When I start my bike when its cold it takes 10-15 tries before it starts. I think the carbs need to be cleaned. Just wondering if I should run a higher octane fuel? Right now I am running 92 octane. And is there a fuel additive I can put in the tank to help clean the carbs? {Paul, CA, USA 2000 Suzuki GSX-R600 SRAD}

First, let me address the higher octane and fuel additive questions. I do not recommend using a higher octane fuel in your SRAD. 92 is high enough. They will not do anything to keep your carburetors clean.

I do recommend using a fuel additive. Sea Foam Motor Treatment and Sea Foam Spray are both great products. They will not damage internal rubber parts, gaskets or seals, as some additives can. Also, Sea Foam products have a 100% money back guarantee. Visit Sea Foam’s web site for complete instructions.

As for your bike being hard to start, the first thing to check is your choke cable. Suzuki calls it the starter cable. Make sure it is working. When you apply the choke, check to see if the brass plunger is moving at the carburetors. If it is not, or barely, try adjusting the cable, make sure it is not kinked or binding on something. You can spray a little cable lube into the casing.

If it appears to be functioning properly then your first instinct was probably correct and you need to clean your carbs. For a little more guidance on that, check our carb float needle and carburetor cleaner pages.