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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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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...