Red triangle warning light comes on (BMW 1200 GS)
 

This hasn't happened before. The red triangle warning light has just come on, on my 2006 BMW 1200 GS. No other lights with it, just the red triangle warning light. After trying a few things I realised that it comes on when I engage the front brake. I've checked the front brake level and, no, it isn't touching the hand guard. It's free to return to its usual position.

So, I asume the computer is telling me it thinks there is something wrong with the front brake, even though the bike was fine for the 20 miles or so back home today.

Guess I'd better get it checked out but thought I'd ask here first. Anyone had anything similar?

First check no bulbs are blown. Note: There may be two rear bulbs.

If it was a bumb it would say "lampf" on the dash...

I'm guessing it's one of the ABS sensors playing up or if you're really unlucky, the ABS controller itself. Assuming you have ABS !!

Have you got a way to read fault codes ??

I think I had this problem a couple of years ago, but can't remember how I fixed it! I think it might have been a dirty ABS sensor, but am not sure.

I don't think it's the bulb. I have a problem with the front main beam. When I start the bike up the computer tells me that the main beam doesn't work (and i can see that it doesn't) but it usually comes on after 5 minutes. I'm thinking that there is a loose conenction and perhaps some water and it dries out after a while??

However I think you may be right about the sensor. I'd better get it checked out.

Cheers

Might be a loose connection .. but not water related. Can still be a broken bulb - the filament is broken but with some vibration makes contact and stays together while riding and lit (warm therefore longer), once switched off cools, shrinks and breaks contact. Buy a spare and see.

Give the sensor and area a good clean before you spend money. Soapy water and a soft brush.

Tried washing it and nothing changes. Red triangle still come son when I engage brake. But think I'll wait until spring as I won't be using the bike over winter.

Thanks for the help.

You need to have the fault memory read...

Ted

GS911 would be a good help.
Have you dropped your bike so that brake liquid is getting low (you cannot check it from a handlebar)…

Is your battery ok? Are maybe the wires loose? We had the same problem on the 1150.... and it was the battery.

The brake fluid was changed last summer and it's a reasonably new battery, so I doubt it's either of those.

Also, now it's cold, sometimes when I turn it on the computer doesn't recognise the gears. The green N sign doesn't come on so I can't start the thing. I have to kick it up and down the gears a few times until the computer wakes up and the neutral light comes on.

I'm going to take the battery out for the winter and sort it in April. I think it needs a trip to a BMW dealer as there is clearly something going on with the electrics.

Thanks for all the help...

What are the symptoms when you ride the bike?
Do you have brakes or are you down to residual breaking?
If you have servos on your 1200, you could need brakes to be bled as there may be air trapped in the servos (or low fluid in the servos) which means a trip to BMW to use their vacuum pump to draw the fluid through.
Check levels of servo units - your problem could be caused by low brake fluid in either of the reservoirs under the tank

Check for frayed wires on the loom too- it is a possibility.

Check your front brake light switch isn't sticking on

Check the rear wheel ABS/speedometer sensor- it is located on the rear face of the final drive housing. It is secured in place by a tiny Torx screw. Simply undo the screw, pull out the sensor and wipe it clean of any metal filings, then refit (being sure the o ring seal is intact).

a Hexcode diagnostic dongle- should- IMHO- be part of any BMW owner's tool kit-
What you spend at dealerships will be swiftly recovered and more if you invest in one.
It takes the guessing right out of the equation and tells you if it is a 'side of the road fix' or a 'back of a lorry' time.

It can even give you full real time values and it can send its 'report' direct via your Bluetooth enabled mobile phone to a friendly BMW mechanic back home.
Peace of mind in these complicated electronic days. I might still have my full CD manual ( REpRom) somewhere- pm if need info.

good luck

Do those dongles tell you if the fault is present or not ??

From what Ive seen the faults they bring up can be quite misleading. And information without professional interpretation can be even worse...

If you have NON INTEGRAL Abs you can bleed your brakes like any bike..

Yes Ted , they tell you if a fault is present or not and a whole load of other data besides.
I would not be without mine. It tells it like it is unlike.....well.... ahem.... 'whistling' !

Well as you know, I use the BMW supplied MOSS diagnosis computer at work.

£50,000 worth so I'm told.

It is our most important tool by a long way. When you have a Modern BMW connected up to it, there is very little I can't control and diagnose. I feel like the Wizard of Oz when I'm using it. But it takes A LOT of time and training to get the hang of it. We have to go on continuous training courses.

The way I can individually control and diagnose controllers, switches, sensors and inputs is absolutely fantastic. And I think it is also VITAL in modern Motorcycle maintenance. I'd honestly be lost without it with many faults.

Even the other local motorcycle dealers drop bikes off with us to diagnose as they either can't or can't spare the time it takes a none Moss-equipped dealer. Much to their frustration. They can read faults themselves but they can't talk to the bike and do the important calibration and programming stuff.

I am really interested in seeing a dongle in use and what exactly it can do..