Yes - the choke is an all or nothing thing and its use is virtually mandatory, except when the bike is warmed up (like for instance, it was running within the last 15-20 minutes or so) - although YMMV on that point.
In fact, it isn't really a choke at all - it simply provides a rich mixture necessary for starting and so it is sometimes called an "enricher" or "enrichener". Anyhow - if you don't use it - from my experience, you will almost certainly have a tough time starting any XS650, no matter how well tuned it is.
Got a photo of it?
In fact, it isn't really a choke at all - it simply provides a rich mixture necessary for starting and so it is sometimes called an "enricher" or "enrichener". Anyhow - if you don't use it - from my experience, you will almost certainly have a tough time starting any XS650, no matter how well tuned it is.
Got a photo of it?