engine cut out (stall) when changing down 2010 twin cam engine

davnjud

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Thought I would do a quick summary/ update on this which other owners may find useful at some point through the search function.

on second ride out after purchasing my new 1200GS 2010 model in april the engine stalled when I closed the throttle changing down from second to first for a slow roundabout. New to shaft drives I instinctively let out the clutch for a bump start but only succeeded in locking the rear end and slithered to an ignominious halt, thankfully keeping upright with missus on the back. the stall on change down problem occured about 10 times in the first 300 miles, always within the first mile after start up , even if the engine was still warm from a 30 mile run 10 min before. the engine also seemed reluctant at times to pick up when blipping the throttle on downshifts. Once through this first mile everything seemed fine.

Southport superbikes wree immediately supportive and picked up my bike from home ( 160 mile round trip for them even though bike was perfectly rideable). Jim said the bike didn't sound right as soon as he heard it. His Phone call to BMW revealed a known problem affecting 2010 engines. the crankshaft and camshaft both have rotary position sensors which feed the engine management. Due to a problem/QC at the OEM build they were slightly out of synchronisation. A special tool is required to set this up. Southport didn't have one but went and borrowed one from a neighbouring dealer and once correctly set up the bike was tested by them and me this evening as running very well, smoothly with no more stalling. No doubt the tooling is in short supply because dealers around the world are facing problems with this on 2010 RT and GS sales. Apparently current new build are using a new component for one of the sensors and this part will be supplied to dealers when it becomes available. My dealer was not sure whether this would be a recall or not but assured me that once correctly set up the synchronisation should remain ok so no further action may be needed.

As I searched the forum and was assisted by people on here it is clear that there are a significant number of bikes globally affected by this problem and it is possible that other bikes may be suffering from poor synchronisation which will rob power and smoothness but may not manifest itself in the stalling.

hope this is helpful and if you are in any doubt about your 2010 check with your dealer. They know about this problem or can find out about it very quickly on the network. I have received superlative service from South port superbikes in sorting it out.

now I can relax and enjoy my great bike which just got better.
 
:thumb As a new 2010 owner I'll keep a close eye on it! (2.5k miles and no problems to date).

(You'll never bump start a 1200 twin ...... chain or shaft ... :))
 
TY Definately same on my 2010 GS. Awful shifting from 2nd to 1st really bad. Never stalled but engine cutting out till pulled in clutch.

Mines due for 600 mile Service so will mention it then.

TY

Rob
 
Mine was similar,maybe not as bad,just a slight hesitancy when blipping throttle on down-changes. Cam sensor re-call done at Allan Jeffries BMW during 600 mile service today. Problem now disappeared. :thumb2
 
Theres now a recall out for a new cam thingy sensor, which is desigend to cure this very issue. So keep an eye out on your doormat for a letter from your friendly neighbourhood dealer:mmmm
 


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