Dodgy Neutral Indicator

[Haggerstoner]

Recently have had trouble getting the green neutral light to come on (plus "0" in the gear indicator). I can find neutral as usual but sometimes the light and gear indicator don't show. It's not a big problem other than the bike thinks that it is in gear and so will stall if the side stand goes down or will only start with the clutch engaged etc. If I fiddle about I can usually get the green light on (usually by pressing the gear lever so that it almost goes into first).

So, just annoying really but is it something that just requires a judicious squirt of WD40 somewhere or is it something internal?

 

[Rob Farmer]

It sounds like the position sensor is failing. The position comes from a potentiometer so it's only going to be a matter of time before they fail.

 

[Mouse]

The sensor is prone to water ingress, a good squirt of WD40 may well cure it. Also ask your dealer cos they may be able to replace the O ring or whatever seals it.

I had this problem ages ago when the bike was nearly new, but surprisingly (given the amount of water I ride through sometimes) it hasn't happened at all recently. Can't remember if my dealer did something to fix the problem at one of the services or not, sorry.

 

[andyclift]

Mine Too

I had this problem with my 1200GS after about 1000 miles and first long trip in rain. It corrected itself but reappeared on next wet trip and stayed.

Dealer fixed it with a new sender unit on the gearbox. Looking around the forums it seems like this is a common problem with comments like they either fail quickly or go on forever. Seems like it may be dodgy waterproofing on some of them.

 

[marcus]

get it into the dealer ASAP as you might need a new gearbox

 

[piebaps]

Mine is doing it at the moment. In for 6000m service Tuesday. Will report back but it appears to be the sensor.

 

[Kevmulcock]

Just had my 12000 service.
Had to have the gearbox selector indicator thing replaced for same reason as described above!