[fnavy88]

Ive got a 1980 Suzuki GS450L. When riding in the rain the bike begins to run poorly and cuts out when I stop. Any ideas as to what might cause this and/or how to fix it? I gets downright annoying and dangerous when it quits at a traffic signal

 

[Eye_m_no_angel]

I don't know your particular bike, but what I have found the most of in the past is parts that should be weatherproof, but no longer are. Such as old and cracked plug wires, ignition module covers, things like that.

 

[OldDeadeye]

+1 I'd suspect the plug wires, or maybe water getting into elec. connections or something like that.

 

[Dodsfall]

If the airbox has been switched out for pod filters, rain can be a bad thing.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Rain

Primary suspect is plug caps. Install new ones and use some rain repellent. My SV650 needed a shield in front of the front plug. My XS11 Yamaha has four new plug caps and goop. Also check where the ignition wyres go into the engine.
Maybe pull the side cover off and look for moisture. Do the same with the coils.
If you ask if anyone else has had a problem, the folks from CA say no, the folks from England say, all the time.
That was the response I got with the SV650 question.

Unkle Crusty*

 

[joejinky]

Everyone is correct. WATER is getting into the electrical system and screwing up your spark timing.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

New thought

If the coil wyres are cracked at the outer end, but okay at the inner end.
NGK now makes a connector so you can cut out the crappy piece and connect a new piece.

Unkle Crusty*

 

[Metaldoc]

If the coil wyres are cracked at the outer end, but okay at the inner end.
NGK now makes a connector so you can cut out the crappy piece and connect a new piece.

Unkle Crusty*

That tip right there is worth the price of admission!

 

[fnavy88]

The thing is I can open the choke a little and it will keep running albeit poorly. Still electrical?

 

[soupy1957]

All of the above, and condensation in the carbs.

-Soupy

 

[Unkle Krusty]

Think it through

The thing is I can open the choke a little and it will keep running albeit poorly. Still electrical?

The bike has reduced spark capacity. A bit more fuel may be easier to fire. Just as putting the bike in neutral.

Unkle Crusty*

 

[OldVet66]

Replace the plug caps, they are cheap at Z1 Enterprises. Cut the wire back about 1/4" to get to some fresh wire, spread the strands slightly with an ice pick or something similar so the point goes into the center of the wire strands when you screw the new cap on the wire. My '78 GS1000E ran terribly in the rain the first time the old caps got wet.

 

[tony.w]

Can you fit a small mudplap to the bottom of the front mudguard - may help reduce water coming onto the engine