R1200GS ADV [OIL] Random Starting Issue - Normal Boxer engine or Battery?

vteec

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Hi,
my bmw r1200gs adventure is one of the last oil cooled models (90th anniversary), just one year old and 2500kms.

it is always hooked up to bmw battery trickle charger when not in use.

i noticed that occasionally when i press the starter button the bikes cranks over for a couple of times and for a short instant it is like it looses all cranking power (the lights even go dimmer) and then it starts up.
the exact symptoms of a dying battery but it is only one year and 2500kms.

in other cases it starts immediately.

i have been riding an 800gs everyday and it could be that since it is a different engine configuration and it turns over immediately, would i be just imagining there is an issue?

i read that boxer engines have this characteristic of a 'lazy' start.

what do you think please?

thank you
 
The three I've had have could've been described as having a 'lazy-ish start' never lost all cranking power but always seems to start like they're lacking starting power from the get-go, if you know what I mean. They certainly don't start with the same type of spin up that a Jap four has.

Assume it's normal, apart from the bit where you lose all cranking power, I'm guessing battery is shagged, that or plugs? But on a one year old bike I'd chuck it back at the dealer and make it their problem until you're completely happy with it.
 
Mine starts like a slug turning over in treacle sometimes and I ride every day!

I had a new battery fitted last year and have a battery charger for when I can be bothered but generally I think it's just a "feature" of these bikes... :-)

Andy
 
Mine does the same, i think its down to the compression of the engine, unless the starter stops cranking the engine altogether i wouldn't worry. But i need to ask why have you got it on a charger ? Ive never had mine on any charger and it starts fine...............even after sitting for a few weeks.
 
Is the BMW charger charging the bike through the can bus system (ie the accessory socket)?

If it is, then the best thing to do would be to connect it directly to the battery.

Also, what are the electrolyte levels in the battery like?
 
Take the back end off the starter motor and clean out any gunk. It's easy enough to do. But only take out the two smaller screws if you want all the brushes to fly into the weeds. DAMHIK :-(
 
all my previous 1200 adventures have done this to some degree or another,its normal as long as the engine spins over properly after the initial push over compression.i wouldnt go taking the starter apart as at the age of yours it wont be full of crap.
 
Mine's done it from day 1 so not too much of a problem. Remember they are 2 whacking great pistons being turned over by quite a small battery.
 
Hi,

small update the bmw battery tender is recording 0.2/0.3 amps and 100% charge as soon as i hook it up.



does this make sense to you please?

is the battery fine after all?



thank you.
 
All three of the ones I've had were/are the same. Though my 06 reg bike had an Odyssey battery fitted just before I sold it and fired up much livelier, which makes think I may get another when my current one goes caput.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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