Using the choke..How long is ok.?

Hi all,
Put a new set of plugs in my XJ650 yesterday morning.
She wasn't behaving very well and took some time to start due to starter clutch slipping. Starter clutch didn't stay engaged long enough to get her running.. As soon as she fired the starter clutch slipped.
So I removed the plugs and they were all black and wet with fuel.
So burned them off and bingo she fired up.
So my question is.. How long is acceptable to leave the bike running on choke from cold.?
As always
Thanks,
Morg

 

I'd say only until the bike will idle smoothly without it, remember it isn't really a choke as such, but an enrichment circuit that adds extra fuel instead of reducing air so excessive use could cause bore wash & flooding/plug fouling.

I normally add some "choke", start engine, reduce "choke" until engine stumbles then raise the revs slightly from that. Then as it warms, wean it off gradually (most times you should be able to run without it after no more than 5 minutes running.

 

Ta,
Its a pain when she just catches and then the starter clutch slips.
These old ladies seem quite easy to flood..
This morning she didn't slip much. Once the engine is fully warmed she doesn't slip at all.