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 2 Aug 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Travelling at the moment....it changes.
Posts: 4
BMW1200GS Adv not starting after falling over.

Dear All,
I am new to this so we'll see how it goes.
Yesterday I gently dropped my GS in the campground and after I was helped to pick it up it doesn't start.
It is trying to start and almost started during a roll start but doesn't seem to want to ignite.
Is it simply flooded?
Or do the spark plugs need to be taken out to clean them up.
I have dropped before and had no trouble starting but on those occasions the bike was running - this time not running when dropped.

Thanks in advance.
Greg D
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Far North Queensland Australia
Posts: 80
starting

I dropped my GS when I took off with the disc lock still attached (idiot!). The bike was still running so I turned it off while I was laying on the ground. Some time later after wifey got the photographic evidence and I stopped swearing from the twisted ankle, I picked it up. When I wound it over it didnt want to start straight away as it usually did. When it did start it cough and spluttered.

I let it stand for about 10 minutes and then tried again..... all good this time.

I put it down to too much fuel in one pot (flooded) from being on its side. This should only happen if you have the ignition on and the fuel pump is running. If it just falls over with the ignition off then it "shouldn't" flood.

Is there a possibility that the air ducts (some call it a plenum) has been damaged between the throttle body and the intake manifold when it fell over? If it has an air leak it may be getting too much air and not wanting to fire correctly. Or maybe one of the spark plug coil caps has come off or damaged the wiring.

Just a few things to check. Hope you get it going.

Marty
__________________
An idea comes suddenly and in an intuitive way. But intuition is nothing but the outcome of earlier experience.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: calgary canada
Posts: 126
kill switch?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Aug 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Travelling at the moment....it changes.
Posts: 4
Thanks for responses.

Thank you for your responses so far.
Although there is not much fuel in the tank (60km to empty) there is still fuel, the kill switch is good (although I could check it again), the battery is now flat from trying to start it several times, including roll starts (where it almost got going) and from trying to start while on cables to a car battery.
There is nothing visibly/noticeably wrong with the bike. It sounds like it really wants to start (well it did until the battery became flat).
After calling two BMW workshops (Germany and Luxembourg) and receiving understandably non-committal and vague possibilities for the issue I have decided to take the bike to a Germany BMW workshop to resolve the issue rather than start pulling it apart, not knowing what to look for, to get it going again.
Perhaps an update will follow tomorrow or the next day.
Thanks and regards
Greg D
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
My two cents worth...

I know you've now got it in the shop but this might be helpful for someone else or if it occurs again (god forbid).

1. Check the kill switch
2. Check ignition contact is working. If the gear position and fuel levels aren't showing then perhaps it's either a contact or even a ring-antenna issue. If it is try with your spare key just in case it's the chip in the key that is defective.
3. Check Side-stand switch. If it is activated, then the bike won't start, even in neutral. It is possible to disconnect the sidestand switch and short circuit it to trick the bike in thinking the stand is always up. Just be careful though.
4. Check the gear position, if it is in gear put it in neutral. This is because there is a clutch sensor, if it's in gear and the clutch is not pulled in, it trips the kill circuit. Also the gear position sensor may be at fault. This is a little harder to diagnose, so start with the other things first.
5. Check the battery. An easy way is to listen for the fuel pump on first ignition. You should hear the fuel pump working. NB this will only occur when the bike has been off for a while.
5a. If the FPC (Fuel Pump Controller) has died, then you won't be able to start the bike at all, it's like the bike is out of petrol. There is a road-side solution for this described in detail on ADVRider.
6. Check the battery voltage. If it drops below 10.5V when you hit the start button, then the battery needs replacing.
7. Lastly does the starter motor turn over when you hit the start button?

If you have a 911 diagnostics unit, use it. If not then unhook the battery, wait 5mins, then connect it back to the bike. This will clear the error codes usually and force a system recheck.

I always find that taking a break from the bike for a while helps, have a , think of something else and come back when you're fresh and thinking clearly. Or better still get a mate to troubleshoot the problem.

Good Luck!
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Tremont, IL
Posts: 54
Just to help in the diagnosis, which side did you fall over,the left or the right side?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Tremont, IL
Posts: 54
After getting your battery charged back up, put more fuel in the tank. 60 km is not really that much. It could be you are lower on fuel than you think.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Aug 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Travelling at the moment....it changes.
Posts: 4
Easy, once you know - the battery.

Dear All, thanks for the replies.
TurboCharger your checklist was comprehensive and almost all were checked off with the available resources and nearby biker(s) and mechanic.
Since I was in Luxembourg language was a difficulty for me but....
The battery must have been below the 10.5V mentioned since everthing else on the bike sounded and looked like it should start, and it was so close on two roll start attempts.
I have never experienced a battery giving up the ghost like this. Previously I have had a flat battery, roll started the bike, rode off for a while and then was good to go a few more times, until I repeated the process when flat again.
Seems new batteries behave differently these days.
Anyway, bike transport and replacement battery all sorted by the wonderful BMW guys at Hisgen BMW in Trier, Germany.
Thanks for all information, suggestions and ideas.
Trip continues into Paris today.
Cheers
Greg D
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Tremont, IL
Posts: 54
Great news. I forgot about the batteries that tend to work one moment, then not another. Glad your able to get back on the road.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 142
If mileage is your concern rather than off road ability - don't go for the Continental TKC 80. The GSA just has too much grunt and shreds the rear (or maybe I am just to heavy handed).

A good tyre though.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 142
Sorry i have no idea how my comment about tyres ended up here!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Sep 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
A word of caution - switch off the engine when it falls

Quote:
Originally Posted by gregd View Post
I have dropped before and had no trouble starting but on those occasions the bike was running - this time not running when dropped.
Somewhat related: I have witnessed a 1200GS dropped on the left hand side (IIRC) and the engine remained running for a while (but I don't know how long). When I came on the scene the bike was back upright and the engine was running but blowing so much blue smoke that I thought, at first, that an additive was in the fuel to clean the injectors; there were quite a few BMW riders standing about and my view was unclear, but the smoke was clear enough!
It turned out that the running bike engine, while over on it's side, had pumped a huge amount of oil into the air box via a largish "rubber" tube connection that links from the cylinder to the air box. So much oil had been pumped that there was no oil showing in the sight glass.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Oct 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
The same thing happened to me
I think the problem is:
I was low on gas
When the bike fell over to the right, all the gas sloshed over to the right and there was no fuel on the left side - where the fuel pick up is.
I leaned the bike over to the left and the bike started right up
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1200gs, dropped, not starting


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
Round the World - Northern Hemisphere only - starting in May 2013 Landerstow Travellers Seeking Travellers 4 5 Sep 2012 07:21
Europe for a month (starting 14-July12) chunchrik Travellers Seeking Travellers 6 2 Aug 2012 12:29
97' XT600E start failing / starting circuit cutoff relay p/n ? jamesahkXT600e Yamaha Tech 1 9 Jun 2012 02:43
kle500 starting problems nath23 Kawasaki Tech 9 22 Apr 2012 01:37

 
 

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 14:09.