Intermittent Starting

Bupton

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HI All,
I took a 2023 R1250GS out for a test ride yesterday, it started fine when they rode it to the front of dealership, it started fine again when he showed me the controls, started fine when i left dealership, started fine when i stopped for fuel, then hen i stopped to check my route back to the dealer it wouldn't start giving the impression of a low battery as in not turning fast enough to start. i rang the dealership by the time their van got to me in approx 30 mins it started fine and like wise the other two times there after?
I remember this happened on my 2019 GS Adventure a few years back, it failed to start once but perfect there after. Any ideas welcome as i like the bike but do not want the dodgy starting issue on my mind every time i got out.
Thanks for any ideas
 
Battery not having enough ampage to crank when one of the cylinders has come rest at beginning of compression stroke ?
 
BMW R1250GS starting problems often stem from a weak OEM battery (200 CCA), causing slow cranking or "hot start" failures where the bike won't restart when warm. Key issues include low battery voltage triggering ECU errors, loose battery terminals, or tight exhaust valve clearances.
 
This topic has been well covered over the years,
Most people upgrade the battery,
Just do a search on this forum 👍
 
Had similar at the weekend. Turned out it was the connection to the negative terminal of the battery. I’d recently refitted a camera system and with a couple of other accessories going on that terminal, little space for the screw to grip the thread. Thought I’d snagged it and got a good screw in but apparently not. Took a washer out and that gave it plenty of space to get the screw in correctly.

I’d assumed low battery as well, so once I’d jump started it from the car in Screwfix carpark…(straight from the terminals so it started fine) - I put it on charge all night and confidently went to start in the morning to a failed start. Called BMW emergency service and faced the embarrassment of the fella pointing out the loose negative terminal screw……’blimey - those dealers eh….cough….’

If your bike is a second-hand one, the dealer might have removed some accessories from the battery and maybe not tightened enough?

Not had a problem with my battery on any of the 10 GSA’s I’ve had tbh, normally run them 2-4yrs.
 
@Pukmeister
To the 1250 starting woes phone
Where’s that botus clot when you need him?

He’s got the answer to everything connected to BWM.
He’ll probably be along shortly with a lengthy post telling you it’s something to do with the colour of the clouds in the sky. :D
 


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