Switches got wet.

[Synthman]

A few months ago I was riding in rain, and left the bike parked in the rain too for a while. When I went to switch it on, the indicator beeper kept going off, but the indicator lights worked normally. I operated the switch many times and eventualy it stopped. After that it happened again, and it wouldn't stop until I squirted WD-40 through the gap in the indicator switch and operated it a few more times.

Today I go and start the bike and the horn kept going off. The bike hasn't been exposed to rain for a few weeks, but it was under a motorbike cover outside while it was raining. It took a lot of applications of WD-40 and eventually it stopped. I went for a ride, bike got a bit wet, and I left it parked in the rain for about an hour. When I went to start it to come home, it was fine until I got moving. Every time the motor shut off when going downhill, or I closed the throttle, the horn would go off. I rode the bike over potholes while working the button and it eventually stopped.

10 minutes later I stopped in town for a short break and the horn started going off when I powered the bike up. I lifted the bike off the ground and dropped it, and that seemed to solve the problem. When I got home I sprayed the switch again with WD-40.

I don't know what's going to happen next time I use the bike. If it dries out I wonder what I can do to prevent this problem in the future? I'm thinking of wrapping the entire switch unit in a rubber glove finger, or maybe a small condom! Could even change the switch for a better one?

 

[flecc]

This sort of switch is often vulnerable, but sleeving in the way you suggest is suitable. I've got advice on that in my Torq website, here's the link

 

[banbury frank]

Hi the only Problem with using a condom is it might stop it getting horny

Frank

 

[Synthman]

This sort of switch is often vulnerable, but sleeving in the way you suggest is suitable. I've got advice on that in my Torq website, here's the link

Glad I'm not the only one who came up with the alternative use of condoms! I notice you said vinyl gloves on that link. I only have the latex ones at the moment. Would those work or will they fall apart quickly? I also have a black condom I could use, it says chocolate flavour on it. Never needed it so I might try that on the switch if it dries out in the next few days. The switch unit is an awkward shape though.

 

[indalo]

I'm thinking of wrapping the entire switch unit in a rubber glove finger, or maybe a small condom!

I never knew they did small ones.....I mean, why would I?

Indalo

 

[flecc]

I think the latex glove finger would be suitable too, I only chose the vinyl ones for their very low cost and a pack giving plenty of spares.

 

[Synthman]

I never knew they did small ones.....I mean, why would I?

Indalo

Apparently they do a range for teenagers. There's no way I would go into a shop and ask for one. Can you imagine the reaction I'll get!

I think the latex glove finger would be suitable too, I only chose the vinyl ones for their very low cost and a pack giving plenty of spares.

Today I had no problems at all. I will leave it a few more days to dry out then try putting the latex over it.

 

[neptune]

The marketing boys are one step ahead as usual, when it comes to the problem of asking for a small condom. Instead of small, medium, and large, they are labeled as Large, Jumbo, and Lethal Weapon Three.

 

[Synthman]

Is there anything bigger than Lethal Weapon Three? I think the aforementioned latex/vinyl glove might suffice!

 

[neptune]

You dont need anything bigger than the Lethal Weapon Three. These are large enough to use as a rain cover for your bike, and you get two spares in the packet . I would warn against actually riding your bike under one of these though.

 

[flecc]

The supermarket vinyl gloves provide two sizes slightly different, finger or thumb. Either stretches over most switches and holds securely, you can see the degree of stretch on this one using a finger end: