| Author | Message | ||
     Mattl |
Ok, sorry to bring this up again. I searched through the site for similar problems, and found some references to a better wiring design in 04 and later XBs that would prevent any wet weather ignition problems? I have an 06 xb and I end up riding in the rain at least once every other week or so. Sometimes heavy rain. The last few times, towards the end of a 45 minute commute in heavy rain, the bike would begin to stumble or hesitate a bit. Nothing major, and always get home fine, just wondering if there is something I should be looking out for to prevent future major problems. Are there certain devices on these I should try to seal up, or dry out first then seal up? Also, in preparation for the upcoming winter, I expect some hail, maybe an ice storm or two, and slim chance of snow. Any chance of riding these things in those conditions safely? Should I look for better tires, other than the stock Dunlops, or is it a lost cause and I just need some dum little car for commuting on icy days? Thanks for any input! | ||
| Ulywife |
Matt - Carlos went down last November with his Uly on Black Ice here in eastern NC. After that incident, he doesn't ride when the temps have fallen below freezing over night. It doesn't help that he leaves home around 6:30 a.m. I would recommend a little car for winter commuting. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=142838&post=548779#POST548779 | ||
| Diablobrian |
dilectric grease in every plug will go a long way toward preventing corrosion and keeping water out of your electric system. You can find it at the auto parts store as "bulb grease", or "spark plug grease." The o-rings on the deutsch connectors are good, but sometimes things act up any way. Be sure to check your plug wires too. | ||
| Davo |
My Uly does not like the rain either. I have read about connectors behind the right side sprocket cover holding water and developing corrosion. My Uly connectors looked clean but I put silicone dielectric on the connectors as well as the plugs and coil. I need to go for a test ride but I have not had it in the rain since. I have also suspected the regulator wires where the cross the frame and enter the regulator. | ||
| Mattl |
Wow, I hadn't read Carlos' story before. Thanks for that Kristi. I have an old Mustang (1970) that I am hoping to have running by Thanksgiving, but wasn't really planning on using it for the commute. I may rethink that. Dielectric grease, good idea. If I remember right, this stuff can pretty much go inside any connector, even right on the contact, correct? It will create a mostly water proof barrier around the metal contacts but still allow conduction? I read someone else had used a silicon sealant on the plug boots where the wire enters the boots. Might try that also. Any knowledge on the ECU or other boxes? Do they need to be better sealed at all, or good from the factory? | ||
| Diablobrian |
dielectric grease can go right on the contacts with no problems. | ||
| Ulywife |
Matt - while we don't get the snow that we had in Cincinnati, ice is our enemy, especially the black ice. Luckily enough Carlos' major injury was a very nasty sprained ankle. I think we spent about $200 and fixed the Uly. Now we have to replace the jacket, as it lets in cold air and rain. Thank goodness he was wearing his gear. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I have found that the bike seems to stumble a little even when the rain is not that hard. Mine doesn't run as well when it's really foggy or misty out. I wonder if it just messes with the air fuel values. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Dielectric grease is designed to be applied directly to the contact area of any electrical connection. It will help a lot. Especially in your spark plug boots because water can pool up around the plugs on top of your motor. If water is making it into your airbox it can adversly affect the stock paper filter. A K&N or other oiled filter can help insure the proper airflow to the velocity stack. Another good idea for wet weather riding is to seal up that boot around the clutch cable adjuster. Keeps water from getting into your primary chaincase. Be creative.  |
