Delayed power / ignition in cold weather?

[adventuredon]

Hi all, the other day I got on my bike and could not unlock the steering. I could get my key into my ignition fully but it wouldn't turn and allow me to unlock the steering.

I thought maybe bike had fallen over and locked / bent steering pin or I had the wrong bike!
Alas, no I was on correct bike with no falls. I poured hot water into the ignition column (as advised by dealer after calling them with my apparent dilemma). Briliant, worked a treat in unlocking the steering. It was not that cold, maybe -2. and it had not been snowing, nor was it covered in ICE.

I then had a delay of about 20 seconds before any display lights or ignition was possible and the key was definitley in the right position. Lights and power up cycle then just went ahead and it started fine and I rode home.

The next morning I could unlock the steering fine but again there was a complete lack of power or lights or display for about 15 seconds. left the key in the on position and after about 20 seconds it decided to go through the power up cycle and offer dashboard lights. Anything I should worry about, any ideas? 1200 GS 2010 12000 miles, in warranty (just)
Much appreciated Don

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Oh FFS.
Please tell me this is wind up.

Your ignition was frozen. Now you've filled it with water - So its going to be ten times worse.
The dealer that advised you to put boiling water into it wants feckin shooting.
So do you, for doing it

Use lock de-icer or WD40.

 

[Fanum]

Use lock de-icer or WD40.

Be aware that although WD40 will disperse the water (WD= Water dispersant) it will, over a long period, take the grease out as well.

A silicon spray like GT85 is better for locks AFIAIK

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Absolutely Fanum, but as a quick fix, if you don't have lock de-icer i've found some gently warmed WD40 to work a treat.

 

[(RIP) Johno23]

 

[Magwych]

I bought a set of plastic furniture coasters, you know the lite puck type thing that you under the feet of furniture to stop them marking your carpets. If you have any.

I bought these after experiencing the same issue, the coaster goes over teh ognition barrel each night, and is a perfect snug fit over the clutch master cylinder cap whne riding. Haven't had a problem since. Got mine in Robert Dyas for peanuts...

This doesn't stop the starter button freezing up though

Pouring hot water over the key barrel ( or the starter button) might get aroudn teh pronlme today, but will cause problmes later.

 

[Chapperz]

Oh FFS.
Please tell me this is wind up.

Your ignition was frozen. Now you've filled it with water - So its going to be ten times worse.
The dealer that advised you to put boiling water into it wants feckin shooting.
So do you, for doing it

Use lock de-icer or WD40.

And there was you saying recently that if you pay yer £12 subscription, you would start being all Nicey Nicey!

 

[flatdog]

Another bit of advice ref steering lock. When turning the key, wiggle the handlebars to ensure the weight of bike is not resting on the stop mechanism.

All that water down the ingnition is probably why it's taking time to register/self test.
I'd get a non flame heat source blowing down the ignition to dry things out, the silicone and a little light oil should help.

(being nice as you are a brother subscriber)

 

[adventuredon]

Thanks...

....as usual in this forum it almost always all goes off topic with the first sarcy person to read and reply without actually being of any help. Nor for that matter were any of the other suggestions on topic....What a waste.

My query is nout to do with getting my steering unlocked as I mentioned, it worked fine the next day - and the evening too.

I want to know why there is a delay between turning key to ignition stage and the bike going through its power up cycle, or for that matter even showing me a dashboard light.

Lets also bear in mind these are adventure machines and I am sure they were expecting a little water in them now and again angus. (In addition after 30 years surely the designers would have moved the ignition switch from the vertical presentation to a more covered spot, and placed a cover.... if water was the problem!!!!!.) can we stay on topic even if you must try and berate, belittle and be so morose on a Sunday.
Thanks

 

[adventuredon]

Another bit of advice ref steering lock. When turning the key, wiggle the handlebars to ensure the weight of bike is not resting on the stop mechanism.

All that water down the ingnition is probably why it's taking time to register/self test.
I'd get a non flame heat source blowing down the ignition to dry things out, the silicone and a little light oil should help.

(being nice as you are a brother subscriber)

thanks, your post is actually helpful...and yes, I do the wriggle from off the bike..bars are heavy...

 

[Magwych]

.

My query is nout to do with getting my steering unlocked as I mentioned, it worked fine the next day - and the evening too.

I want to know why there is a delay between turning key to ignition stage and the bike going through its power up cycle, or for that matter even showing me a dashboard light.

There is a delay due to water ingress. There is lttle current draw through the wistgc itself, it merely serves to activiate the various control modules. If you want to leave the bike in all weathers and conditions you may find it useful to provide your self the cover that BMW did not;

 

[adventuredon]

Thank you Magwych. Appreciate the time.

 

[Wapping]

........Lets also bear in mind these are adventure machines

You are having adventure. A veritable journey into the unknown, through the dark mysteries of the time taken for a motorcycle's ignition system to light up. Thankfully though your adventure is in Putney not darkest Chechnya, surrounded by gun totting murderers.

........What a waste.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZmopROxBnBU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Pukmeister]

You are having adventure...........your adventure is in Putney,surrounded by gun toting murderers. "

Fixed.

 

[adventuredon]

Actually not...

Fixed.

Went to bike this morning (since riding Friday) and could not for the life of me get the bike to unlock out of the steering lock. No falla, no cold snaps...just a bike that would not release steering. Bike now recovered to dealer for them to sort. But it obv was not the cold weather....

 

[TLSgazza]

My ignition switch was doing what yours is. (delay in Power coming through, having to switch on and off a few times before it worked. )
I ended up forking out and replacing the switch on the bottom of the ignition barrel.
Not had a problem since.
Sorry cant help with the key not turning at all problem.