1150 Starting Issue

[Grizzly]

My1150 used to fire up first turn of the engine - always, hot or cold, but for the past year or thereabouts it sometimes doesn't fire as it's cranking - BUT, if I release the starter button then press it again it fires up first crank as per the old days
When the bikes running it has no issues - running great. because of this I've sort of ignored the problem but since it never used to happen there's obviously something wrong?-so looking for any ideas from others experiences.
Bike is a 2001 single spark with 162K on the clock and the engine & ignition parts etc are untouched from new other than routine servicing. We're just back from a week in Germany and, as usual, the bike ran faultlessly.
I'm now asking for help because I would like to prevent a future breakdown plus it's a bit embarassing when you press the starter and it just cranks away with no sign of life!! - although, as I've said, I'm fly to it now so if it doesn't fire quickly I just stop then try again and as mentioned above, it just fires straight away.

All suggestions welcome

Cheers..................Grizzly

 

[Roadcaptain]

I would take the starter off and service it as per the thread on here, probably just needs a bit of lube!!

 

[Grizzly]

Starter ok

Starter spinning up fast enough and was off during the winter and the drive all cleaned & lubed so confident it's ok.
I get the feeling it's something like a relay which sometimes doesn't switch cleanly - must study the wiring diagrams properly

Cheers................Grizzly

 

[Timolgra]

My 1150 refused to start yesterday, try pulling the motronic relay cleaning the contacts where it plugs in.
I just swopped the fuel pump and motronic relay,which are the same,and it started straight away, will investigate tomorrow but guessing it was a poor contact.

 

[Grizzly]

I'll Try that

I'll give that a go - sounds like the same sort of symptom. I need to start looking into this properly because it now happens more often than in the past.

Cheers...................Grizzly

 

[duckspeed]

162K on the clock Wow that's been a busy motor!!

 

[Grizzly]

Yep, It's Done Well

Stills runs like it did when new - I think? - I've had it from new and it's only been in the dealers for the 600mile service - so I have a full a full service history!!

Cheers...................Grizzly

 

[monkeyboy]

Probably pants, but a theory none the less. I've got an R1100S with about that mileage and it doesn't always start 1st time. Takes AGES if I've left it a while, even from a car jump start. I've convinced myself its a function of the lower compression of the worn engine, I dunno. I've reground the valves on my 100k GSA and it certainly starts quicker than it used to.

 

[Grizzly]

Checked relays- Same

Checked/swopped/sprayed(wd40) relays as per Timogra post but still same.
Don'tthink it would be a compression issue? - I'm sure it's not perfect but running great, pulls like a train etc.
As mentioned before, it ALWAYS seems to catch 1st turn of the engine on the second try! strange?

Cheers..................grizzly

 

[Coolcarbon]

Don't you go using this an excuse not to trap at the Border Bash....

 

[Mick_rw]

I had a similar problem on my old 1150GS Twin Spark, turned out to be the starter motor needing a lot more amps than normal to turn over, sounded normall when turning no struggling to turn the engine. Would normally take a 2 or 3 attempts before it would finally start. After fitting a new starter back to first time starts.

 

[Grizzly]

Na! We'll Be There

Hi Mike,
Should be ok for Border's Bash - as mentioned above it's a niggle rather than a problem - SO FAR - but Mick_rw is now starting to worry me with starter motor worries
Notice you and Max are taking the soft option - very sensible you are too

Cheers..................Grizzly

 

[Welshman]

First symptom of loose magnets on their way

 

[Coolcarbon]

Should be ok for Border's Bash

If it goes tits-up there, I'll have a trailer with me so could drag it back north for you....

You'd have to ride the faster Black one instead though....

Hope you sus it soon...

 

[beermonster]

Starting issues

Don't know whether you have sussed this yet but if not what about those safety switches, side, clutch, neutral and cut off switch on the bar? Gearbox earth may be worth checking but access may be pain, never checked the latter myself on my 01 1150 so others may be able to help there.

Keep us posted and all the best.

Simon.

 

[Deleted account 220427001]

My1150 used to fire up first turn of the engine - always, hot or cold, but for the past year or thereabouts it sometimes doesn't fire as it's cranking - BUT, if I release the starter button then press it again it fires up first crank as per the old days
When the bikes running it has no issues - running great. because of this I've sort of ignored the problem but since it never used to happen there's obviously something wrong?-so looking for any ideas from others experiences.
Bike is a 2001 single spark with 162K on the clock and the engine & ignition parts etc are untouched from new other than routine servicing. We're just back from a week in Germany and, as usual, the bike ran faultlessly.
I'm now asking for help because I would like to prevent a future breakdown plus it's a bit embarassing when you press the starter and it just cranks away with no sign of life!! - although, as I've said, I'm fly to it now so if it doesn't fire quickly I just stop then try again and as mentioned above, it just fires straight away.

All suggestions welcome

Cheers..................Grizzly

put some new plugs in and check the coils as well simple things first good luck

 

[gerarddwatts]

You are more than welcome to pop up here and try my starter(which is new) in your bike...it's the work of moments to swap them??

G

 

[Grizzly]

Cheers G

Thanks for that offer Gerry - but I took the plunge last night and ordered a new starter from Germany
My thoughts are that I'm in no way convinced it is the starter - BUT it is a possible, so if I swop for the new one and it makes no difference then I'll just swop back and I'll still have a "new" starter as a spare
But many thanks again for the offer Gerry
In reply to sheene, new plugs were fitted during the winter. I haven't checked the coils yet - but usually coils tend to cause faults when their warm? and the bike's running great.
Maybe it's one one of these things that'll just get "better" on it's own

Cheers..................Grizzly

 

[Grizzly]

Update for Info!

Ok folks,
New starter motor arrived from Germany today. Fitted this and now starts at 1st touch of the button
So, many thanks to Mick rw for the tip. Like him, my starter was spinning engine over no bother and had been removed during winter & drive gear all cleaned & lubed - but Mick rw's diagnosis seems to be spot-on - the starter motor was simply taking too much current
My original motor was a valeo D6R75 which are supposed to be more durable than the D6RA55?
Wonder if I should try BMW for a "goodwill" contribution for early failure at only 162K
Motor from Germany cost a TOTAL of about £55 including UK delivery fro a company called Motorgrip on Ebay.DE. Excellent delivery and service. Link below.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221170246620

Cheers.............Grizzly

 

[Den]

And I thought it was the Kirkcaldy petrol you put-in at sainsburys last week.