Hi There Got a load of crap on my chain, sprockets and rear wheel at the weekend, so decided to jet wash the bike :-( Would never use a jet wash normaly but this stuff was everywhere!! Got it washed and then the trouble started. Turned key to on and Neutral Light was glowing very dimley and flashing then glowing strong. Switch on lights and neutral goes out and no electrics. Same thing again switched on indicators - neutral flashes on and off and no indicators but rattling relays. Same with passing switch and horn. Left key in on position, while i checked as many connections as i could and then out of the blue it just came on and all was well. Switched off and on again, after about 20 seconds with key in on position, fuel pump primes and dash light up as normal. So wondering if i have forced water say into the side stand switch and shorted it. Leaving the ignition on may have caused some resistance, heated up the connection and evaporated the water out? Would be really greatful if anyone has any other ideas as to what i have done? Tried everything this morning after leaving over night and all is well, lights bright, bike starts and no funny stuff from the electrics? Thanks for any help. Cheers Mark
That's why I never wash my bike let alone use a jet washer on it.............I learned not to wash Italian bikes when I had Guzzis in the 80s...... .........The Italians are under the impression it doesn't rain in the UK. I guess you had better assume you got water where it shouldn't be........and hopefully a good run and engine heat will sort it. AL
Well yes it will, however i was looking for a little sympathy (clearly not going to get any here!! ) and a possible cause or some place to check out for water that i may have missed :wink:. Any ideas??, i hate not being able to find out the cause of something, i'm now looking for exposed wiring etc and may just be looking for something that's not there. Cheers Mark
Sounds like it's got somewhere that affects all the electrics/power or more than one place, fusebox, dash, battery connections, alternator????
I have inspected most of my SS electrical 'components' and IMO very few of them are waterproof.........they may be water resistant or splash proof, but a jet washer is lethal...........the force behind them is pretty high........so much so that it can get into wheel bearings and brake calipers past the seals...........Some people are lucky, some ain't. AL
Cheers AL, i think it may have gone into the side stand switch to be honest, as the crap was all over that area, for sure i wont be doing it again!!!!
Sorry to hear chap, horse, stable door and all that but a little trick I picked up years ago is to pull every connector, relay, fuse, bulb etc and spray with a half-decent electrical cleaner (not WD40). Generally do this at least once a year with all of my bikes and apart from a rogue Jap bike have not had any issues.
Thanks a lot Greyman, i plan to have a look at it again this evening at some point just to check all is still well. I will get a good cleaner and set about doing just that. Thanks Mark
Apart from the sidestand switch, I reckon the neutral switch is equally at risk from a jet washer...........but I doubt very much that you have exposed wires as such, although I think some plain connectors behind the battery and towards the rear are suspect. Also, if you look at the wiring diagrams for the SS, you will see that the circuitry in several places and the dash area appears to be interconnected in various ways, particularly the neutral warning light and sidestand. AL
You might want to undo and re make the earth connections to the frame. One is between the engine and frame hanging off the right hand footrest bolt, the second is underneath the airbox running from the battery terminal to the frame. Follow the lead down from the battery, it will become obvious. Its best if you can take the airbox off as it will allow easier access. Undo the bolts, give em a clean up and re make the connections. They do get cruddy. It may help.
Check, clean, dry connectors/switches including side stand switch. ACF50 switches, plugs etc. (don't over do it) Then DONT USE THE JET WASH AGAIN lol. I had problems with my FZ1s side stand switch, all due to over washing...honest!
I was going to say stand bike out in the sunlight for a long spell but that's hardly going to happen soon.
Thanks a lot for all the advice everyone - for sure I WILL NEVER USE THE JET WASH AGAIN!!!!!! The bike is out in the sun for a bit now Chris Cheers !!
Ah, well as I suspected from your name.................The yellow one's have much worse electrics than the red ones.............
Ohh that's HARSH......and you have been so helpfull :wink::biggrin:, cheers though mate i appreciate all the help!!
