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 30 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
My BMW 1200GS won't start

I need your help! Got on my bike today and it won't start. Makes a click, click, click noise when I press the ignition but that is it. (Have checked kill switch.)

When I had the final drive oil changed last week they did say that the battery was getting a little flat. I haven't ridden it for just over a week and it has been raining a lot. I assume the battery is flat and I need to take the battery out and go to a garage and get it charged up.

Would that seem like a good first step?

Thamks

Dom
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 130
Hey,

That's usually the first step yeah, certainly when the guy's told you that about the battery. When the voltage become under the 10.4 (around that) there is not enough power to get your fuel pump on the run.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 30 Dec 2010
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
Once a battery is that far gone it will not recover again.
You may get a start or two out of a recharge but that is all.
Buy a new battery.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Dec 2010
Ekke's Avatar
HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 358
Dead battery

Hi Dom,

I had the same thing on my 1200 and it was indeed the battery. You might be able to nurse it a little while longer after you get it charged but you'll be needing to purchase a new one soon. I found the 1200 very difficult to bump start. OK, impossible really and we needed to get a boost.

I hope the rest of your trip is going well!
__________________
Ekke Kok

'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

www.ekke-audrey.ca
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
Thanks

I told a friend I was going to post this on a motorbike forum to get help and they looked at me as if I was mad. Who would help a complete stranger the day before new years eve?
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On the road, Homeward bound :-(
Posts: 127
No start

Hi
I had exactly the same thing recently in Salta, Argentina. Lots of info here -

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...742#post312565

Although mine turned out to be dirty contacts on the starter motor. Also posted on ADV link here -

ADVrider - View Single Post - Dead GS1200A

Lots of info for you. Hope it's as easy a fix as mine.
Currently stuck in Cochabamba, Bolivia with water in the fuel ..... again!!!! happened last year in Puerto Madryn, Argentina, anyone got a spare pre filter????
__________________
RTW Jan 2009 - Aug 2012. Currently in Europe waiting for the next ride
www.takingthelongwayhome.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Roll or Clutch starting, it's all in the technique...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ekke View Post
I found the 1200 very difficult to bump start. OK, impossible really and we needed to get a boost.
I don't agree with Ekke here.

I have on many occasions roll or clutch started my R1200GS. I have had a flat battery 4 times and each time I have roll started it. Hell, sometimes I'll just roll down a hill with my miss'us on the back and roll start it for fun (this happened a lot in Nepal and Thailand when I was on reserve tank of fuel and wanted to save petrol, so like the locals I would just roll in neutral downhill).

The trick is to have the bike in 3rd or even 4th gear, you need it in higher gear as the torque to the rear wheel is too high in lower gears and thus it has a tendancy to lock up and skid. The higher the gear, the easier it is to roll start. I can (after some practice) even run along side the 1200 (without luggage) and in 2nd and clutch start it on the flat. So I maintain that it is all in the technique.


I second the battery troubles but it's not worth buying a new battery straight away as the AGM gel batteries can sometimes have a new lease on life even once dead (<10V) as mine did.


Good luck
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Ekke's Avatar
HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 358
I guess I better do some practicing!

The only time I tried it was in a campground on a dusty road, in second gear. When the snow clears I'll try it at home in third nor fourth.
__________________
Ekke Kok

'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

www.ekke-audrey.ca
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Niort, France
Posts: 2
Before buying a new battery, try to charge it, one night or 24 hours with a battery charger.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
I have one other question (I know nothing about electrics). Currently my bike is sat there with a dead battery. When I turn the ignition key it starts up, runs through its warm up process and the lights work so there must be some electricity from somewhere.

I am planning on getting a new battery on Thursday. Am I doing the bike any harm sitting there with a dead battery until Thursday? Should I take it out? When I go to get a new battery will I do the bike any harm if I take the old battery out (leaving the bike with no battery for 24 hours) as I go to get a new one? And finally, I assume (I do have a Haynes manual) that taking a battery out and putting one in is fairly simple ( as long as I disconnect and reconnect the terminals in the right order) Is there anything I'm missing?
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lonesome George View Post
I have one other question (I know nothing about electrics). Currently my bike is sat there with a dead battery. When I turn the ignition key it starts up, runs through its warm up process and the lights work so there must be some electricity from somewhere.

I am planning on getting a new battery on Thursday. Am I doing the bike any harm sitting there with a dead battery until Thursday? Should I take it out? When I go to get a new battery will I do the bike any harm if I take the old battery out (leaving the bike with no battery for 24 hours) as I go to get a new one? And finally, I assume (I do have a Haynes manual) that taking a battery out and putting one in is fairly simple ( as long as I disconnect and reconnect the terminals in the right order) Is there anything I'm missing?
This is a new symptom to what you mentioned. It could be more serious than the battery. I would hold out on the new battery because you may not need it if it is the starter for instance.

First charge the battery. Do this with any normal 12V battery charger (ie. for a car or other) BUT you must disconnect it from the bike, take it out completely to be safe. This is so as not to fry the ZFE (onboard computer) which has voltage controller, if you have a BMW charger that connects to the 12V socket then this will send a signal to the computer letting it know that a high Amp current is coming through to charge the batter and it won't destroy the computer.

Next once charged try the battery back in the bike.

If this doesn't work (and/or roll/clutch starting the bike doesn't start it then you have another issue.)

You could check contacts like gear sensor (difficult to get to), side stand switch and clutch switches in case of a dirty or bad connection.

After checking all those and the bike still doesn't start then there might be a problem with starter or FPC (Fuel Pump Controller). But I doubt this as the 'clicking' you hear is most probably the fuel pump.

Let us know how it goes. Meanwhile Happy New Year 2011
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Toyark's Avatar
-
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,341
if it's clikety-clikety-clik .... it's prob a goosed battery or loose battery connections-
If it's cranking but not firing, it's probably the FPC (again !)
good luck

Happy new year!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
The only noise it makes is the "click click" I mentioned. About two clicks a second whilst I'm pressing the ignition button. Sounds a bit like a spanner hitting something metal. Absolutely no other noise at all.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 31 Dec 2010
Ekke's Avatar
HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 358
Starter Relay

The R1200GS has only one relay (everything else is CANBUS) and it is the starter relay under the seat. The clicking is in all likelihood the starter relay and the battery doesn't have enough juice to turn the starter motor. Once the battery is charged you'll probably be good for a while but if you can get a battery where your at then do it. Better now than being stuck out in the back of beyond having to practice push starting.
__________________
Ekke Kok

'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

www.ekke-audrey.ca
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Jan 2011
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Good advice from Ekke .But before you get a new battery , check the terminals are CLEAN and the connections are TIGHT .Batteries at rest should show about 12.6 volts if they are in good condition .If ,after a long ride or some time on a charger, it cannot hold 12.6 volts ,it's time to replace it.
__________________
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
Reply


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
21" Rim for 1200gs? mcdarbyfeast BMW Tech 13 23 Aug 2011 13:51
1200GS won't start in gear TurboCharger BMW Tech 2 2 May 2009 15:37
BMW 1200GS ADV vs Honda XR250 electric start fatboyfraser Which Bike? 2 20 Dec 2006 23:39

 
 

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 14:24.