R1100GS Shocker
 

Can anyone help? My 1997 R1100 (63,000 miles up) recently refused to play. On testing one of the spark plugs against the cylinder head I eventually got a nice fat spark. I took my thumb off the starter motor and left the ignition on. I was shocked in more ways than one to get a series of shocks through the plugs HT lead, the plug was still resting against the cylinder head at this stage. When this happens I have also noticed that I get a strange electrical crackling in the region of the throttle position sensor and that the fuel pump switches on and off a couple of times. The bike starts now but hunts a lot at low speeds. Any bright ideas anyone, please?


Cheers,

Dicky

I have no guaranteed answer, but I'd suspect that you have a bad HT lead(s). Given the age of the bike, it's time to replace them anyway.

While you're at it, check all the electrical connections under the tank, looking for corrosion or dirt. Give them a good cleaning with a good electrical cleaner / sealer / corrosion preventer - see your local auto supply store for something suitable.

good luck!

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

So, with the bike is not running and the ignition is on the plugs and fuel pump fire some of the time? Is this right? If so, I predict the injectors are firing some of the time as well, and can be checked quickly by removing them and watching. (To avoid unforseen entertainment do not watch the injector near the spark plug you are watching.) If this is happening, there is a strong possibility that you have a short or water in the electrical connectors near your "computer" under the gas tank, or between your "computer" and your timing sensor on the front bottom of the motor. Remedy: dry out all connectors, search for worn wires.

If this is not happening, send more info. Good luck.

Hi Chuck and Grant,

Thank you for your replies. My bike has a full BMW service history and the HT leads were replaced 2000 miles ago. Chuck your diagnosis was spot on, I was getting shocks without the engine turning over and the fuel pump was switching on and off. In retrospect I must admit that I had been a bit liberal with a pressure washer after a few cross country trips recently in filthy weather.I will follow both your suggestions and check the connectors and dry out the leads. Many thanks for your replies. One thing is for sure, you only really get to know about your bike when something goes wrong and you have to get your manual and the "spanners" out.
Cheers,

Dicky

And Finally,

Took the tank off, cleaned and sprayed all the electrical connections, started the bike up and off she went albeit as raggedy as a raggedy old thing. Popped down to Rainbow at Sheffield and Lee diagnosed out of balance throttle cables. A few minutes of Lee's spannering had her running as sweet as a chocolate peanut. No expensive motronic faults or other costly nightmares. The old GS had fallen from grace but now she's vying for attention again with the new Pan.

Regards,

David