The ST1100 doesn't idle well when cold, I need throttle lock to hold RPM's for a minute or so.
Wanted Kaoko Throttle Lock ST1100
- Thread starter jminnick
- Start date
Welcome to the forum.
I prefer the N.E.P. version:
I prefer the N.E.P. version:
I have not heard this complaint if the carbs are in fine fettle and the bike is set up properly.
For just a few minutes, the Kaoko is an expensive way to go, when one of these costs $20 from Amazon and you can find cheaper versions now and then:
OP
OP
Not sure why it is being difficult when cold started, it runs great and when warmed up and idles good. I have not tried adjusting pilot screws yet although I now have the tools to do so. Kaoko is expensive that is why I'm looking for used unit.
There’s a thumb screw underneath the filler cap with which you can adjust idle. Some have theirs set at 1100rpm at idle some have it at 900 rpm. Whatever works best for you
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
I don't have one to sell to you, but the first thought that I had upon reading this is that adding a throttle lock for no other reason than to keep the engine running during warm up strikes me as a case of treating the symptom. You should not have to do this, so something is amiss. I have had two ST1100's. I live in a winter country with lots of cold temperatures and I never had this problem with either of them regardless of how cold it was when I started them. Gradually reducing the enricher (choke) as the engines warms up allows you to eventually end up on fast idle with no, or very little, enrichment allowing the engine to run at fast idle until you are ready to roll.
BINGO. What Ron and Andrew say. When the choke’s off on a warmed up engine, use the idle adjustment screw like Robert mentioned. After that it’s troubleshooting time. FWIW
I use an old, modified Vista Cruise throttle lock (187K miles) and AudioVox CC.
John
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I spent the big bucks on the koako when i had my VFR800, and thought it was very well made. I sold it with the bike several years ago. Not wanting to shell out for another one when I got the ST, I found a Chinese knock-off on ebay. It's not as nice as the koako, but I've been using it for 5 years now. Mind you, this was for an ST1300, and I don't know what your bar end weights look like. Ali-Express has a few options for a few different bikes. You might try there or Ebay.
Maybe it was a Throttlemeister? They used to be popular some time ago. I have one on mine (thanks @afrymoyer) and use it on occasion.
OP
OP
Service manual calling for idle speed of 1200 plus or minus 100 RPM, this may be the problem as mine is set below 1000! I will give this a try, not sure why I was thinking it should be that low but feels right when warmed up.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
I never allowed my ST1100's to idle below 1100 RPM, set with the engine fully warmed up. That seemed to be the sweet spot.
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
I set all mine at 1000-1100 and it works fine.
But you do need the choke (technically a fuel enricher) on when the bike is cold started.
It will idle pretty fast for a little bit with it on.
But you do need the choke (technically a fuel enricher) on when the bike is cold started.
It will idle pretty fast for a little bit with it on.