It really doesn't matter to me unless my bike it going to rust hard from sitting outside. It does sit out quite a bit in summertime, I'd say 3 or 4 nights a week. But I don't baby the heck out of my bike and I'm not going to pretend I do. Props to those who keep their vehicles in a air cooled garage and don't have a scratch on them, but that ain't my bike.

 

Ugh. Well I took your guys advice and now I'm still wondering how much water this thing is sucking in. Yesterday I was out and got caught in a downpour, pulled over waited and went off again. Started raining again. I was going slow low rpm. Came to a red light when it turned green I went to pull out, slower then usual I might add, but not slow enough to stall and the bike shut off on me. Wouldn't restart, and I couldn't find neutral.

Luckily I was next to a tavern and went in for a few beers. Waited about an hour or so and then went back out and it started right up.

 

I'm never lucky enough to break down next to a tavern.

 

Some of us inject water into the motor on purpose.

 

Maybe not for moisture, but a cover might be a good idea to keep the sun off the tires. And arguments about the throttle in rain can be made all day. Open throttle allows more volume and higher chance of water flowing in. Closed throttle allows higher vacuum and sucks water in. Neither is good in large amounts. Perhaps check your electrical connectors for moisture and see if that is your issue? Can't say anything for the gearbox. Sorry

 

I'm wondering that too since doing the tank lift maybe some water is getting in there? But I havent heard of anyone else having similar problems. I was thinking maybe I'll stuff a microfiber towel under the tank and seeing if I still have problems.

 

That's some good luck to stall out next to a tavern.

I have a 2009 Sporty also. 3" tank lift and have ridden hours in downpour rain. No problems...but any connectors that I have ever disconnected got a bit of dielectric grease before going back together.

 

It might be a good idea to put the grease in the connectors as well. When you pull them apart check them for moisture. If moisture is present leave it unplugged on a warm day to dry. Then grease, connect, and ride =)

 

That's what I did too. In fact when I was still having trouble with my speedo (ended up being I was sold a faulty VSS the first time). The dealer checked out my connections and ended up getting a better connection out of them. So I don't think that's it. I mean, I don't think I have anything to lose by trying it. It's been one thing after another this year though. It's beginning to feel like I can't ride if it's raining.

I'm really leaning air cleaner though. I wonder if I go to a closed one if I'll have the same problem.

 

Rain sock should keep too much water from sucking in.

Have you cleaned the filter and re-oiled it recently?

Checked for any leaks in the entire intake tract that might be sucking water?