Heated grips cause throttle lock!

motorbaker

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Morning all. Re GSA 2007, yesterday enroute London to Paris (I probably knocked a good 12 hours off the current Eurostar time!) I decided to switch my heated grips onto full while fighting off the tedium of the French autoroute.

After a minute or two, I noticed the throttle becoming increasingly stiff to the point where I could remove my hand and it would stay in position, as though I had installed and activated a throttle lock. This continued until I switched the grips off and the stiffness gradually reduced to where operation become normal again. Toggled the switch a few times over the next 30 mins or so and got the same effect.

Whilst noting the potential convenience of this (possibility of making flip gesture with right hand when overtaking on the continent e.g.) I wonder whether this might more properly be seen as a potentially serious compromise of safety.

Did a quick trawl of the forum and couldn't find anyone else reporting the same problem. Does this ring any bells and does anyone have any suggestions? I think a visit to my dealer when I return might be in order.

At the same time I think I'll ask them to replace my right mirror which has now started to revolve in its case as I ride along - I'm under extended warranty so presumably this will take care of it.

All best,

MB
 
Not experienced that .. but sounds well scary.

Get it checked. Hope it's a simple fix :thumb2
 
Quite a common problem.

Spray in some silicon spray - sorts it.

Al :thumb2
 
This used to happen on my 1100RT but never has on my 1200, I used to just turn down the heat to the lower setting. Handlebar muffs and the low heat setting works well.
 
Yep, it's fairly common. It's caused by the expansion of the twistgrip tube when hot, binding against the bar end weight. Cure is to either move the switch cluster inboard a bit, to create some clearance, or remove the bar end weight and space it away from the bars with a suitable washer, then re-fit. Hope this helps!

I've had this happen to me - scarey, innit!? :eek:
 
:rob:rob:rob:rob:rob

Yep...had the same problem when I first got my 1150 (2002). Cured the problem with a small washer.

I informed my dealer on the first service and told them what I had done.

'Yes' the mechanic said 'that's how we cure it as well!'

Mike
 
Thats hoiw I used to do it too

remove the bar end (should be able to squeeze it (carefully) past the handgaurd If not just loosen the other fittings

Get a small washer or a thick o ring if none handy and fit it inside the bar end and reassemble

All that happens is the grip swells slighty lengthwise and locks against the bar end weight probably exacerbated by your throttle lock
 
Yep - had this problem myself. Small washer did the trick nicely, no further problem. :thumb2
 
Thanks everyone - glad I wasn't hallucinating! You seem pretty chilled out about it and I'm pleased to hear there's an easy fix, but I think I'll let my dealer sort it out nevertheless.

Don't you think it's a bit odd that this potentially dangerous fault, evidently experienced by a number of you, has not been addressed by BMW? I'm not aware of any warning or recall having been issued for example.

OK, so I didn't have a problem yesterday and had plenty of time to experiment and see what the problem was in a relatively safe situation, but say I was reacting to a more critical situation when it occurred for the first time, e.g. needing to make an emergency stop? :eek:

MB
 
I had this issue when I fitted a Vista Cruise to my GSA. Quick squirt of WD40 and it was sorted. Simples!
 
Twistgrip sticking.

Happens on both 1100 & 1200.

Solution is simple.

Solution 1 works very well.
Loosen master cylinder assembly & move inwards around 1mm. (then retighten)

Solution 2 works equally well.
"Acidentally" drop bike on right hand side, ensuring twistgrip bar end hits ground a good thump.

I have used both methods, & they work equally well!
Myke
 
Don't you think it's a bit odd that this potentially dangerous fault, evidently experienced by a number of you, has not been addressed by BMW?
Click to expand...

Not really. It's not a big deal. I have never heard of it becoming so stiff that it is too difficult to turn the throttle manually (waits for next posting proving him wrong :)).

All you lose is the auto return and how often do you just let go so the throttle can snap shut? It's easy enough to wind closed.

Happened on my 1100 and 1150, hasn't on my 1200s as far as I can remember. But, as others have said, there are quick and easy fixes.
 
Happened to me on my 05 R1200GS. I opted to move the throttle unit inwards by 1mm. Simply slackened all the screws off (handy that I already a full set of torx keys) and budged the whole lot inwards.

I will admit to being quite perplexed when it first happened.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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