Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
Question 1200 GSA rough idle/stall problem

Hi. I'm hoping there might be someone here who can help.

2007 GSA. It's developed a rough idle. If I add a Power Controller, after 5 or 10 minutes of riding, once the engine is up to temperature, this happens:

YouTube - ‪07 GSA rough idle issue‬‏

It's been checked with a GS911 - nothing - and the coils have been checked and are fine. And it's recently had its 36k service and all was ok apart from the rough idle/stal.

So I'm drawing a blank and getting frustrated as I'm off on a 6,000 mile trip in a couple of weeks. Can anyone help diagnose the problem?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
First of all RE: "it's recently had its 36k service and all was ok apart from the rough idle/stal."
Surely you should have told your dealer then if you've paid for a service and this happens?

In no particular order, I'd check - to try and isolate the problem
1- your power commander -
has it been installed correctly?
is it tuneable?
is there corrosion/water in the connectors? (classic fault)
Importantly- does the bike run correctly without it?

Check point 5 below first!

2- Bridged Spark plug?
3- When was last time you have the valve clearances done?
4- Air filter - last checked/changed?
5- Throttle cable seating - easily disturbed when the tank is removed-the cables are attached to the throttle bodies
6- alternator output?

Last edited by Bertrand; 2 Mar 2016 at 16:17.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
Thanks for your response, Bertrand. The service was done privately (by Steptoe on the ukgser forum) who knows his stuff and the idle issue has him stumped.

1. Without the PC it doesn't stall but the idle is rough. Here it is on video, without the PC:

YouTube - ‪07 GSA rough idle‬‏

The PC was installed correctly, has a custom map and I've greased the connectors. I thought it was a PC problem at first and Dynojet sent me a replacement, but the same thing happens. For some reason, though, it's worse with the PC as you can see from the first video.

2/3/4 - all taken care of at the last service (2 weeks ago.)

5. Looks OK.

6. Don't know.

Looking around other forums, things that might be factors are
Stepper motors
Crank sensor
Vacuum leak

Do any of those sound likely in this case? The intriguing thing is that the PC makes it worse but is not the source of the problem!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Jul 2011
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by motorbaker View Post
...
Looking around other forums, things that might be factors are
Stepper motors
Crank sensor
Vacuum leak

Do any of those sound likely in this case? ...
When you had the GS911 connected, did you cycle the stepper motors? Any difference?
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by T.REX63 View Post
When you had the GS911 connected, did you cycle the stepper motors? Any difference?
Yes, they were reset, but then gradually moved up one side followed by the other when the engine was restarted. The guy who did the service said he'd not come across this before. All he could think of was the coils, which he checked and they are fine apparently. That's as far as I've got.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Jul 2011
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by motorbaker View Post
...All he could think of was the coils, which he checked and they are fine apparently. That's as far as I've got.
Without knowing how the coils were checked, I would swap the main (straight) coils between cylinders and see if anything behaves differently, since that is easy to do...
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by T.REX63 View Post
Without knowing how the coils were checked, I would swap the main (straight) coils between cylinders and see if anything behaves differently, since that is easy to do...
He disconnected the lower ones, then the uppers to see if there was a dud on either side, but didn't swap them over. Is that worth doing?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Jul 2011
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Quote:
Originally Posted by motorbaker View Post
He disconnected the lower ones, then the uppers to see if there was a dud on either side, but didn't swap them over. Is that worth doing?
Again, that what I would do since it is easy to accomplished. Also, it looks like you have done pretty much everything else.

Sometimes intermittent, weird stuff can be identified when fiddling with it, i.e. broken cable leads or bad connections.

You did say that you removed the power commander and the problem still persisted - right? After the power commander was disabled, did you disconnect the battery to reset the electronic? Again, just a stab in the dark...
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
I took it into a BMW dealer earlier today and here is the report:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&p...1ZTJk&hl=en_GB

So, a blank, and an expensive one. A bit frustrating - I have no idea where to go from here.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2011
T.REX63's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA / USA
Posts: 295
Hmm, ...nothing odd I can see on the dealer's report with my limited knowledge.

I went back to your first- and second video, i.e. with PC and without PC respectively.

I could not really detect a "rough" idle from the second video (without PC). However, you would know best comparing it to "pre-service" idle.

When installing the PC, how much time is required to run the engine to self-adjust the ECU to the different air/fuel mixture? Does it make a difference in the idle, if you ride the bike for 15-20 minutes (until at operating temperature)?

If not already done, you might want to consider cross-posting at ADVriders "GSpot" section. The have a lot of folks on there with good technical knowledge. Sorry, I can't be of more help...:confused1:
__________________
Thomas

"Hey, ...I'm just ridin' shotgun"
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Jul 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by T.REX63 View Post
When installing the PC, how much time is required to run the engine to self-adjust the ECU to the different air/fuel mixture? Does it make a difference in the idle, if you ride the bike for 15-20 minutes (until at operating temperature)?

If not already done, you might want to consider cross-posting at ADVriders "GSpot" section. The have a lot of folks on there with good technical knowledge. Sorry, I can't be of more help...:confused1:
I don't know the answer to your question. I have a custom map, not the autotune device, so the PC's input is pre-defined. I don't know how much time it takes the bike to adjust. Another rider has suggested that adding the autotune module would help sort out this issue.

In the meantime I've ordered and installed an accelerator module, which gives the smoothness of the PC via a different route, and so far hasn't led to any stalls. The basic problem with the idle remains so I'm resigned to living with it, or possibly to getting a new TPS to see if that's at fault. I read somewhere over in the Adv forum about someone replacing this, even though diagnostics said it was fine, and a very similar problem to mine sorting itself out after that.

M
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 May 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 1
Same here !!!

High there, my bike has been doing this intermittently for years now and have just been riding around it by catching the bike just before idle on the accelerator. it then idles fine.

id like to fix it but with kids, marriage and cutbacks i don't want to throw money at it.

Steptoe usually services the bike and he hasn't been able to fix the problem either.

I also live in London and do not get any fault codes....???

I think I've narrowed it down to either TPS sensor or Coil plugs.... all are bonkers money .... Any help would be appreciated

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Nov 2018
MEZ MEZ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Gateshead N/E
Posts: 327
TPS

Quote:
Originally Posted by giantbaby View Post

I think I've narrowed it down to either TPS sensor or Coil plugs.... all are bonkers money .... Any help would be appreciated

Scott
Oldish post this but did you sort your issue..?? My mate had a similar issue earlier this year and although a retired Porsche mechanic he was pulling his (what's left) hair out over a resolve. Using a 911 test rig to help, nothing came up, finally narrowed it down using logic and proved to be the TPS....
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
R 1200 GS / R 1200 GS Seat height MikeD BMW Tech 3 25 Apr 2010 07:52
XR650R Erratic idle problem Baron Bolton Honda Tech 3 20 Oct 2009 22:53
problems with honda dominator( engine stall) alcasi Honda Tech 3 1 Jun 2007 18:17
Stall after starting JJeremy Yamaha Tech 3 19 May 2006 20:01

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:45.