Heavy rain starting

[Rod]

I have an 08 1200GS. Runs perfectly, except when I was in Switzerland in the summer & left the bike out overnight in very heavy rain. Got up a 5am to ride home & it would not start. After at least 30 minutes & no go I found that if I held the starter button down & gave it some throttle it would rev & hesitantly keep going. (amazing the battery didn't die, it certainly would have on my previous 1200GS). The bike has run perfectly ever since, but it has not been left out overnight in heavy rain since then.
ANYWAY, the point of this post is to ask whether anybody else has had this wet weather starting problem. My bike had to go back to the dealers today for three recalls & I told them about what happened but they have said they can't find anything wrong with it.

 

[Ringmaster999]

08 GSA used in all weathers every day and on some occasions at work the bike is exposed to all day rain and everything else mother nature can throw at it and I have had no issues to date. Maybe just a one off??

 

[twig]

i had the same experience a few weeks ago. went to start the bike on a very damp and cold foggy morning. the bike fired but would not idle. my solution was the same as you, a tiny bit of throttle and away she went. same happened again the next morning, but has been fine ever since.

as for the reason why, i haven't a clue as i have never had to give it throttle before when starting and ive had it nearly three years

 

[John Clarke]

Hi,

Had a similar problem on my 06 GS - poor starting/idling when wet.

This turned out to be a problem with the coils. These were replaced and I have not had any problems since despite riding through monsoon-like conditions on several occasions.

cheers

John

 

[Doofus]

Hi

My 2005 1200GS lives outside in all weathers with no problems starting. At least not rain related - I am sensing the battery is just on its way out in that it doesn't seem to kick over with the quite same oomph as once it did, but it still starts well enough and runs smoothly immediately.

On occasion in heavy rain the gutter overhead sags and rain from the whole roof pours onto the instrument cluster as if from a never ending up-turned bucket - still no problem.

Darren

 

[Rod]

OK guys, thanks for the replies.

I think it was just a one time problem then.

Trouble is I think I have just spoiled her and she got pissed off when I left her out in the rain !!!!