Firstly, thanks for this post as I remembered reading it and it kept me on the move today.
I have ridden in heavy rain before and no problems.
Today was exceptional, serious pis#ing down rain, with gale force winds coming from my right. On the edge of pulling over as it was very difficult to control the bike.
Bike started to sputter, very much the same as it does when you need to go to reserve. (Note) found out later I had around 7 liters of fuel left (normally goes to reserve with around 4 liters of fuel left) so that was not the problem. Pulled over and bike stalled.
Cranking OK, lights OK, neutral and sidestand switch OK (no cranking with those engaged). Tried cranking a few times no good. Remembering the trusty forum, opened the cap, cranked it over a and it started up. Went around 5kms, same thing. This time opened the cap right away and it started up instantly. Happened a few more times then the rain and wind let up a little and it was good. Filled up at the next servo and did not have any problems for the next 100kms.
As far as I can tell, the vent line is NOT pinched anywhere, so it has to be an issue with rain and wind combination blocking the vent line. Technically, this makes NO sense to me. Initially I thought electrical, and letting the bike sit for a minute, that the heat would dry whatever electrical problem there was. But opening the gas cap got it going pretty much right away.
I will cut the vent tube at 45deg as mentioned in the forum.
Just another note of thanks to this forum and its participants
