the bike runs normal when the engine is warm, but wil not start from cold. i have to put my hand over the carbretor and then start the engine and it runs fine. could this be a problem with the choke?

steve, January 2009

By restricting the air flow through the carb with your hand you are recreating the "choke" in its simplest and oldest form.
So the original mechanism may be at fault...However.........
It is possible that this may be masking a problem of insufficient fuel supply or to much air intake generally.

Taggleflange, January 2009

yep

mutley, January 2009