Gear sensor and water

smaytum · Mar 17, 2009

I have a minor problem with my F800GS. Every time i wash it (not jet wash, just hose and sponge), it will loose track of which gear it's in. E.g, 1st will show as 2nd on the computer, or Neutral as 3rd etc.

It's not so important because once it dries, everything is back to normal. It's a pain because it will cut the engine whilst in neutral when you drop the stand etc.

I wouldn't mind fixing this because i'm off for a 3 week trip to Morocco (lucky me) in a few weeks time. If i drive through heavy rain, it may cut at awkward moments.

Now for the question; where is the gear sensor located? A bit of grease may well do the trick

Jim-Adv · Mar 19, 2009

I have the same problem which came on riding through a rain storm in France, except it seems to have got to the stage where it happens all the time come rain or shine, its booked in with NOG to get it sorted during the 6000 mile service. I'll try and find some details of what they do to fix it

BM_donator · Mar 20, 2009

+1 - heavy rain and indicator flips between 5/6.

sijohnston · Mar 20, 2009

Jim-Adv said:
I have the same problem which came on riding through a rain storm in France, except it seems to have got to the stage where it happens all the time come rain or shine, its booked in with NOG to get it sorted during the 6000 mile service. I'll try and find some details of what they do to fix it

happened mine last april when i got the bike. it needs a new gear positioning sensor under warranty. there's a thread somewhere on here about it. hasn't happened since.

smaytum · Mar 20, 2009

I found the problem and I would argue that it's a (small) design fault.

I took the front chain guard off to expose all the sensors and cabling etc. I then gently poured water over the connectors and switches until the problem started.

There is a cabling connector that is cable-tied to the top of the transmission casing. When i was pouring water, i noticed a small pool forming on top of the transmission and guess what... one end of the connector was completely submerged

Pulled the connector apart and it was full of water. Did a few tests to see if it was the gear sensor and it was. I also noticed that the seal was not in place correctly inside the connector.

I used a little heat resistant grease each side of the connector. Taped the connector with insulating tape for extra protection. Cable-tied it in a new position about 1cm above the pool of water.

Here is the connector unclipped from it's mount.