Motorcycle Repair: Sad Raptor, 2001 raptor 660, water in the fuel

Question
Hey Chris,
My name is Emily and I am trying to figure out what is wrong with my 2001 Raptor 660.  I was riding on the beach and turned it off, then it wouldn't start again.  
It is getting fuel, has spark, is sucking air, and is blowing exhaust and wont fire.  The top end is rotation and the bottom end is roatating, and I am not sure what else to check.  And from what I understand those are all the elements required for the bike to start.  
A friend thought that maybe it had skipped its timing and the bike was firing on the wrong part of the compression... what do you think or do you have any advice?
Thanks,
Emily

Answer
Hi Emily.

Bikes don't "jump" the timing out of the blue like that.  If they do, it is because the timing chain broke, in which case, the top end would not be doing anything.

You could have an issue with valve timing, but it is more likely something else.  Possibly water in the fuel or some kind of blockage in the fuel system.

There is also the possibility of an issue with the elctrical system as well.

You will need the repair manual for any electrical issues, so that you can chase down any shorts that may be in the system, but you should double check the ignition fuse by repalcing it with a known good fuse.

Also, check with the dealership to see if there have been any recall notices concerning your bike.

Start with those and see what you find.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON