GS1200 fail to start after hot slow riding?

[barry neves]

Hi there - I have recently taken delivery of a 05 1200GS with a mere 6000kms on the clock here in the Philippines. Love the bike and its a great ride, as was its 1150GS predecessor! However, today, after a long stint in 38 degree celsius + slow moving traffic I decided to have a break and called in at a pal's house. He wasnt in and when I tried to start it there was the usual initial clacking sound then nothing. Several more fruitless attempts and I decided to abandon it there. I came back for it about an hour later and it started first pop as if nothing had happened and seems to be fine now. Is this a known gremlin of the model or is it a symptom of anything more sinister (battery on the way out etc)?? I would welcome any advice regarding the above guys!Many thanks - Barry Neves -Cebu City - Philippines

 

[RickG]

FPC on it's way out? Vapour lock in the fuel pump/plumbing?

 

[Mr K]

Probably a low battery due to heat and slow riding.

 

[Pukmeister]

Early symptoms of failing electronics in the fuel pump controller module. Easy to replace yourself and worth doing before the bike strands you permanently at the roadside. (Been there, done that).

Plenty of info on this website.

 

[Wapping]

Early symptoms of failing electronics in the fuel pump controller module. Easy to replace yourself and worth doing before the bike strands you permanently at the roadside. (Been there, done that).

Plenty of info on this website.

I'd go with that

It's an easy part to replace and will do no harm.

If it never does it again, you may have fixed the problem.... or it was just a glitch. If it does repeat you can at least then say what it was not.

I have run my 1200 for hours at well over 30c and / or had all the temperature bars alight, snarled up in London traffic, with no ill effect....

 

[Snoopy]

When my 12 got hot off-roading (oil at about 3/4 display) the Odessey had trouble turning it over.

Slow riding you're probably using the servo's a lot and they drink amps.

 

[Magwych]

...there was the usual initial clacking sound then nothing.

Does it normally make a lot of "clacking" noises ? That is not normal. One clack at most as the solenoid fires and gears engage, starter motor then turns. If your battery is in less than perfect condition, which at over 4 years old ( if still the original) , it is likely not; then it may be struggling under normal circumstances, a hot engine may just be pushing it too far.

If this is the orghinal battery, then it is probably a goner, or on its way. Personally, I would think it unlikely that a failed FPC would prevent the motor from turning When I had one go, the motor would happily crank, but would not start.