Ring Antenna - side of the road job?

[Wapping]

Doesn't matter if you break the spare plastic key as long as you don't break the chip inside it.

I wasn't thinking of the ring work around for the cheapskate key.

I was thinking more along the lines of:

Lose proper (metal) key.

Dig out spare (plastic) key, after a suitable sweat.

Snap plastic key, in seat lock. Chip possibly OK but key fooked. Welcome to the walk home......

 

[Wingit]

Scuse my ignorance but what is a ring antenna?

 

[Wapping]

Scuse my ignorance but what is a ring antenna?

It's a smart detector that sits underneath your ignition barrel, where you put your key in to start the bike.

It talks to the chip in your key.

If the key replies, all is well and the bike starts.

 

[John Armstrong]

It's a smart detector that sits underneath your ignition barrel, where you put your key in to start the bike.

It talks to the chip in your key.

If the key replies, all is well and the bike starts.

I think it'll be more like the ring antenna allows the chip in the key to talk to the ZFE controller (the brain) and if they agree on whatever they are designed to agree on, the bike is happy, and so are you. If the ring antenna breaks down and corrupts / prevents the chip in the key talking to the brain, then you're walking.

Only from what I know about aircraft single wire systems BTW. Might be complete bowlocks

 

[Mick_rw]

Try this.....

When I first took my 1150GS abroad, I spoke to SPC about what spares I should take with me, they gave me a box of spares and said retun what you don't use and we will bill you accordingly, went on my hols had no problems. Returned the spares at no cost to me.....you can but ask your dealer.....

 

[Wapping]

I think it'll be more like the ring antenna allows the chip in the key to talk to the ZFE controller (the brain) and if they agree on whatever they are designed to agree on, the bike is happy, and so are you. If the ring antenna breaks down and corrupts / prevents the chip in the key talking to the brain, then you're walking.

Only from what I know about aircraft single wire systems BTW. Might be complete bowlocks

Blimey...I was making it simple for the poor fellow.

Yes, the ring passes a message from the key, to the controller, that starts the bike - if the battery hasn't failed and the fuel pump controller isn't fried / flooded (nobody seems to know) and the side stand switch or the gear position switch aren't knackered....

Better of walking....

 

[Wapping]

When I first took my 1150GS abroad, I spoke to SPC about what spares I should take with me, they gave me a box of spares and said retun what you don't use and we will bill you accordingly, went on my hols had no problems. Returned the spares at no cost to me.....you can but ask your dealer.....

"Excuse me, my good man, I intend to venture beyond these shores on one of your excellent GS1200 motorcycles"

"Sir will be needing to take this then:

 

[strollingGS]

"Excuse me, my good man, I intend to venture beyond these shores on one of your excellent GS1200 motorcycles"

"Sir will be needing to take this then:

Hi! ...comes in handy!

PS:
only for the records:
your pic shows Munich where the cars are coming from. Our bikes are made in Berlin.

 

[Wapping]

Hi! ...comes in handy!

PS:
only for the records:
your pic shows Munich where the cars are coming from. Our bikes are made in Berlin.

I meant he will need, at least, a 7 series to carry the spares....

I must say, touch wood, I have been more than happy with my 1200GSA and, before that, my vanilla GS....no bike is perfect and whatever problems I have had (rear drive) dealt with very promptly under warranty, without a quibble.

 

[KAYCEE]

Popped into my local dealers at lunchtime to enquire about the price of a "Ring Antenna" (heading to warmer clims in a couple of weeks). The chap in the parts dept (normally deals with cars) took a while to realise that it had nothing to do with a radio. We eventally located the antenna on the prts list. £70.90 +VAT (£83.35) FFS

"Any chance of you taking it back if I don't use it", I ask.

"Nae way mate" was the polite response.

"Oh and you'll need to buy the special bolts to fit it" says a mechanic walking past

"No" says I " I can just plug it in and tape it somewhere, that's what the GS site says"

"That won't work" says he "and anyway you'd need to visit a dealer as the ring needs to be "programmed" to recognise your key"

"Have you had few in" I ask.

"Oh yes. But the problem seems to occur when there's a BMW run or gathering. All the different key signals (from other bikes?) seem to get the system confused. You'll be alright if you ride on your own."

So there you are folks. Don't try to start your bike in the vicinity of another BxW, otherwise you'll f*** up the system. You've been warned.....

 

[Ali-bear]

I put it to you that your man there is talking bollocks.

Its just a loop of wire in a plastic moulding. The ZFE module is what knows the key.

Buy it - you can always sell it on again when you return.

 

[cookie]

'Oh and you'll need to buy the special bolts to fit it" says a mechanic walking past

you can use ordinary capheads (makes it easier next time)

"No" says I " I can just plug it in and tape it somewhere, that's what the GS site says"

we're right too.

"That won't work" says he "and anyway you'd need to visit a dealer as the ring needs to be "programmed" to recognise your key"


he's talking bollocks.

 

[Our Gee]

Just been having a look to see how to access the "Plug" to disconnect the wiring and plug into the Replacement "Antenna". This dose not look easy as there is a plastic "Shroud" which covers the front and underneath of unit and masks access to the Plug. Am I looking at this correctly or am I missing something.
Thanks, Mike Tee.

 

[John Armstrong]

Held on by 2 screws? If so probably the right bit. BTW on my bike, the Garmin mount security screwdriver bit is the right size