rain problems

[BiggybWRX]

I just got back from a 1200 mile bike trip down south and when we got back the last hour of the trip we rode through a heavy rain storm. We pulled off the freeway when we got close to our houses and my bike started running really rough, and idles like crap. I have an SV650 so it is carb not FI. I drained the valve that comes off the air box but no water even came out of it. You guys have any idea what to look for next? The carbs were just synched before the trip, i dont think they could have went to crap in only 1200 miles. Thanks

[Poncho Villa]

the last hour of the trip we rode through a heavy rain storm. We pulled off the freeway when we got close to our houses and my bike started running really rough, and idles like crap.
Bigs, lots of water on the motor, could be water accumulated in the spark plug cavities. dry your bike out good and see if it still acts up.

[BigThumpa]

Front spark plug on the pre-03 650 is very vulnerable to water, especially in a downpour.

Check out SV650.org (http://www.sv650.org) and svrider.com (http://svrider.com) for 650 specifics.

[shawnxb]

Front spark plug on the pre-03 650 is very vulnerable to water, especially in a downpour.

Check out SV650.org (http://www.sv650.org) and svrider.com (http://svrider.com) for 650 specifics.


Actually, even the '03's are vulnerable. Mostly to a hard shower from a hose though. :whistle:

[SV DAVE]

Front spark plug on the pre-03 650 is very vulnerable to water, especially in a downpour.

Check out SV650.org (http://www.sv650.org) and svrider.com (http://svrider.com) for 650 specifics.

What he said. :msn-wink:

[muttonjeff]

take off the plug cap and spread a bunch of dielectric grease(auto zone has packets for 99 cents) in the cap. This seals out moisture and improves electrical contact.

[Shagger]

The early SV had a problem with water getting into the tach/speedo. When this happens you will notice the tack jumping around a bit. I say pick up a small screen like on a buell or one of the factory suzuki ones. The front plug as mentioned also. Dry it off,spread the grease and hit it with wd40 every once and a while in the rain and you should be good to go.

[mrgenius]

hey biggby, nice choice of car, if that is what your username refers to. i recently got rid of mine, and i miss it terribly.

[ride_naked]

The early SV had a problem with water getting into the tach/speedo.


How early? I have an '02 and never had that problem.
I agree w/the above comments- it's probably your front sparkplug. Dielectic grease will help protect the spark plug from further water intrusion, this problem happens on 1st & 2nd gens, and it can also happen from washing your bike.