Bike not starting when in gear

[Andygbsmith]

So if there is no neutral light on the dash and with the clutch in the starter won’t engage.
Checked the switch and it’s working and all the wires around the handle bars look good so any suggestions on what to check next please.

 

[Pepsi]

Will it start when it’s not in gear?
Is there a side stand switch eliminator?

 

[Flintlock]

Side stand up?

 

[EVskiy]

Side stand up?

This!

 

[db-89]

Side stand switch or gear indicator switch

 

[Andygbsmith]

No it’s not the side stand switch. It’s the clutch lever switch.
If the bike is in gear IE no neutral light the starter won’t engage unless you have the clutch lever pulled in.
As I said the clutch lever switch seems to work

 

[kevmax]

For me on my 2015 LC, it’s because I have the clutch lever set for my comfort which seems to be a bit close to the grip and the bike doesn’t register that the clutch is completely depressed. When I depress the clutch lever while in gear, it won’t start. When I click the clutch lever out so there’s more gap between the leaver and grip, it starts.
SOLUTION: I haven’t investigated this issue properly to give a solution. For me it’s possible that the clutch fluid might be a bit spongy and may need replacing or maybe even the clutch could do with a new kit. This is something I’m not overly concerned about it at the moment due to it being like that since I got the bike and it hasn’t got any worse.

 

[SBD]

Can you find where the switch is wired into the Ecu, and use a meter to check between the switch wire and the other side (probably ground, but might be +5 or +12V).

Likely a dodgy connector somewhere.

 

[Andygbsmith]

I guess I should check to See what power is going to the switch first. You can hear the switch clicking when the lever is pulled in so I know both the switch and lever adjustment are fine.

 

[SBD]

The click is usually a good indication, but might not be conclusive.

I haven’t got a wiring diagram, so don’t know if the switch is powered, or grounded, on one side.

 

[Mistacat]

The 2 wires from the clutch switch go to pins 25 & 48 on the BMS-K ecu ( engine control unit)
Easiest way to see if the switch is working is to use a GS911.
There is no indication to say if it is switching live or ground or the voltage as it could be a 5volt control circuit.

 

[Andygbsmith]

Thanks for that. I checked the switch with a multimeter and it’s fine.
This is my first can bus BMW so I guess I’ll have to look into getting a diagnostic tool.
Is the 911 what everyone uses?

 

[Mistacat]

Some use the Motoscan ultimate app and a quality OBD2 dongle. + a mobile phone.
Or the GS911 Bluetooth can be used with an android phone or USB cable to a laptop.
I use both but prefer the GS911.
By operating the various switches using the GS911 at least you can tell if there is a wiring fault as the results are reported from the ecu.
At least you can read and remove fault codes which might give you a clue.
Often get a GS911 on the for sale section on here.

 

[GSian]

You made me check mine today. 1250 GSA 2023 wouldn't start when in gear with the clutch in, The switch checked out ok, it took the lever off and pressed the 2 switches and it started in gear. Turns out that the lobe that engages with the top switch is broken off, for some reason unbeknown to me. it could have easily been me when I changed the levers to HP ones. So ordered a used lever assembly from eBay.

It's worth checking that the lobe on the black plastic bracket is still there.

 

[Andygbsmith]

Will do thanks. I’ll keep an eye out for a 911 in the sale section