Hot starting problem
I know it's been a while since Barry posted the problem about hard starting. It was my bike with the problem, but I figured it out. Vacuum created with the engine running pulls on the small vacuum diaphram on the side of the carb and keeps the choke open. When you shut down, the choke wants to close again. However, you must make sure the throttle is closed (idling) when you turn the key off. With the throttle closed, there is a lockout of some sort to keep the choke from closing, as long as the throttle is closed. If you touch the throttle at any time with the engine off, it will trip the lockout and the choke will close, and now you are screwed. You will have to sit on the bike, reach under the tank with your right hand without burning yourself and hold the choke linkage open, and hit the starter with your left. The secret is not to touch the throttle on a warm engine. Once it's running, THEN hit the gas.