► Lights, indicators, electrics and alarm

[twisticles]

Anyone have one? Is it the same system as the 1200 that will leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere when the system doesn't recognize the key?

Is the fob built into the key or will it be bouncing around on the key ring scuffing the shit out of the triple clamp?

OK there are two things going on here.

As far as I understand it, the problem encountered on the 1200 is an EWS error, where a faulty ring antenna does not receive/transmit the signal from the key. This is what has been stranding 1200 owners and (touch wood) has not yet been an issue on the 650/800 twins.

This is an immobiliser and is standard on every 650/800.

The alarm system is an optional extra. If you have the alarm and get an EWS error, the alarm will go off and the bike won't start. If you don't have an alarm fitted and get an EWS error, the bike won't start.

If you have the optional alarm fitted, the fob is separate to the key. The fob is used to set the alarm, but is not needed to disarm the alarm - you can simply insert the key and turn the bike on, the chip in the key is enough to disarm the alarm as well as the immobiliser.

The 800 is pretty well designed with a large black plastic plate around the key area to prevent scuffing of the "triple clamp"(?) or tank.

Personally I keep my alarm fob with my keys for panniers/chain/disc lock in my pocket, with my ignition key separate - its not rocket science!

 

[Bora20]

Perfect thanks. The alarm has no bearing on when you will be left fooked in the bush.

As for the triple clamp, I have only seen a F650 in the flesh twice, for about 2 minutes each. I wish BMW would hurry up and bring my 800 to Canada.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

"...Personally I keep my alarm fob with my keys for panniers/chain/disc lock in my pocket, with my ignition key separate - its not rocket science!..." It amazes me how many people have a bunch of keys scuffing everything around the ignition switch. Personally I have my ignition key attached to the bunch by a small, quickly detachable "shackle" (yes, sailing is another hobby) and thus I detach the ignition key from the bunch before using; as far as alarms are concerned here in France they mean nothing. Nobody takes any notice of them and the insurance companies do not take them into consideration; unless your bike is locked with a U-lock which conforms to their requirements you are not insured against theft - anywhere: anytime!

 

[twisticles]

It might be worth pointing out that in the UK the alarm is not an insurance approved alarm either - no discount for having it installed.

 

[blackie]

what extra lights?

I finally had the chance to ride the bike at night (total lights out is now about 10pm here) and the lights are less than desirable. It has a very wide throw for main beam, I wish the lens design would focus it a bit more. So now.
What lights? I'm hesitant to change the main bulb to a HID as it might void the warranty, as anal retentive as the dealers are around here. So probably going the route of addtional ones. Any recommendations? Has anyone fitted external lights? Cheers

 

[TERRY RYAN]

I have just fitted the Touratech fog lights wired into the dip with a switch to turned them on/off as required
I will post a picture soon
just got to set them up in the dark now
so far looks oks (well that's my opinion)
by the way super service from NIPPY NORMANS again

they can be seen at http://www.touratech.com/shops/008/...=8045&osCsid=8bef00efca3512d36ce0ddbfc44df3ea


by the way the cable on the picture right hand side you cannot see on the bike as it fed via the air intake

 

[Bora20]

No discount here in British Columbia either.

 

[Tim Cullis]

On my 1200GSA I have twin fog lights (for presence) twin HID spotlights, and standard dip/main beams. The fog lights are good for 'filling in' the sides of the road but they don't help with long distance,which is where the HIDs come in.

When I take delivery of my F650GS I'm planning to have twin fogs (again for presence) and to change the dip/main beam to HIDs.

Unless consumer law is dramatically different in Canada I can't see that installing HIDs would void your warranty. Talk it through with your dealer.

Tim

 

[TERRY RYAN]

disconnected my battery to fit the fog lamps and my optimate lead direct to battery
I found when I reconnected, the instrument gauge came on for a second or two
but that's it have checked Instrument panel again reset the time and am just waiting for the fuel indicator to start sensing again
havent noticed anything to do with service indicator every thing just seems as normal
lost all my avg speed mpg etc but thats it

am i looking in wrong place ???? or shall I RTFM

 

[paddy]

Battery disconnected

You can disconnect your battery for a short period and not upset the service indicator.I t tells you how long in your manual ( Mines at Work) I think from memory its 2 mins but check the manual.

 

[blackie]

Can you buy one of those bmw computer thingys?

 

[blackie]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

 

[BM_donator]

Philips Bulbs

If you want more out of your standard lights at relatively little expense, try the Philips X-Treme bulbs.

I've had these in from Day 1 and can tell you that they annoy the hell out of car drivers because they are so bright - but they do see you.

The brightness of the lights is incredible compared to the standard bulbs, it's like daylight is restored.
You light up road signs and anything reflective from about a mile away with the whiteness of the light these give out - lurking police cars especially

(ps. the bulbs are completely legal)

This link here is showing a pair delivered for about £25...you need the H7 model.

http://www.a1carbulbs.co.uk/

 

[Micky]

I've fitted a pair of Les Wassell's HID's to my 800GS

A revelation... this piccie was taken in daylight...

They're superb at night



www.adventure.gs

 

[sijohnston]

+1 on the LW HID's...50W, £139 for a pair, and easy to fit...

 

[chrisjk]

Where do you put the HID ballasts ( or transformers or whatever they're called?

 

[sijohnston]

ballasts

You have to strip all the faring off and cable tie them to the black sub-frame behind. Make sure you mount them well back otherwise you'll not get the faring on easily and will have to re-position (as I found out, much to my chagrin. I have photos). They fit in there perfectly. The only issue I have is that when I turn the handlebars to the left, my brake cable is catching the wires at the back of the right bulb and over time will cause problems. (There's not as much clearance between the back of the headlamp unit and the handlebars as on the 12GS.) If I cable tie the brake cable, it restricts the movement of the bars, which I'm obviously not terribly enthusiastic about, so unless I get a new brake cable put on, there's no way around it. Other than that, HID's are a solid investment and cars are definitely aware of your presence.

 

[Gipsy]

My better half Elvie has had HID 50's fitted by Les. The dipped is fantastic, the main beam is breathtaking. I would suggest that before fitting extra lights, uprating the existing set up is the way to go.

 

[chrisjk]

Si,
Many thanks for the clear reply.

 

[Micky]

The ballast and black box thingy (igniter?) have to be fairly accurately positioned, but as said they can be taped up the the black plastic subframe, the ballast between the subframe and the side panel.

The wires to the headlight tiewrapped to the same plastic subframe to keep them away from the forks on lock to lock.



www.adventure.gs