1200GS AD starting problems

[adman]

I have a 6 month old 1200 Adventure and it has developed an intermittent problem where it refuses to start. You switch on the ignition and let it go through the checks - hit the start button and nothing happens. This can go on for some time - 30/40 on/offs allowing full reset, switching things on and off - to no avail. Then as if it tires of winding me up,it will start and go again for a week or two before it happens again???

Anybody had similar problems or any idea how to rectify as the guys at the dealers have no idea what is happening.

 

[Schwarz Baron]

Do you switch the ignition on with it in gear, you will get the same reaction as if leaving the sidestand down, even if you have the clutch engaged....Mine does this frequently. I have to switch the whole thing off, disengage 1st and start again.... I don't think it's a fault.

 

[mrmaico]

Do you switch the ignition on with it in gear, you will get the same reaction as if leaving the sidestand down, even if you have the clutch engaged....Mine does this frequently. I have to switch the whole thing off, disengage 1st and start again.... I don't think it's a fault.

If I'm understanding what you're saying correctly you should just have to release the clutch lever and pull it back in rather than turning the key off. At least that's how I do it on my non-abs 1200.

HTH....Barry

 

[mrmaico]

I have a 6 month old 1200 Adventure and it has developed an intermittent problem where it refuses to start. You switch on the ignition and let it go through the checks - hit the start button and nothing happens. This can go on for some time - 30/40 on/offs allowing full reset, switching things on and off - to no avail. Then as if it tires of winding me up,it will start and go again for a week or two before it happens again???

Anybody had similar problems or any idea how to rectify as the guys at the dealers have no idea what is happening.

Sounds like it could possibly be a problem with the antenna ring, part of the security system. It's the black ring around the keyhole that talks to the key when you insert it allowing the bike to start. No idea how they could test it though other than just replacing it.

Barry

 

[dronning]

Sounds like it could possibly be a problem with the antenna ring, part of the security system. It's the black ring around the keyhole that talks to the key when you insert it allowing the bike to start. No idea how they could test it though other than just replacing it.

Barry

I have never had a problem starting my 12GS Adv but I have wondered about general RF or signal interference with the key. My new cell phone is a problem around the house - I can't even come close to any of my stereo equipment could the new phone be a potential problem?

Dave

 

[Schwarz Baron]

If I'm understanding what you're saying correctly you should just have to release the clutch lever and pull it back in rather than turning the key off. At least that's how I do it on my non-abs 1200.

HTH....Barry

Nope sorry doesn't work that way for me, and I have a non abs. I can only assume the sensor is saying, 'this bikes in gear, don't start'. Now just to check I went into the garage tonight, turned her on, knowing she was in gear, pulled the clutch in, hit the starter, and ......nothing, zilch. Turned it all of, left it for a while, came back, still in gear, pulled the clutch in, then turned the ignition on, hit the starter, and guess what, she fired.

Just a footnote; I now didly squat about this end of the bike, maybe someone more knowledgable can enlighten the un-enlightened?

 

[mrmaico]

Nope sorry doesn't work that way for me, and I have a non abs. I can only assume the sensor is saying, 'this bikes in gear, don't start'. Now just to check I went into the garage tonight, turned her on, knowing she was in gear, pulled the clutch in, hit the starter, and ......nothing, zilch. Turned it all of, left it for a while, came back, still in gear, pulled the clutch in, then turned the ignition on, hit the starter, and guess what, she fired.

Just a footnote; I now didly squat about this end of the bike, maybe someone more knowledgable can enlighten the un-enlightened?

Hmmm.....I think I'm getting myself confused (not hard to do ), I think yours is working just the opposite of how mine does. With the sidestand up and bike in gear if I pull the clutch in before I turn the key on it won't start unless I cycle the clutch lever out and back in but if I pull the clutch in before turning the key on it will start in gear without cycling the clutch lever.

I know some people say that if it's cold out to the point where the back wheel spins with the bike on the centerstand in neutral if they let the clutch out the bike will kill where mine doesn't. Something about the speed sensor detecting the wheel turning and thinking the bike is in gear? I assume mine doesn't do that because I don't have the abs sensor?

Barry

 

[mrmaico]

I have never had a problem starting my 12GS Adv but I have wondered about general RF or signal interference with the key. My new cell phone is a problem around the house - I can't even come close to any of my stereo equipment could the new phone be a potential problem?

Dave

Good question Dave, I don't know enough about that kind of stuff to be able to give you an answer but BMW does say to keep the keys apart from each otherwise you can cause problems with the chips in them. I know I've had mine together before and never had any problems although since I've learned this I always keep them apart now.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable about this stuff can answer.

Barry

 

[Pukmeister]

I know some people say that if it's cold out to the point where the back wheel spins with the bike on the centerstand in neutral if they let the clutch out the bike will kill where mine doesn't. Something about the speed sensor detecting the wheel turning and thinking the bike is in gear? I assume mine doesn't do that because I don't have the abs sensor?

Barry

It depends on your software update version. My bike would cut out with the sidestand down/engine running if the back wheel turned through oil drag. Since a recent software update/fuel map was uploaded this no longer happens.

I would say your starting problem is due to the Ring Antenna on the ignition switch as already mentioned. A not uncommon fault on R1200 series bikes. Get it replaced under warranty.

 

[twig]

i had same problem on my 1200gs. EWS fault was displayed on screen. new antenna ring was fitted under warranty and (touch wood) been ok since

 

[LiquidLAN]

I have a 6 month old 1200 Adventure and it has developed an intermittent problem where it refuses to start. You switch on the ignition and let it go through the checks - hit the start button and nothing happens. This can go on for some time - 30/40 on/offs allowing full reset, switching things on and off - to no avail. Then as if it tires of winding me up,it will start and go again for a week or two before it happens again???

Anybody had similar problems or any idea how to rectify as the guys at the dealers have no idea what is happening.

I've learnt a lot recently... if this bike is less than 6 months old get it to a dealer... better still, the next time it happens, hopefully soon, call Motorad and get them to recover the vehicle to the dealer. The trouble with intermittant faults is they are intermittant.

Time is of the essence here... if the bike is under 6 months old and bought under a consumer contract you have every right to give it back to the dealer if it is not fit for purpose or not able to perform as you would reasonable expect. The bike needs initially to go back to the dealer you bought it from as that is who you have the consumer contract with. Before 6 months old it is the dealers responsibility to prove the vehicle is as described when sold to you, after 6 month it becomes your responsibility.

Call Motorad and get the fault logged.

 

[Ken H.]

What does the display do when you turn the key on? If it goes through all the normal checks, including turning "EWS" off, this is not a key antenna ring problem. If the bike does not correctly sense the key, EWS will remain displayed.

One thing to look into, the clutch switch has been somewhat problematic on these. If while holding the started button down, and you "bounce" the clutch lever in and out, the starter will sometimes catch, check out the switch in the left hand assembly. Sometimes it's as simple as bending the switch's actuator tab out a bit.

 

[adman]

Think it is solved

I think we have found the problem after 3/4 times into the dealer without success. The sensor on the sidestand is slighly loose and it may be giving a false reading to the computer so that it thinks the bike is in gear.