hey tsup? I have a 2002 nighthawk. no, thats not normal. Mine runs fine. when you start it, do you start with the choke? do you let it run on choke til it hits about 3k RPM? do you park in a garage? I´ve never had a problem with my idle. my question for you would now be something you can help me with. i´m in san francisco and want to go to L.A. 4 hour drive, can my bike do it?