How do i choke?

Hey guys,

Newb question here, but i've got Mikuni VM34 carbs and my question is: When is choke on, when the lever is up or down?

I've only had the bike for a couple of weeks and trying to start as it has been sitting around with previous owner for a year without being started. I also have to adjust the contacts which seems like a pain... So far it hasn't kicked over but has backfired a few times when holding the start button...

Thanks for the help guys

There's a slide that the choke cable is attached to on the carbs....when you choke the bike the slide should move to the left.
Might help to put the year of your bike and any mods in your signature.

Sorry, i didn't even realise I didnt mention what bike it was 1979 XS650 2F0 model.
But it has aftermarket Mikuni carbs on it, and the choke lever on the carbs themselves, one on each and move up and down, not side to side...

Down on the handle is up on the plunger. This may help.
http://www.mikuni.com/pdf/vmmanual.pdf

+1 for weekendrider. But before you attempt it, clean the carbs, air filters, points, change oil, check valves, new plugs with gap set right. Your bike will thank you for it.