Stumped - won't start

[jcf66]

I went out to fire up the r1150r this afternoon, and hit the starter button - no click, click, click - nothing. I don't hear the fuel pump whine either. I tried jump starting it, still nothing. Lights, clock, horn, brakes and all other electric circuitry seems to work.

I replaced the handlebar risers yesterday, but didn't start the bike before or after until I tried today. Could I have worked a connection loose underneath somewhere when I had the bars off? I looked hard and couldn't find anything that looks as if it came disconnected, and I had the fuel tank off to charge the battery and replace the air filter.

I charged the battery all day - still nothing. I got concerned when jump starting it didn't work either.

Any hints? I'm capable of some level of maintenance myself, but anything that gets too detailed I'd rather leave to the professionals.

Thanks

[AZBMWRIDER]

I just checked this on my '02 R, if the ' KILL ' switch is in the off position, the starter and fuel pump won't work .

But all the other circuits work .

May have gotten moved to the kill position with the work you performed .

[jcf66]

Thanks AZBMWRIDER, but that was the first thing I checked!

[AZBMWRIDER]

You may want to remove the fuel tank again and follow the wires from the right hand handlebar grip area and see if by chance a connector was pulled loose but still looks like it is together .

I sure thought the kill switch would be the problem .

[kirby]

Be sure its not the trans interlock (no start in gear unless the clutch is in) and the sidestand!

Sit rep required!

mike

[jcf66]

It's not the side stand, kill switch, or in gear. The thing that really has me is I'm not hearing the fuel pump start up. I suppose it could wire connection from throttle to the fuel pump I suppose, and I will certainly check again tomorrow (getting too dark in the garage).

[AZBMWRIDER]

Just checked my bike and with the transmission in gear, the fuel pump works, but the starter doesn't work .

My bike starts if it on the sidestand, or if the side stand is out and the bike is on the centerstand, but the engine quits if the tranmission is put into gear .

Is the electrical connector for the fuel pump connected, I know I've done this at least once, don't know if it would effect the starter .

[jcf66]

I have a similar thread on the MOA forum - they recommended checking connectors and fuses. Tried all that too.

[rprothero]

What rpm are u at when it kicks into gear? Mine stalls if she isn't warmed up...does the battery light stay lit until you rev it? Ie do u let her warm up before heading out?

[kirby]

It's not the side stand, kill switch, or in gear. The thing that really has me is I'm not hearing the fuel pump start up. I suppose it could wire connection from throttle to the fuel pump I suppose, and I will certainly check again tomorrow (getting too dark in the garage).

The side stan is just kills the ign. does not effect the starter if in gear.

Ithink I would look at the fuel pump relay under the seat as the pump should cycle when the key is turned to the on position...if the pump pressure is below the start/run pressure.

Many of those relays are the same so check the number on the outdide and pick two that are the same switch them.

Counting (face fwd) left to right the fuel pump is #4. It should make a clicking sound whebn energised if working proper.

I got to add it sounds like something you did when you had the bars apart...like the kill sw as been mentioned before...

You will have to get a meter and run it down. I can send you a pic of the the box under the seat that has all the relays and fuzes labeled if you want. Will need your email add or an email add where I can send.

You will find it...keep looking.

mike

[jcf66]

Albeit regretfully, I am tapping out and will take it to the dealer for repair. I spent the past two hours taking apart the kill switch/starter hosing and I couldn't see any broken wires. I got in as far as I could - going in any further, like to the wiring under the ignition, probably exceeds my skill and patience. Now, without having a pickup, I have to figure out how to get it to the dealer.

Don't suppose anyone in Omaha reading this thread has a pickup or trailer and would like to hook a brother up?!?! I'll buy beer, whiskey, or scotch (what the hell, maybe all three)! Or, if you're not into that, a tankful of gas.

Thanks to everyone on this thread - I really do appreciate all the good advice. If nothing else, I learned how to remove the gas tank and access the battery and air filter.

