first bike first problem

[duster]

Hey Guys,

This is my first bike, a 2000 tw200, which I bought used. When I first got the bike it would start no problem. I would pull out the choke to full and use either the electric start or the kick start. It would start up and idle nicely, a little high because of the choke. After a little while about 2mins I could push in the choke and it would hold an idle. Now, about a week later, the bike won't start unless I have the choke pulled out all they way and I use the throttle to give gas while I push the electric start. I also have to blip the throttle regularly so that the bike doesn't stall out. After riding around with the choke on for about 10 mins I hear the engine revving a little high and I push it in and the engine idles nicely. I guess this is because the engine is warmed up. I always have the fear though that the bike will just stall out while I am waiting at a red light so I am always listening to the engine. What do you guys think is going on? Should I adjust the idle speed to rev a little higher? Thanks for your opinions, it is greatly appreciated.

[BuzZz]

Has the weather changed? Temp and humidity can affect starting and warm-up time, especially on carbed singles.

The only other thing I can dream up is that someone changed the sparkplug (common when selling or buying a bike) and the heat range is too cold, causing the plug to foul slightly. ? ....

[safety-boy]

Two minutes on choke might be a little long. Can burn out your plug running on choke.

When I have to choke to start I'll let it get to about 3.5krpms/min then let it worm up without the choke.

Are your getting any spark, or is the starter just spinning?

--Dave

[Sev]

No, you carbon up the plug running on choke.