Starting Problems R1100GS

[ipalacio]

Help !!
I am having unacceptable starting problems (now these cold damp misty mornings are upon us) with my 1999 R1100GS.

Bike is kept outside and really doesn't want to start of a morning (Unlike my trusty 1986 K100 that always started every time come hell fire or brimstone!) Inddeed I had to bumpstart the bleeder this morning!!!
Have I bought an 'Adventure Bike' or a 'pup' that requires treating like a vintage car?

Bike is fitted with a relatively new 'gel' type battery which seems to take a charge from my optimate charger but even after just two days commuting (15 miles each way / 30 miles a day total) the battery seems to be struggling to start the bike.

I understand from articles that I have read that there maybe a design fault with these bikes in that for some reason, with ABS, headlights etc taking electrical power from the alternator, the battery doesn't stand a chance!? Is this correct and if so are there any remedies?

If not, does anybody (with a garage) want to buy a 1999 R1100GS because if I can't cure this then no matter how much I have come to love the looks, feel and power delivery of the bike it'll have to go.

Maybe I need an outdoor cover for it? Can anybody recomend a cover that will do the job and fit over bike and Givi topbox whilst it is outside my house.

Heck, I'm depressed! Somebody please help me!

 

[cookie]

sounds like your battery is shagged.

 

[Gas'd Off]

Sounds like a charging problem? After two days use the battery is used up. It's doing well to manage that much! Get your multimeter out and see what voltage you get across the terminals with first the engine off then running

 

[ipalacio]

Oh no! two different replies already! If the battery pulse charger is telling me that the battery is taking a charge then maybe it is a charging problem with the bike? I want my Mum!

 

[Ash]

try ebay for a cover oxford stormex etc.
my 1999 gs1100 can be left for weeks without a problem as did my rs1100.
as other members have stated check battery,charging system also starter motor my rs1100 had a new one at 40k and checking service record on gs1100 had one at 26k
ps.dont know if the old spc dealer r comming back which would of been handy for us in the south.

 

[cookie]

Oh no! two different replies already! If the battery pulse charger is telling me that the battery is taking a charge then maybe it is a charging problem with the bike? I want my Mum!

so you charge it up & it works ok? then it gets worse over time? looking at your reply closer now: prolly charge fault.

i said battery 'cos there is no really common charging problem with those bikes except the alternator belt snapping occasionally. if that had happened the charge light would be on constantly, you didn't say, but i thought you might have mentioned it if it was.

only way to tell for sure what the problem is to do a voltage rise test with a meter it at atkule suggests. no big deal whatever is wrong with it.

if you fancy a ride down south, i'll meter it for you. i can do a drop test on your battery too

 

[Steptoe]

When was it last serviced ??

 

[Tarka]

If your gel battery was at a very low level of charge or even flat at some time,the Optimate won`t return it to fully charged.....then if you are doing short runs (or relatively low speed/town type) with your lights on,the battery will have more taken out of it than the charging system can restore,resulting in your problem.

What do you mean by 'relatively new' ??

How old is the battery ??

Was it new at the time of fitting ??

Is it the correct specification battery for the bike ??

 

[Lou Can]

As Tarka says, if its gel yu need the give it a good blast with a 'proper' charger to restore it.

The 1100 has a 700watt generator bolted on - unless you are fully laden with accessories farkle and bling (blue cruzin lights etc) then you aren't even going to get close to demand outstripping supply so it would only be if you kept spinning the engine on the starter all day that you wuld have a problem.

Genuine charging probs are pretty rare on 1100s so I would focus on the battery if a good charge doesn't get it back up to spec.

LC

 

[ipalacio]

Sorry, me again - On the motobins website I have read the following:

Qte""
Commuting on a Boxer with a dipped headlamp can leave you with a flat battery after a week or so - maybe less if you have a small battery - but a good answer is to use a 20 watt halogen bulb in the pilot lamp position. The 20 watt bulb is as bright as a headlamp, but does not dazzle other drivers. RS and RT owners will need to connect the existing (but unused) holder in their headlights to the parking lamp circuit. We also recommend replacing the standard voltage regulator with the higher output one. This is done by the Police because of all the extra electrical equipment on their BMW's
"""Unqte
Has anybody out there tried one or both of these options? Even better if you've fitted both to your R1100GS!?

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Cookie - how far south? Exeter or Auckland? Wud be great to get some 'free' advice.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

whats an 'acceptable ' starting problem ?

Qte""
Commuting on a Boxer with a dipped headlamp can leave you with a flat battery after a week or so - maybe less if you have a small battery - but a good answer is to use a 20 watt halogen bulb in the pilot lamp position. The 20 watt bulb is as bright as a headlamp, but does not dazzle other drivers. RS and RT owners will need to connect the existing (but unused) holder in their headlights to the parking lamp circuit. We also recommend replacing the standard voltage regulator with the higher output one. This is done by the Police because of all the extra electrical equipment on their BMW's
"""Unqte

that for airheads - not oilhead 1100's ....

buy a £5 multimeter - put it across the battery - does the voltage go up or not - simple ?

yes - its your battery fcked
No -its your alternator belt shagged/broken / slipping / diode pack.

not sure - find a grown up

 

[cookie]

Cookie - how far south? Exeter or Auckland? Wud be great to get some 'free' advice.

just north of bournemouth. you can't PM me not being a sponsor, so post your email & i'll send you details

MM's right, that advice from motorworks is for airheads. an oilhead should be fine.

 

[ipalacio]

[email protected]

good on you