I am the proud newbie owner of a 2008 BMW R1200R (black) for about 36 hours now and I'm curious about the ignition lights on the odometer. I searched the internet and some forums but couldn't find the answer to my hopefully simple questions.
First, when I turn the key to the start position the lights all light up like you'd expect. However the red "brake failure" starts flashing until I start the engine and roll it forward a couple feet. The salesdude said it was normal and all BMW's (with ABS?) do this. I'd like to confirm that here with all of you knowledgeable people.
Second, after the light show when I turn they key to start, the yellow warning exclamation point light is on solid as well as the red battery light. They both stay lit until the engine is turned on. Is this normal behavior for R1200Rs? So far the 7 times I've pushed the start button the engine started. However I don't know enough about this bike yet to know if it is a weak start or a strong start, if you know what I mean. I read in my owner's manual that the red battery light is indicative of a reduced charge and should be serviced (charged or replaced if it has a dead cell) immediately. What the manual doesn't say is whether it has to stay lit after starting for this to be true. I've charged motorcycle batteries before as well as had one go dead on me. However I don't know if my 12V trickle charger will work for this battery and I do not have a meter on me. I know I can take it out and have it tested for free but I just bought the thing and I don't even know if I need to.
#1 - this is normal operation of the self-test and goes out once moving so the rolling portion of the test can be completed (takes about 5-10 feet).
#2 - If it goes out once you're started you're fine. It the battery light is on while you're riding, get it checked out. I think the battery lights stay on when ignition is off or at first-start low idle because the bike is drawing power directly from the battery. Once you start or bring up the revs the alternator kicks in and provides the juice.
To reassure spoonyfork ,yes I agree all you are seeing is quite normal. It also applies to the ASC if you have it, ie it will keep flashing until you take off and go out after a few metres. Hope you are otherwise having loas of fun. This will increase when youre confident the bike isnt broken............ .
Congrats! on the new bike. +1 on the above "all is normal". IMO, the hardest thing on a new bike after lugging an engine and this is also a strain on the battery, would be to sit in the garage/driveway and repreatedly start and turn off the engine. Make sure she has oil and fuel and go ride her! All your concerns will be replaced by a huge smile.
Thanks everyone for their helpful comments. I feel much better now. I took the R1200R out for the first non-short ride today. A co-worker and I rode out to Hell, MI and ate at the Dam Site Inn (a pseudo-biker bar). My BMW was alone in a parking lot of Harleys. I took the twisties all the same.
