I have a 2007 14. Three months ago i washed the bike as i have done countless times and then took it out for a quick ride. About 2 kilometres on the motor died on me. After checking all the fuses i found a blown ecu fuse under the seat. I put a spare fuse in and as soon as you switch the ignition on it pops the fuse. I then left the bike for about an hour and tried a new fuse. No problem, started up immediatly and did a 1200 kilometre trip without problems. Next trip after bike stood in rain, same problem. Why can the bike start while wet but only dies after riding a distance? Anyone had a similiar problem?

I HAVENT BUDDY BUT MIGHT TRY A HAIR DRYER OR HEAT GUN TO REMOVE ALL POSSIBLE moisture IM only guessing though mate good luck

* Last updated by: bean07 on 9/15/2010 @ 1:03 AM *

sounds like you have something exposed that shoudnt be. I dont wash my bike too often i just use a detailer between washings but when i do wash it before i even touch it with a towel i use my leaf blower on it and blow off all the excess water.

You gotta be careful using water on your bike.I'm with Scott on this.I RARELY wash with water.Nice damp cotton towel for her spounge bath,then final buff.Once you develope a "ground fault"....it can be a real problem.Water will allow the voltages to hit the frame or whatever,and create an "easier" path to ground for electricity.Once that's "established"...very hard to find...could end up being ANYWHERE.They'll burn right through a weak harness spot...you may never find one!I'd say...don't wash your bike in the conventional sense.For pipes and such with built up mud or dirt,soaked rag,lots of water on it,and go for it.But avoid the spraying deal.Askin for problems there.Rain....well..ya can't really get around that.But while she's runnin,there shouldn't be a problem with water collectin around the electricals with the motor runnin and up to temp.

I ONLY use a car wash spray deal IF I've been caught out in the rain and she's muddy everywhere....Even then,I keep the spray AWAY from straight on,close shots.Just enough to get the surface stuff off...that's it.And only when I've been riding...so the motor's nice and warm.

If you're gonna leave her sittin out during a rain,,best to get ya a lightweight waterproof cover...one you can fold up and put in a knapsack or somethin.Nothin major.Just enough to keep the internals dry.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/17/2010 @ 6:56 PM *

Thanks guys for the advice.