Motorcycle Repair: rain proofing, dielectric grease, regulator rectifier

Question
Hello, I have a 1995 kz1000p which twice already has quit on me while riding in the rain.I also have a Honda 600vlx and a 1200 sporster which I've ridden without either one quiting on me in the rain. after the rain slacks off and after several attempts the bike will start up. But if I attempt to start it while it's still raining the bike will quit when I give it throttle. This with the choke either out or in. I am surpized that a P.D. bike would be so vernerable to the rain. any suggestion on how I can prevent this from happening again? Thanks p.s at one point the emergency lights on the cowling came on

Answer
Hi Jack,

Dielectric Grease Therapy

Here's a fairly quick and inexpensive way of preventing electrical problems and other miscellaneous diagnostic codes on your motorcycle.

Water is a great electricity conductor. Sometimes, water can find its way into a connector producing a temporary short circuit which will then give an error code to your computers. Dielectric grease prevents water shorting at connectors. Also prevents corrosion formation on connectors.

A loose connector doesn't make a good conductor and may produce heat which can melt plugs and connectors. This is the main cause of regulator/rectifier failure.

Buy a tube of silicone dielectric grease and go through the entire wiring on your motorcycle. Work dielectric grease into each connector. All wire connectors should be serviced for best protection. Removing the tank and bodywork may be necessary in some cases, but its well worth it. Dielectric grease will get rid of the problems, or at least help prevent them.

Afterwards, you shouldn't get false error diagnostic codes just because you simply washed your pride and joy.
You may discover loose connectors that could have been troublesome if left unattended.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively