I would not remove it compleatly. If you do, there will be holes in the carb. Also there is a ball and spring that if you do not get them out, the engine will suck it in. You are better off removing the arm that is in the way and using a steering arm or somthing like that. That way you can turn it out of the way. Chokes are nice to have. Not having it makes starting a pain. The choke makes it so much easier. No messing around, just choke it, turn on the EI, and flip until it pops. Then turn off the choke and flip it until it starts.