . . .. Keep the throttle twistgrip closed. Open the fuel tap and switch on the ignition.

1. Using the electric starter
    Press the starter button. If the engine fires reluctantly, open the throttles [sic] by turning the twistgrip. As soon as the engine runs, release the starter button immediately.   [Emphasis in original. JT]

2.  Using kick starter (opeional extra)  
[Omitted -- will supply if desired. JT]

    After a cold engine has started, leave the choke [fully closed] only until the engine begins to run hesitantly.

    Choke lever moved to center [half choke] position (detent) = moving away with engine still cold (for improved throttle response).  :-?

    Choke lever at (open position) = normal riding setting, choke out of action.

    To start a warm engine (at normal operating temperature), open the throttles [sic] to max. 1/4 of their fully-open setting by turning the twistgrip.

[End quote]

Hope that makes sense. Except for editing for sake of brevity, that's exactly how it reads. IMHO as a benighted newbie, if my bike is typical (and some folks around here say it is), the cold-engine technique in the manual will result in significant wear on the starter, drain on the battery, and heartburn for the rider. Even on a fairly warm day, my bike would die immediately if I backed off the choke as quickly as the book says. Even at half-choke, it refuses to be hurried.

[Spinachpie]

The R65 Rider's Handbook (the little blue one) recommends the following:

Starting a Cold Engine
1. Press the choke fully down
Keep the twistgrip closed and press the starter button. If necessary, open the throttle slightly as soon as the engine begins to run. When the engine is running, push back the choke as soon as it begins to run evenly. To ride away with the engine still cold, return the choke to mid-position (step).
Starting an engine already at normal operating temperature:

Do NOT use choke. Open the twistgrip to max. 1/4 and press starter button.


That is pretty much verbatim.

I know that my bike will start much easier if it is garaged overnight. Since my R65 is currently "on hiatus" (more details later) I am able to start my R80 quickly in the morning with choke fully on and throttle ever-so-slightly twisted. When it starts to idle unevenly (with choke) I gun it a little and take the choke down. I like to let it idle a few moments before I jet off to work to warm up the oil.

And of course if it won't turn over I check the spark plugs. Maybe a quick brushing and swap 'em.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I don't start my bike until I am ready to leave.

I leave it on full choke until I am underway, and then I move it to the half-way position.

Once I am at the point where I won't be coming to a stop for a while, I shut off the choke completely.

[Spinachpie]

For some reason, I didn't think it was good for the bike to ride with the choke on!!! You know, like using the snowblower with the choke engaged!!!

I gotta read the manual. Sometime. Soon. Maybe.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I think that once you are on the main jets, (butterfly open?) the choke circuit is ignored, anyway.

It's just not good to forget, and come to a stop with it still on (once warmed up).  It would likely die.

[beemer]

iv'e never had a user manual for the bike so perhaps i'm not starting it correctly,is there anywhere you can download one from?.

Motobins has them for £14.50, for the 1978-1980 models.  That would apply up to 1984, as well.

They have a different one for the mono-shock R65.

Iv'e got a haynes manual and a reprint of the genuine BMW manual for the bike,but it doesn't give any details of starting the bike in different weather conditions,not that i can see anyway,i suppose that sort of thing just comes in the booklet you get when you buy the bike from new.

So which is it?

The small, blue book that fits under the seat should have the starting procedure in it.  I am at work, so I can't verify.


BTW, I use full choke just about anytime to start it for the first time of the day.  As above, if it sits for a couple of hours, I will choke again on restart.
On the other hand, I was taken completely by surprise the other day, when I forgot to turn on the choke (1st start of the day, 70 F), and it fired right up!

I, too, use a little throttle when starting.

Sorry i meant to say i have a Haynes Workshop Manual,  and Reprint of the BMW Workshop Manual,i don't have the Blue Book.

[beemer]

I checked the choke operation today,mine actually doesnt stay in the full on position?it will go to the first position and stay on the centre indent,but when you push it fully on it springs back,is this correct?. :-?