Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Problem with F650GS Dakar Problem with F650GS Dakar
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MaeSot, Thailand
Posts: 95
Unhappy Problem with F650GS Dakar
Finally received our bikes after 2 months in Thailand and the headache of customs. Put bikes back together and noticed petrol spillage, anyway, saw footprints on the side of the crate so now suspect it has been on its side for all or part of the journey from the UK. Started the bike after charging the battery overnight, to have plumes of smoke billow out of the exhaust and for the bike to idle at 3000RPM before dying. Spoke to mechanic friend who suggested taking it for a decent run and see what happens. Went for about 15km and the billowing smoke has gone away, but the bike stalls if off the throttle for a few seconds. It will start OK but i have to keep the revs up, if I leave it idle, it will go to 3000RPM then return to the normal 1500RPM for split second before cutting out. I have changed the air filter which was soaked in oil, presumably from lying on its side, and also soaked up a fair bit of oil from behind the air filter but it has not solved the problem. The bike does seem to surge slightly when riding as well. Any ideas would be good!!

many thanks

Andrew
__________________
“… all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing ...”.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Mar 2008
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
Heard of similiar problems which are usually related to low charge or poor connections to the battery. Could be the Motronic needs reprogramming, simple to do yourself. I doubt lying on its side would effect the tickover, perhaps a sensor got damaged ??

have a look here. GS / Dakar Hard Starting / Poor Running FAQ
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MaeSot, Thailand
Posts: 95
Red face Still problem
Have topped up and charged the battery and checked connections but still no good. Will try disconnecting the battery and reconnecting to see if that helps. How do I reset the MoTronic? Which sensors could be damaged as my girlfriend has the F650GS so could I try the sensors off her bike?

Thanks for the help!!

Andrew
__________________
“… all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing ...”.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Mar 2008
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
Disconnect the battery & leave it disconnected for a while - long enough to have cup of tea & a smoke. Reconnect & try to start the bike *without* touching the throttle, it has to learn the 'throttle closed' position - that resets the brain.

Symptoms you're describing are typical of a knackered battery. Did the acid drain out while it was on its side? If so just topping it up might not work.

If you've got jumper cables try starting/running the engine with another battery connected - if it runs smoothly like that then your battery is damaged.
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Mar 2008
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
Quote:
Originally Posted by llanelli View Post
How do I reset the MoTronic?
If Smellys restart procedure does not fix it, I found this on f650.co.uk.......
Throttle body potentiometer reset needed.... Best way is to first off never touch the throttle while sparking. Then disconnect the battery for 10 mins. After that reconnect the terminals. Turn the ignition on, Turn the throttle from 0 to full slowly (should take you 2-3seconds) twice. Switch off and then back on.

I would give every contact a good spray with WD-40 too.

Maybe check the Filter/Regulator and Idle control device. Take care with the regulator its under pressure.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 2
Hi sounds like a possible oil prblem to me if it has been on it's side for some time oil can seep into the bores and out of an open exhaust valve into the exhaust. This would have the effect of restricting the flow hence bad running and the billowing smoke speaks for it self. You don't need a lot of oil to do this so dont rely on the level being OK Hope it helps Rob
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Devon UK
Posts: 2
Oh soaked air filter it could be running on oil rather than petrol give it all good clean out if I were you.
Cheers Rob
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Mar 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MaeSot, Thailand
Posts: 95
Still problems
Have changed the battery, disconnected the battery but all is still not well. The bike runs a little better but not at its best. It must have been being on its side as the bike was fine before I shipped. I think the acid from the battery ran out. What could it have damaged? It lay on the right side. Could oil be in the spark plug? Would this affect it? I know very little mechanically, all suggestions appreciated.
__________________
“… all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing ...”.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Mar 2008
DarrenM's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Coventry
Posts: 126
I would give the bike a full service, New Oil, Plugs and Air Filter (clean air box of excess oil).
Visually check all around the battery area for signs of corrosion damage especially on the wiring loom.

