961 rough running in rain high idle when hot

Hi I have a 961 SF with now about 3000km on the clock, I got caught in the rain and the bike was missing and carrying on the dealer said they couldn't find anything and drowned it and nothing happened, I washed it a few days ago only gently hand washed and rinsed with a sprinkle hose no high pressure dried it and first 5 km same thing. Not likely to go out and seek rain but would expect the bike could handle it. My 750 commando does.
Also when the bike gets hot it idles up around 2k anyone else having these issues?
Appreciate any feedback

Hello , a member on this forum (Richard-7) stated that when washing or rain the air temp sensor in the air box collects water . it is mounted in a depression at the top of the air box near the rear end of the fuel tank and under the frame tube. Any water applied in the area will flow into that depression at the top of the air box . Richard suggested to pack it with dielectric grease to keep water out. This of course requires you to disassemble to get access. I have been using a silicone spray that I apply into the depression with the spray tube applicator. I do this after washing or rain. I will eventually apply the dielectric grease when I take it apart some day. Also on my bike there is a wire harness that obstructs somewhat on the L/H side of the frame tube . I use the R/H side with good success . The use of compressed air help here as well , to help drive out the moisture before applying the silicone.

Thanks Tony.

I believe both could be separate causes. If you read my manual about transmission venting you will see how easy it is to drop the airbox to add dielectric grease. This SHOULD solve your water problem and if it doesn't, at least the connectors wont rot away on you.

I am almost done my idle setting manual. I think you have your idle screw in too far and your TPI sensor is trying to hold down the idle but when it gets hot it can no longer do this. (this happened to me).

OR - you have a vacuum leak, check exhaust header nuts are tight and check ALL hoses. OR - you have a faulty TPI sensor. If the bike surges when cruising its your sensor. Easy to check and also easy to remove. If your bike surges, a temporary fix is to;
WITH THE ENGINE OFF BUT THE KEY ON -- Twist the throttle several times. Turn the key OFF. Then Turn the key on and start the bike as normal. Problem will go away for a few days and reappear and then you just keep doing this until your new TPI sensor arrives. Then the problem doesn't come back.

Thanks Tony and Richard I'll be checking out that air box sensor how do I get your manual to see about the air box? As for the TPI sensor I'll discuss that with the dealer they have already changed the throttle body out thinking that was the cause, and it went well for awhile it was after about 120km it started to idle high up to that it was fine, it's definitely not surging. The dealer seems keen enough to get it sorted but I will check for air leaks I'm a 3 hr ride from the dealer so I'm reluctant to take it back until next service but that is 7000 km away.
Have you been caught in the rain since you added the grease?

All I need is your email address and I'll send you the manuals. http://www.accessnorton.com/961-manuals-t22297.html

When I got the bike I added dielectric grease to every single connection. On the way to North Carolina from Niagara Falls we were caught in a 2 hour rain storm. Bikes ran perfect!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: These bike are incredibly easy to service, all you need is a parts source for the 961 specific parts and you're good!

I got caught in the rain on a recent ride and the bike ran fine. It wasn't a torrential downpour, but substantial enough. I too, experienced the high idle and surging to 2200 rpm. What I found were loose idle air motor bolts that hold two plastic flanges together that were slightly separated. Tightened those and it has decreased the symptom greatly. I still get an occasional higher revving in 90 degree temps along with a 5k + RPM ride, but its not a big issue at this point. A little annoying, but no where near the high revving/surging that it was. I got about 3k on the clock now.

Britfan60 said:

I got caught in the rain on a recent ride and the bike ran fine. It wasn't a torrential downpour, but substantial enough. I too, experienced the high idle and surging to 2200 rpm. What I found were loose idle air motor bolts that hold two plastic flanges together that were slightly separated. Tightened those and it has decreased the symptom greatly. I still get an occasional higher revving in 90 degree temps along with a 5k + RPM ride, but its not a big issue at this point. A little annoying, but no where near the high revving/surging that it was. I got about 3k on the clock now.

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I just sent out a new manual that should help anyone with these sort of issues.