Starter problem (R 100 GS)
 

Hi there,

the starter of my R 100 GS broke down today. Unfortunately it is not the usual magnet-thing. It sounds as if a bearing within the "gearbox" that connects the starter motor with the engine is gone (sorry, my english. Hope it is clear what I mean). (The tooth of the sprockets should be ok, had opportunity to check that only recently...)

Therefor, I cannot just buy any Valeo-starter that is used in cars.

Does anyone know if there is a car, which uses exactly the same starter than the R 100 GS built in 1991 (not just the same motor, I mean)

Lars

The best resource for BMW electrical parts that I know of is Motorrad Elektrik - #1 Source for your BMW Motorcycle Electrical Needs for over a Decade! (256)442-8886

This guy really knows air cooled BMW electrical systems ( I think he sponsors HU too). He sells a Nipondenso starter motor that was originally for a Toyota truck. If I ever have to replace my starter motor, I'd put that one in.

Thanks Pete, but that would mean shipping a part - again.

I'd rather find a cheap solution that just keeps me going for the next 2 month.

I'm planning to disassemble my bike after that anyway. I'll never again travel with an elderly R 100 GS- major breakdowns every 3000 k or so guaranteed...

Lars

Yeah, I rode RTW on my R-100 GS and as much as still love to ride it, I'd take something Japanese if I ever did it again.

There are some brass bushings that wear out on starter motors. I don't know what they are called but it's the part that.......I don't know how to describe this....... the part that jumps out and turns the flywheel then retracts back after you take your finger off the button. That spins around in a brass bushing. If that brass bushing is worn it makes a really nasty sound. If that is what's wrong, you can shim it with metal from a beer can. I did that in Mongolia and it got me to Istanbul where a machinst made me a new brass piece that is still in there today.

Good luck

The gear should last forever, but from time to time it needs to be cleaned and lubed, especially the bronze-bearing in the front.
If the front bearing is very bad you can grind it with a file or sandpaper.

An overhaul-set should set you back 15-20 Euro – when you come back-

ok, fust disassembled the starter: Several teeth of the cogs from the planetary gear are gone. Also, the rotor is rubbing on the magnets (the magnets did not fall off). At the moment I do not see how the faults are connected.

Any ideas for solutions apart from having a new starter sent from Germany?

Lars

starter problems
 

If the rotor is rubbing on the magnets (or stator coil), then the rotor is not being supported at one end or the other. The fault is either a bearing or bush worn. The only cure for missing teeth is new parts (of course).

The connection between the two defects is the rotor and central gear of the planetary gear not being supportet properly because of a worn bearing or journal. The planets have to bear load and the play between the teeth is out and they go bang.

You donn't need a valeo starter you can use any 9 tooth starter from a BMW.
I would think you could find a used Bosch 9 tooth starter at a used bike or parts shop. I don't know what year they changed form the 8 tooth to the 9 but
I think any starter fron a R80 - R100 from the mid 1980's on would work.

Starter for sale.
 

They will be the same from 1980 onwards for all the models.
You will most likely also find them on Moto Guzzi's from about the same time.(you will have to check this as I can't confirm 100%)
If you are really stuck I can send you one from Cape Town for a good price. I have about three that came of R80G/S's and ST's.