Bike seems funny after a rain

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skorman00 · Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:20 pm

I don't have a garage or anything to put my bike in unfortunately, And I haven't been able to get somethng to cover it. It rained quite a bit over the weekend, and it was sort of odd starting it up this morning. It took a bit longer to turn over, which I just chalked up to being a cold start. After 20 seconds of running, I'm usually able to rev the engine a bit, but this morning it started to chug when I did, as if it weren't getting enough gas. Also, while riding, it would sort of do the same thing and backfire ( not a very loud backfire though ).

Could water have gotten into the engine or carburator somewhere? And if so, what can I do to fix it?

And a rant because of the rain: the pollen and water mixture is scratching my bike up! Stupid weather!

Sev · #2 Unread post by **Sev** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 12:23 pm

What kind of bike? How old? How long was it out in the rain for?

I assume you checked all the standard stuff:
petcock
not old gas
fuel line isn't crimped
air filter is clear
nothing blocking the exhaust

There shouldn't be any real way for rainwater to make its way into your tank or carbs. Remember bikes get ridden in the rain all the time, which greatly increases the force with which the water hits, and the likelyhood that it'll penetrate something.

I think its more likely your bike is just cold, and needs to be choked for longer.

Andrew · #3 Unread post by **Andrew** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:13 pm

One way or another I think it would be a good idea to invest in a cover for your bike ASAP!

-Andrew

#4 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:26 pm

Walmart even sells a cheap cover that will fit most bikes...

dieziege · #5 Unread post by **dieziege** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 1:46 pm

Yep... walmart... $20... I have one stashed at the office...

Kal · #6 Unread post by **Kal** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 2:17 pm

Our CX is a dog if its wet when I start it. Fine in the dry, just when its wet.

I end up having the choke out until the engine temp is out of the cold and wishing I could thrash it with a horsewhip to get it performing the way I know it should be.

After I've ridden it though and let it rest a while it is usually fine.

skorman00 · #7 Unread post by **skorman00** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 3:20 pm

What kind of bike? How old? How long was it out in the rain for?

Harley, 1 year, a weekend. Thanks for the checklist...and yes I went out and bought myself a cover for it, it's on her right now =)

Bachstrad37 · Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:05 pm

Heh. 1 year old Harley and you don't have access to a garage? Be careful. I'd say an un-garaged HD is prime to thieves as well as weather.

anthonyjwhite · Mon Jun 05, 2006 6:32 pm

I have the cover from walmart. It works great and folds into a small bag. It is very good protection from the harsh Florida sun and afternoon showers. I have the cover for large bikes. It covers the entire bike down to the bottom of the wheels. I do not know the durability because I have only had it for one month.