Do I need a choke?

I would say that a choke would absolutely help. No question. In my opinion, when it gets cold, you will have a lot of trouble starting it and keeping it running otherwise.
I would agree, but I'll add this. I don't think that's ALL of his problem. I have an electric choke in Vixen's carburetor, but it's not connected and I have adjusted locked open. I know we're in totally different climates, but 20 degrees or 100 degrees and she pops right off. Yeah it takes a minute or so for her to idle on cold weather, but spring, summer and fall, she's idling by herself by the time I back out in the driveway......about 20 seconds.