Once serviced see how it runs.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Mar 2008
Guest2
Guest
  
Posts: n/a
Hi Andrew,
sorry to hear about your problems.
Your description of the problem does sound like a electrical / sensor issue, but I am not familiar with the BM system, there may be a sensor in the air box which is faulty or needs a clean. The fact it momentarily ticks over before stopping sort of confirms the engine management system is not receiving a signal as it should.

Triumph did have a problem with one model which allowed oil to enter the air box when it was dropped. If after this the bike was righted and started, the oil could enter the combustion chamber and bend a conrod. You had a lot of smoke after you started the engine just wondering if it could be a mechanical problem. I don't know of an easy way to check this, but keep it mind after you have checked everything else.

If you are having difficulty tracking the problem down, try and locate a good mechanic. When I was last in Thailand they had some good auto electricians and bike mechanics

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Mar 2008
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
Theres a bypass air-channel in the throttle stub that opens up when the engine is at idle - this allows just enough airflow to keep the motor at idle when the throttle is fully closed.

If you peer down the throttle stub you'll see a hole in the side of the casting above & below the butterfly valve. They are on the right hand side of the throttle stub so would be the lowest point with the bike laid down as you describe - probably clogged up with oil.

Remove the throttle stub & give it a really good clean - might need a mechanic for that and a can of carb cleaner.
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Mar 2008
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 77
Quote:
I have changed the air filter which was soaked in oil, presumably from lying on its side, and also soaked up a fair bit of oil from behind the air filter but it has not solved the problem.
Perhaps you also need to empty the drain hose from the intake silencer and or remove and clean the air temperature sensor located in the air intake pipe.

Emptying drain hose from intake air
silencer
(Inspections II and III)
• Have a funnel and drip tray ready.
• Remove the plug and drain off all the oil.

(I tried to include a photo but could not. Basically it is a small tube, on the right hand side of the bike, running down from the air box. It has a "tee" with a plug in it for draining.)

13 62 010 Removing and installing air
temperature sensor

• Disconnect the plug for the temperature sensor.

• Press in the lug and remove the temperature
sensor from the intake air pipe.

(Again no picture. It is a sensor with a wiring plug to it that is mounted on the bottom of the intake air box.)
__________________
Bill Atchison
Red Deer, Alberta Canada
www.backroadexplorers.ca
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: California
Posts: 33
If you have not done this, check the rubber intake manifold. It might be loose or torn:

Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Apr 2008
Gold Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 77
Andrew,

Have you been able to solve the problem? If so, what did you find.
__________________
Bill Atchison
Red Deer, Alberta Canada
www.backroadexplorers.ca
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MaeSot, Thailand
Posts: 95
Talking problem solved
Well thanks to the help of Beddhist the problem now seems to have been solved. We took the top off, airbox I think and gave the intake place a good wipe down. Cleaned all the holes leading to this which had a little oil but not a lot. Put it all back together, disconnected the battery and the motronic and left it for half an hour. Reconnected and the bike has been running Ok ever since. Dont really know what solved the problem, maybe the clean, just reconnecting wires and connections or resetting the motronic, or a combination of all.
Thanks to all for your input and special thanks to MaeSot resident mechanic, beddhist!!
__________________
“… all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men (and women) to do nothing ...”.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
What to buy f650gs or dakar ? Francisco Herrera Which Bike? 6 16 Aug 2008 08:30
F650GS ABS light and speedo problem Ekke BMW Tech 7 7 Nov 2007 12:29
F650GS DAKAR maintenance yvonne1 Which Bike? 2 31 Mar 2005 21:27
F650GS Dakar v Tiger v ??? Stinger Which Bike? 7 2 Nov 2004 22:11
F650GS/Dakar-what's likely to fall apart? llanelli BMW Tech 5 7 Oct 2003 04:10

 
 

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 00:54.

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