all this talk about washing bikes on here, so i washed mine yesterday. i pressure washed it,turned it pretty good. i go to start it wait for the little red to go off, starts fine but then the little red lite comes back on for a few seconds and than goes off. bike runs fine,starts fine,no problem. again it did the same this morning going to work. i am guessing water in the computer. do i need to worry about this ? i am leaving tonight on a 300 mile road trip to Tomahawk Wi rally. Thanks JOHN

 

This happened to my 06 RK when I first got it. I can't remember what it was exactly, but it was no big deal. Just give it a good once over and next time its at the dealer have them pull the code.

If you don't go the the dealer, then there should be a way to pull the code from it in the service manual. Some key sequence.

 

After 50 start cycles it will no longer do it.

Pressure washing a bike is not a good idea for several reasons.

 

stored code, if you would like to read it follow these steps.
****switch must be on RUN
1-turn ignition key switch to ignition and then turn off 1 second after fuel pump stops.
2.repeat #1 again..remember 1 second after pump stops
3.turn ignition key switch to ignition and wait about 8 seconds for a bunch of flashing of the check engine light
it will then stop for 2 seconds..get ready... these are the codes you must count:
it will slowly flash 1,2,3,5....there is NO 4....this is the first digit of the 2 digit code ..so it can only be 1,2,3,5 __ __
then a 2 second pause...then you will get second digit of the 2 digit code..it can only be 1,2,3,4,5,6
remember after the complete 2 digit code is given you will go back to the rapid flash sequence..
there are a total of 15 codes available with this procedure
examples
52,53,54,55 bad news ECM replacement
56 crank/cam sensor
11 throttle sensor
12 barometric
14 engine temp. sensor
15 intake temp sensor
23 and 32 are injectors front/rear
24 coil
33 fuel pump relay--in this case you would not hear the pump but instead waited 3 seconds after the on / off sequence
**may wish to print this page and throw it in one of your bags

 

on a 98 fuel injection
any fart/burp/back fire on start-up could cause a code #56
also if the mufflers have been reworked/drilled baffles etc. this could cause a lean condition and throw the same code #56
also look on throttle side of bike at the timer cone..the circle piece by your right foot..look at the area just below were the wires exit..near/behind frame..do you see some biege goo leaking/melting..that is the protective covering from the cam position sensor...
my guess is if the bike was perfect before you washed, you probably wet the plugs /coil and it just had a bad start...
check for codes, to reset you must disconnect battery or locate correct fuse, for me it is easier just to disconnect battery...OR wait for about 50 start and stop cycles
(No WAY)..
if the code does not return during your ride then all is well

 

enjoy your ride

 

beemervet, why is it not a good idea to pressure wash these bikes? if you ride in the rain,they get wet,you wash them thet get wet. how do you get all the road grime and leaking oil off these bikes? thanks john

 

High pressure wash can force water into places you do not want it. normal hose pressure is all that is needed.

regarding the engine coming back on - my 99 TC88 would do if i fouled a plug or misfired (first start up after long cold winter - it would happen). service manual stated, when engine light comes on for 4 seconds at start up, then off, then on for 8 seconds then off meant there was a historical code but the problem was not currently happening. after 50 start cycles with no repeat problem, the engine light will behave normally.