Indicator problem

[getting older]

Hi, I'm new to the GS, but not R series BMW's - my R1200GS (5 weeks old) has decided not to alow me to cancel the left hand indicator which is to say the least frustrating! only way to cancel is to use the R/Hand indicator - hence bring on the hazzards - and then canceling - which works for about 20 seconds then the L/Hand starts up again - any good idea's ? (other than just keep turning left)

 

[PW Cymru]

Hi Getting Older,

Its probably dirt in the switch assembly.

Try cleaning it out and apply some WD40, usually works.

 

[Bem]

Hi Getting Older
Welcome to the site, and hope you enjoy it all.
Sounds like you have a sticky microswitch or a bit of dirt where the switch goes through the casing. My suggestion is Contact Cleaner, or take it back to the supplier!
Let us know if its anything complicated.
Regards.

 

[getting older]

Soooo is this a common problem? and any others that I should be aware of?
Due to it's (lack) of age I'll take it back to the "dealer" and let them worry about it - not something I expected from a brand new, expensive bike though thanks for the help guys

 

[THE DOCTOR]

Hi Getting Older
Welcome to the site, and hope you enjoy it all.
Sounds like you have a sticky microswitch or a bit of dirt where the switch goes through the casing. My suggestion is Contact Cleaner, or take it back to the supplier!
Let us know if its anything complicated.
Regards.

I agree with Bem.

As you no doubt know your hazzards come on if both switches are pressed together so it sounds like the left is sticking on.

You say, ''..and then canceling - which works for about 20 seconds then the L/Hand starts up again'' which would support the idea that the left switch is sticking on.

I'd strip the l/h control apart & spray some WD40 in there.

 

[PW Cymru]

If its within warranty take it back to the dealer and let them sort it out.

It was a fairly common problem on the 1150.

I had both my switches changed under warranty.

Don't phaff with it if you don't have too.

 

[Engineer]

Hi, I'm new to the GS, but not R series BMW's - my R1200GS (5 weeks old) has decided not to alow me to cancel the left hand indicator which is to say the least frustrating! only way to cancel is to use the R/Hand indicator - hence bring on the hazzards - and then canceling - which works for about 20 seconds then the L/Hand starts up again - any good idea's ? (other than just keep turning left)

Have you been riding in the wet or got water into the switches when cleaning the bike? - very similar problem occured with my bike - did a thread on here about this some time ago.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184662

 

[getting older]

Many thanks for the info - impressed by the amount of knowledge on this site! will take it back to the dealer and let them sort it - I'll probably end up breaking something!

 

[obliquepanic]

where are those nice pictures/diagrammes of the switchgear from?

 

[WindyChuffer]

Hi, I'm new to the GS, but not R series BMW's - my R1200GS (5 weeks old) has decided not to alow me to cancel the left hand indicator which is to say the least frustrating! only way to cancel is to use the R/Hand indicator - hence bring on the hazzards - and then canceling - which works for about 20 seconds then the L/Hand starts up again - any good idea's ? (other than just keep turning left)

I had exactly this kind of problem when my '06 GSA was new. They changed the indicator switches for new ones, and problem went away.

If bike is under warranty - leave it to the dealer. If not, try dismantling the switches and clean them.

 

[Spout]

It's a known problem (and well documented on here - try "search").
The micro switches have a waterproof membrane which wears away, not only letting water in but also causing the switches to stick.

See this thread:
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=184662&highlight=indicator+switches