R1150RT no life when ignition turned on?

[MikeS]

I had a quick search but I couldn't find a thread with the same symptoms I am experiencing .

I went to the airhead gathering at Sammy Millers on Sunday and had a few stops during the journey and when starting the bike it would sometimes make a quiet squawking noise instead of trying to start the bike. Then I would try it again and it would start fine. This happened several times but always started 2nd or 3rd go.

Then on way home I had a coffee stop and afterwards it sounded like it was about to start normally but suddenly cut out and the bike has been dead ever since. Nothing happens at all when I turn the key.

The RAC delivered it back to me yesterday.

I realise there are probably several possible issues that could be causing this, battery, starter motor, fuses etc and I am actually looking forward to trying to fix it.

Where would you start?

I'm hoping for a nice long list of things to check

 

[Posh Pete]

I'd start with the fuel pump.

 

[Pekkavee]

I'd start with the cable harness

https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/NotesParts/61322306361_1_B.jpg

 

[Posh Pete]

I'd start with the cable harness

https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/NotesParts/61322306361_1_B.jpg

Fair point. OP - have a good look at the ignition switch and the sub loom leading to it. Switch the ignition on and jiggle the cable. That could be your problem.

 

[ELIMINATOR]

I had a quick search but I couldn't find a thread with the same symptoms I am experiencing .

I went to the airhead gathering at Sammy Millers on Sunday and had a few stops during the journey and when starting the bike it would sometimes make a quiet squawking noise instead of trying to start the bike. Then I would try it again and it would start fine. This happened several times but always started 2nd or 3rd go.

Then on way home I had a coffee stop and afterwards it sounded like it was about to start normally but suddenly cut out and the bike has been dead ever since. Nothing happens at all when I turn the key.

The RAC delivered it back to me yesterday.

I realise there are probably several possible issues that could be causing this, battery, starter motor, fuses etc and I am actually looking forward to trying to fix it.

Where would you start?

I'm hoping for a nice long list of things to check

I wouldn't think it was the battery. If it took 2 or 3 attempts and still started, it seems ok.
I had the same problem in the past, sometimes the starter didnt sound right, almost as if it wasnt engaging, replaced the starter, all was well.
But, you have no lights on the dash.
The wiring near the headstock and ignition key is a known weak spot, not that I have experienced it, just read it on UKGSer several times.
Few m, quite a few years ago, I followed the advice from this site and removed a few cable ties, that caused the wires to fracture.
Good luck.

 

[davegs]

You will probably find thee problem in the harness between theming switch and the main harness this bit is respectable and was a spare, brought one years ago but. Never used it so haba look here and undo,cable,ties it’s probobly a break in this bit. Good luck with it but it’s 905 Thant. Is wher it is.

 

[MikeS]

Great start, thanks

 

[MikeS]

Turns out it was the ignition switch electric part which I have take apart and cleaned all the contacts.

I now have lights etc when I turn the key.

I also need to replace the fuel line quick release connectors. Does anyone know the best way the remove them from the metal clamp (see photo)?

 

[Steptoe]

.
I also need to replace the fuel line quick release connectors. Does anyone know the best way the remove them from the metal clamp (see photo)?

View attachment 521905

Insert a small screwdriver or strong pick into the gap. Then lever it so the clamp spreads. Pull out fuel Q/D.

Insert new Q/D and reseal clip using a pair of nail pliers .
It’s as easy as it sojnds, and taken me longer to type than to do the job.

 

[MikeS]

Ignition now working, new fuel lines and connectors fitted. So now back to the original problem of the starter motor. The bike usually starts okay but occasionally squeals instead of starting. I have removed the starter, how did it get so dirty. The bikes only done 26k miles.



Would you clean and repair it or just replace it. I am a make do and mend person usually but.......

 

[Steptoe]

Ignition now working, new fuel lines and connectors fitted. So now back to the original problem of the starter motor. The bike usually starts okay but occasionally squeals instead of starting. I have removed the starter, how did it get so dirty. The bikes only done 26k miles.

View attachment 529791

Would you clean and repair it or just replace it. I am a make do and mend person usually but.......

You have a large important part missing off that starter motor

 

[MikeS]

You have a large important part missing off that starter motor

No, this a special light weight version

 

[Tonibe63]

If it squeals/grinds but doesn't turn over then it's probably the one way clutch within the drive pinion which will eventually fail (a known weakness on Valeo starter motors).
If it squeals after the engine has started it's likely to be a dry bush in the gearbox which the end shaft fits in to.

 

[Steptoe]

If it squeals/grinds but doesn't turn over then it's probably the one way clutch within the drive pinion which will eventually fail (a known weakness on Valeo starter motors).
If it squeals after the engine has started it's likely to be a dry bush in the gearbox which the end shaft fits in to.

Or because the aluminum section of casing is missing, which holds the locating dowel which keeps the starter motor in the correct place so the gear pinion meshes perfectly with the flywheel ring gear

 

[MikeS]

If it squeals/grinds but doesn't turn over then it's probably the one way clutch within the drive pinion which will eventually fail (a known weakness on Valeo starter motors).
If it squeals after the engine has started it's likely to be a dry bush in the gearbox which the end shaft fits in to.

I think its the first issue you mention so I will get a new one, thanks.

 

[GORILA]

Have a look at startermotor-alternator-store.co.uk. They do good value and in my experience good quality starter motors!

 

[MikeS]

New starter motor fitted and working and also finally got around to fitting the John Gemi chip I bought a couple of years ago.

So I am now giving it a mild spuce up and in the process I have noticed there is fair but of oil on the engine behind the gear lever, any idea where that maybe coming from?