[kirby]

I understand as these things can get fustrating.
The relays rarely fail and if not the kill switch it almost surely is the switch in the clutch leaver.

Remember if the side stand is in the down position and the trany is in any gear (or no neutral light) the starter button will not work (without the clutch pulled in), and another thing if with the stand down and in gear (no Neutral light) when you turn on the key the fuel pump will not come on! (unless you pull in the clutch, then the starter will work but the ign will not)...

That really points to the micro sw in the clutch leaver since you have had it sort of apart. BTW you can hear the click (micro sw) when you pull it in.... if its quite or use a screw driver against your year.

Anyway the guys at the beemer shop should be able to sort it out while you wait.

Let us know!!!

mike

[jcf66]

I understand as these things can get fustrating.
The relays rarely fail and if not the kill switch it almost surely is the switch in the clutch leaver.

Remember if the side stand is in the down position and the trany is in any gear (or no neutral light) the starter button will not work (without the clutch pulled in), and another thing if with the stand down and in gear (no Neutral light) when you turn on the key the fuel pump will not come on! (unless you pull in the clutch, then the starter will work but the ign will not)...

That really points to the micro sw in the clutch leaver since you have had it sort of apart. BTW you can hear the click (micro sw) when you pull it in.... if its quite or use a screw driver against your year.

Anyway the guys at the beemer shop should be able to sort it out while you wait.

Let us know!!!

mike

I can hear it click when I pull in the clutch lever - does that mean it's good? I've dove back into the wiring based on some help I've been getting on the MOA site. So far I've eliminated the battery and the starter - so now we're trying to figure out if it's the kill switch.

I'm intrigued by this clutch switch - I took it apart earlier but didn't see anything loose. Do I need to take it apart to determine if something inside came loose?

[Sunbeemer]

Based on having removed the handlebars and the history of over-tightened cable ties on these bikes, I suspect your kill switch wiring may have parted inside the loom under the front of the tank on the right side of the frame. You might try pressing the starter button with the bike on the centerstand while turning the handlebars and/or fiddling with the black-wrapped wiring loom behind the headlamp housing and alongside the frame. If you get any clicks, then you know that's where the problem lies and you can search for and fix the break.

Oh, and cut those over-tightened cable ties!

[riceburner]

Based on having removed the handlebars and the history of over-tightened cable ties on these bikes, I suspect your kill switch wiring may have parted inside the loom under the front of the tank on the right side of the frame. You might try pressing the starter button with the bike on the centerstand while turning the handlebars and/or fiddling with the black-wrapped wiring loom behind the headlamp housing and alongside the frame. If you get any clicks, then you know that's where the problem lies and you can search for and fix the break.

Oh, and cut those over-tightened cable ties!

This was my first thought too.

[kirby]

If the clutch lever micro sw is clicking, its most likely working ok.

I guess it must be something in the wireing connected to the interlock system?? (side stand etc.) Like it has been suggested cut the ties in the under side (if it has not been done) that are around the harness leading to the bars!

Something must be lose or unconnected.

Keep going you will find it!!!

mike

[vwdoctor]

Just a quick update since the OP is busy riding I guess. The problem is a broken wire to the kill switch.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread. ... on-t-start

[kirby]

Thanx for that!
mike

[Sunbeemer]

That was a good read; thanks for pointing us to it.
I'll bet he is very happy to be riding again after all your help, vwdoctor; good on yer!

[AKIrish]

Having a similar issue. Just got a 2002 r1150r Drove it for a week wth no issues. Parked it at work for eight hours came out and no joy. Put the key in all the usual buzzes and whirrs fuel pump etc. I go to turn it on in neutral and all I get is the starter clicking away. Tried to jump start it several times and recieved nothing but more clicking and a dead battery. I'd like to assume it's just a bad battery because that's cheaper. Fuses are all good. Couldn't get into the wiring because I'm still learning. No need to do more damage due to lack of skill.
Update: Tried attached jumper straight to starter and ground and still didn't start. Have it on a trickle charger now. Waiting to see the results of an 8 hour charge.