WHY do I have to pull a trottle when i start???

Question

I have to pull little bit of a trottle when I start the bike.
I NEVER had to do that before.. My buddy said don't because it will flood the spark plug or something...but now, i have to pull a alittle to start it or it will NOT start!! why???
refers to problems below...

Answer 1

Always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer.
2 & 4 stroke engines can have the same problem, but require different solutions. Also the mileage of your bike would have been helpful.
--It could be something as simple as a worn or fouled spark plug.
--Multi cylinder bikes - this could be a symptom of the carbs being out of syncronization (a fairly simple adjustment with the proper tools).
--Most bikes when they get on in years, require a little throttle to assist in the starting procedure due to worn out cylinder,
piston & rings. Less vacuum from a worn out top end will need more fuel than the choke circuit can provide.
--No harm will come to your engine if you use a little throttle
on start-up.

oops...I didn't realize you were the CJ360 guy until I re-read Firecracker's answer. LOL
Anyone willing to give an answer, his bike is a 1976 Honda CJ360
So I'll reiterate one of my answers - check the cylinder compression. While you're checking stuff, perform a cylinder
leak-down test (checks for valve leakage). Back to your carbon
build-up problem in the exhaust, the bike is so old it probably needs new valve guide seals. The valve guides them selves can be worn which will cause the valves to leak. Please buy a shop manual. You have a classic motorcycle and it should be totally rebuilt to perfection. Tear your motor apart until it's just a box of parts. Then re-build it piece by piece checking everything along the way. You're not going to have a perfict motorcycle by just doing a few adjustments.
http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/

Answer 2

Sounds like your carbs are still out of adjustment. If you already did what bobo383 said, you should be getting closer. This is a process that has to be done a couple of times in a row to get it close enough. Repeat until best idle is 1000 rpm +/- 100.

Every time you adjust the idle speed screw that guardrail jim and I told you about, it's just like changing the throttle position. Which reminds me--- check both your throttle cables. They may need adjustment too.

Answer 3

Maybe its a change in temperature. I have to throttle or choke my bike when its cooler. In the summer I just hit the starter and she fires up.