12-06-16, 08:48 AM
We're not trying to worry you, it's clear that the bike basically works, it's just that it could be working better.
Yes, before pushing the starter button you want the carb float bowls to be full. This might take anything from zero to about 45 seconds pumping depending on how empty they are. The timer cuts off the pump after about 20 seconds as a safety feature so, if the carbs were empty to begin with, you may need to reset the timer by turning the ignition off and on again. When you can turn the ignition on without the pump ticking it means its finally managed to fill the float bowls and detect the resulting back pressure.
If you use the bike daily and it's not parked in full sun, it shouldn't lose much fuel from the carbs… less than ten seconds ticking is more normal. If yours needs more than that it indicates the fuel flow may be restricted or there is a leak somewhere or the pump is faulty.
The starting behaviour (needing choke) suggests the carbs need adjustment. If you're not confident to tackle the job there is no harm in paying a mechanic to sort them out for you. If you give us a clue where you're based, I'm sure some helpful foccer will be able to offer an opinion on the best place in your area.