F650GS problem

[jimmystewpot]

Hi All,

I am currently in mongolia and have had some issues with my wifes F650GS Dakar. The problem has got me stumped. We finally managed to get to some blacktop then after about 200km the bike just stopped. The scenario is very odd it seemed like the battery was flat. I checked the alternator based on the information in the Haynes book and it all seems good. However when we jump start the bike as soon as we connect the jumper leads the bike starts without even touching the start button. Other symptoms include the indicators not flashing (just constantly being on) and the headlight not going on too..

The bike will start on the jumpers but as soon as you try and ride it the bike stops and needs to be jumpered again. We charged the battery using a charger in a moto mechanics stand alone charger to see if that was the problem.. as soon as we connect the battery to the bike the voltage starts to drop.. I have been unable to find any reason why its doing that..

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jimmy Stewpot.

 

[Dansin]

Hi Jimmy

If the bike is starting without the start button when connected to jump leads it sounds to me like you've got an electrical short somewhere. Check the wiring are around the headstock where it gets a bit tight. Some Dakars (twin sparks 04/05 IIRC) also had a recall (or product improvement I think they called it) for the wiring loom chafing by/behind the rear shock adjuster. If you do a search over at f650.co.uk and f650.com there's a few threads on it. It wouldn't hurt to post over there too as they're 650 specific.

Hope you get it sorted whatever the problem is. I'm sure someone else will be along soon with some more advice.

Dan

 

[Flipfly]

Sounds like an earthing issue.

When you attach the jump leads you are effectively earthing the bike. When you remove them you take away the earth and you have the problem????

Sounds like the first place I would start

 

[Timolgra]

Let's see, that's your key in your hand, but your bike is trying to start?
edited by Adam #1001
August 19, 2000

Well it seems to be a problem with the first F650GS's released from BMW, and it appears to be world wide. However, there have been no reports about this problem from anyone in USA yet.

According to BMW, the starter relay fuses together due to low voltage in the battery. When this happens the starter is continually engaged and will continue to try an start until there is not power left in the battery. Some folks will find this problem reminiscent of the early K bikes.

If you encounter this problem, you must do something immediately, since the starter is not designed for continuous load, and possibly might be damaged. You'll find the relay under the tank dummy cover, in front of the battery. To get access to it, you have to remove the cover. Once you have removed it, hit the relay with a screwdriver or something similar, then there should be silence. If not, remove the battery's ground connector and call the local BMW service number. In any case, you should make your dealer order and mount a new relay. It's a case of warranty, and it should cost you nothing.

The only thing you can do to prevent this is to keep you battery charged. Don't lug the bike around town. Basically keep the RPM's up so the battery is getting a charge. You may even want to consider the Battery Tender that has the BMW Accessory connector on it so you can charge you bike while your not riding it.

Addendum 10/1/00

It has come to our attention that BMW has new starter solenoids that will not fuse the starter relays. This is suppose to be covered under warranty and a recall is suppose to be announced for all countries with the new GS and Dakar except the USA (They have their own problems).

Adamx 1001: my GS had a faulty one in November 2001, so there's still a few problems.


http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Electric...n your hand, but your bike is trying to start

 

[Timolgra]

Is it fixed I wonder?

 

[jimmystewpot]

through diagnostics

Is it fixed I wonder?

Hi There,

Not fixed yet. I have a few avenues to pursue now. I've gone over the whole bike and checked the connectors and cleaned them all out with compressed air. I've tested the voltage regulator and that seems to be kaput. I'm only getting 6volts tops from that. I am trying to get a replacement part ordered today. the battery is also not holding a charge if its charged out of the bike so im trying to find a replacement for that too.. seems like DHL or Fedex are going to be happy soon... bugger..

Anyway i'll keep you all updated with progress as I try and figure it out and get back on the road asap...

Thanks

Jimmy.

 

[Timolgra]

Ok, remember that DHL can deliver to an address, it'll save you going to the airport to pick it up as long as the stated value doesn't catch the custom's eye.
Good luck, if you still have problems try and post here with as much info as possible although it seems you're managing ok.

tim

 

[jimmystewpot]

resolved

Hi All,

Thanks for your responses. We ended up finding the fault with a short circuit in the datatool 3 alarm/immobilizer. Once we replaced the wires which had caused the problem we got back on our way to Vladivostok (where I am now).

 

[Timolgra]

Hi All,

Thanks for your responses. We ended up finding the fault with a short circuit in the datatool 3 alarm/immobilizer. Once we replaced the wires which had caused the problem we got back on our way to Vladivostok (where I am now).

Good news, and for me it confirms why I'd never have an immobiliser fitted to a bike.
Baz was always having trouble with his on our trip