Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
1999 F650 Troubles 1999 F650 Troubles
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 4
Unhappy 1999 F650 Troubles
A friend of mine recently fell into a bit of bad luck with his 1999 F650. He was in Whitehorse NWT. when his engine overheat light came on, So he let it cool down, started it again and ran a little further, light came on again, so he let it cool down again and then started it up and got it to the nearset town. He said it lacked power and all he knows is the compression of the engine he is claiming is 60 psi.
As I work on my Harley he asked if I would look at his bike. I'm unfamiliar with BMW's Rotax engine, but with patience and a manual, I'm confident we can figure it out.
The bike has just over 70,000 kms on it and up until that point had performed flawlessly.
Any ideas?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Aug 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
I'm no BMW expert but if he didn't check the coolant level , I'll hazard a guess .
Sounds like a partial seizure due to lack of coolant/oil/overheating .
A rebore and new coolant pump and/or seals sounds in order .
Check the valves as well .


Quote:
Originally Posted by R.Itchy View Post
A friend of mine recently fell into a bit of bad luck with his 1999 F650. He was in Whitehorse NWT. when his engine overheat light came on, So he let it cool down, started it again and ran a little further, light came on again, so he let it cool down again and then started it up and got it to the nearset town. He said it lacked power and all he knows is the compression of the engine he is claiming is 60 psi.
As I work on my Harley he asked if I would look at his bike. I'm unfamiliar with BMW's Rotax engine, but with patience and a manual, I'm confident we can figure it out.
The bike has just over 70,000 kms on it and up until that point had performed flawlessly.
Any ideas?
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Aug 2007
DLbiten's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
dam the luck
or it may be the carbs that F has 2 of them
or oil over filled
or bad coolent pump (older F650 have pumps with poor impellers in them)
broken fan or just no power to it
bad, burned out powe regulater or Rectifier (the black box under the seat) if it gets really hot thay burn out and do all maner of odd things. moving it from under the seat to any place on the bike with some are flow will felp save the new one.
last thing you want to do is take it to a BMW shop.

look up the chain gang web page
The Chain Gang

Thay will know what is wrong and how to fix it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Aug 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cairo
Posts: 187
Sounds like the classic Rotax issue most owners encounter - faulty head gasket. Head gasket and regulator replacement is an almost standard repair for Rotax engines of that era. If it hasn't been replaced in the past, then that's probably the problem. Look for oil in the radiator (but not just the overflow bottle) or water in the oil as an easy indicator, but even if there's none it is still likely the head gasket. Hope I'm wrong. Good Luck.

Brett
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 4
Thanks for the ideas
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrettUAE View Post
Sounds like the classic Rotax issue most owners encounter - faulty head gasket. Head gasket and regulator replacement is an almost standard repair for Rotax engines of that era. If it hasn't been replaced in the past, then that's probably the problem. Look for oil in the radiator (but not just the overflow bottle) or water in the oil as an easy indicator, but even if there's none it is still likely the head gasket. Hope I'm wrong. Good Luck.

Brett
Thanks for the ideas so far, I guess the only real way to tell will be the teardown. I have a manual coming and the bike should be here this weekend, if all goes according to plan.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 4
Thanks DL
Quote:
Originally Posted by DLbiten View Post
or it may be the carbs that F has 2 of them
or oil over filled
or bad coolent pump (older F650 have pumps with poor impellers in them)
broken fan or just no power to it
bad, burned out powe regulater or Rectifier (the black box under the seat) if it gets really hot thay burn out and do all maner of odd things. moving it from under the seat to any place on the bike with some are flow will felp save the new one.
last thing you want to do is take it to a BMW shop.

look up the chain gang web page
The Chain Gang

Thay will know what is wrong and how to fix it.
One thing about the net, seems to be something out there every time when you need info, I will check out The Chain Gang as well.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Aug 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 4
Is a rebore possible?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
I'm no BMW expert but if he didn't check the coolant level , I'll hazard a guess .
Sounds like a partial seizure due to lack of coolant/oil/overheating .
A rebore and new coolant pump and/or seals sounds in order .
Check the valves as well .
I imagine you're pretty close by the sound of it, although the BMW Dealer didn't seem to have any part numbers for pistons other than stock bore, this made me wonder if the cylinder is sleeved, or if you have to buy a new cylinder? On the Harley, (which I am more familiar with) the cylinder can be bored to .040 over, and pistons can be had to match. Anyway thanks for the input, it's nice to have ideas when you want to fix stuff.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
Lowering a F650 Funduro Bossies BMW Tech 7 28 Oct 2007 11:08
F650 Luggage for sale moroccantrip TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 29 Apr 2004 22:40
BMW F650 vs Kawa KLR650 Gijs Which Bike? 3 2 Oct 2002 04:47
KLR650 vs F650 Kurt Which Bike? 2 10 Sep 2001 07:45

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 07:34.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top