Many people seem to have trouble getting the first-gen DOHC choke rod and spring assembled correctly. Here are the first steps. View my video for the final positioning of the spring. This tip applies also to the late CB650 SOHC four and the CX/GL500.

Of course this operation is done when the carburetors are unracked.

The choke rod's return spring has two differently shaped ends. The end that is circled goes toward the carburetor body.

The spring in this orientation is installed along with the choke shaft.

Hook the end of the spring on the choke activating level as shown.

Here is a closeup.

The other end of the spring then hooks into the choke rod. This is temporary but prepares the spring to be easily put into its final position. Click on the picture to zoom in.

Finally, the choke rod is put all the way into place, taking care to nestle the broad 90 degree part underneath the activating lever.

After the carbs are reracked, you then use a pick to retrieve the end of the spring and swing it over the top of the choke rod to hook in its final place. This is shown in my video