2002 VN750 sputters when wet

[Roger61]

Hi, I have a 2002 Kawasaki VN750 that sputters when it rains - heavy mist is not a problem...engine runs smooth after it stops raining and it as a while to dry. Any ideas? I want to use the bike more now with the gas prices as high as they are and expected to go higher.... Thanks.

[Gadjet]

sounds like you are getting too much water into the carbs through the airbox. you might want to check your filter to see if it's doing a decent job.

[ironman]

If I may through my 2 cents in I had a 650 nighthawk that did the same thing in the rain. Turns out to be the plug wires,so I went to buy some new ones an the dealer says to me, that will be 75 bucks please I said no thanks Ill make my own and of course he's you can't.So I go to the nearest schucks auto supply and buy a set of wires and take them home. I got out the voltmeter flipped on the ohms scale checked the wires on the bike 7 ohms I checked the new wires 14 ohms so I scratch my head ah Ill cut the new wires in half and will see what happens just as I thought 7 ohms put the wires on the bike and I ran just fine $25.00 dollar fix worth a try anyway

[poppygene]

If your bike has an unmolested, stock airbox and the carb boots are tight, then I'd agree with Ironman that it's probably ignition-related. Check all the ignition wiring for cracks in the insulation and loose connections.

[Roger61]

Hi - thanks everyone for the input. I was talking to an automechanic friend and she said that when they have a car or truck that has the same problem they spray the ignition parts with a spray bottle with water in it to see if they can make it do the same thing - what do you think? will it work? not know anything about bike motors, is there a chance that I can hurt the motor by spraying water on it?

[poppygene]

Sure, Roger, that might help. You'll still have to track down the faulty wire, though. It won't hurt a thing - just make sure you've got an air filter in the airbox. Try to avoid spraying the inlet opening for your airbox. If a little mist goes in it'll be OK, just don't hose it.

[Roger61]

Thanks to everyone who answered my question...I'll let you know how I make out when I get a chance to do a little troubleshooting.

One more very stupid question - Is it difficult removing a front wheel from this beast? I need a new one but I want to save myself a little bucks by removing it from the bike and then bring to the shop for the tire exchange.Plus, I'll need the torque specs for all of the fasteners I remove.

Thanks again...