Rain in air filter?

I have an '81 KZ650 CSR and when I ride in heavier rain, my engine cuts out and sputters and dies. I'm assuming that rain is getting in thru the air filter. I need the ride for work, rain or shine so is there a solution to keeping the rain out without cutting the air flow off?

Welcome to KZr Sourdough.

It's not an uncommon problem you're dealing with, but what you're likely experiencing is the ignition coils becomming soaked and temporarily shorting and causing the engine to sputter and die.
I've seen more soulutions to remedy this than you can shake a stick at.
So your best bet would be to do a forum search with "coils" and/or "rain" in the subject line, and that should bring up quite a few of the threads covering this.

Post edited by: RetroRiceRocketRider, at: 2007/08/19 21:12

OK...didn't consider that as a possible cause...thanks!

Welcome to KZR,

I agree with 4R. It's way more likely that your problem is ignition related. Take a close look at your secondary wiring. If the boots on the plugs or the coils are dried out or cracked water has a much easier time penetrating and causing shorts. Dirt and dust on the secondary wires, especially when wet, will also offer a path to drain off voltage and reduce spark energy.

KZCSI