Major Problem

[sstein]

I got troubles I think.

Here's the story. 2002 r1150r with 17k miles. No major issues. Routine maintenence up to date. I did my first valve adjustment and TBS about a month ago. Bike has been riding great. I had noticed since then that occasionally while starting the bike, there would be a sort of snap sound while the starter button was depressed, but the bike would still start right up after 3-4 rev's of the starter. This would happen every few starts, not every time.

Today out on a ride, pulled over to check a map - turned off the engine. When I turned on the ignition key the electrics went on for an instant and then ALL went dead. I turned the key off and then on again, and everything came back. The bike started up right away. Thought maybe I didn't have the key turned all the way.

Came home and went to recheck the throttle body sync (just because..). Started fine, ran fine. Turned off the bike. Turned the key in the ignition on again --> nothing. No lights, no fuel injector pressurizer sound, nothing. Turned on and off few more times, nothing. Turned all the way to left to check parking break light - nothing.

Battery is new this season, headlight is new (wanted a brighter bulb).

Only thing I can think of is maybe I mucked something up when I unplugged and replugged the spark plugs during the valve adjustment?

Any help/diagnostic steps advice would be much appreciated. I am supposed to go to Virginia for three days on the Blue Ridge Highway in 2 weeks!

Let me know if any additional info would be helpful.
Steven

[Ol' Jeffers]

Simply worn out/faulty ignition switch would be my first thought. But you have to remember that I'm very simple!

[sstein]

So - how would you recommend I check that out? Tomorrow I was going to check the fuses. Maybe a blown one?

And thanks for the quick response. A simple problem would be welcome.

[sstein]

But would that kill all current even when just the key is turned on?

[Ol' Jeffers]

Doubt it's a blown fuse as the fault seems to be intermittent.
If you are not a practiced spanner-monkey then I would get a dealer to check this out.
It's way too easy to add more problems poking around when you aren't familiar with the
workings of the machine.
One check you can make is to switch on just the ignition and move the handlebars from lock to lock a few times
with indicators and lights on.
If any fault occurs then you may well have a broken wire in the wiring harness at the headstock.
Now that is a known fault on these bikes caused by the manufacturers putting too many tight zip-ties in that area.
However it usually only affects one machine function at a time. It does not totally kill the lot. The ignition switch is the only item
that if it fails will make everything die.
Elsewhere on this site you can find which ties to cut and remove.
I think it's here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17819&p=164718&hili ... am#p164718 (scroll up)

NOTE: This will not cure the problem just help prevent it happening again.

<EDIT> "But would that kill all current even when just the key is turned on?"

If the ignition switch is broken inside then, yes, it could disable all the things it switches on. And that is everything!

[slowtorque]

Would also check your battery terminal connections. Worth a shot.

[sweatmark]

But would that kill all current even when just the key is turned on?

Most everything on the R1150R depends on the key switch, either directly or indirectly.

Many R1150 bike circuits use the current supplied through the key switch, including the load relief relay coil. A key switch problem could impact all of the dependent systems, leaving only a couple that source power directly from battery or via the 3 always hot fuses.

Note that the key switch supply power is not fused, so be careful.

[sstein]

I had cut the correct ties when I first got the bike although already had 13k miles. Off to the mechanic. Depressing. I hear these electrical issues can be a bear to solve.

[Ol' Jeffers]

I had cut the correct ties when I first got the bike although already had 13k miles. Off to the mechanic. Depressing. I hear these electrical issues can be a bear to solve.

Hey! Look on the bright side! He'll fix it whatever the problem is. You only have to pay the man and that's the easy bit! The electrical systems on most vehicles are overly complex these days
and even if you're a good electrical engineer the product knowledge is all important. I built bikes for thirty years and I still take my Beemer to a man who knows them like the back of his hand!
Less hassle for you...more riding pleasure.

[abglenn]

Load relief relay, found in fuse box. Switch it w/ one of the same type (like relay next to load relief relay) and turn on key. If lights, etc. go on, you have dead LR relay. Cost about 15 bucks. Mini-Relay P/N 61361393412, 3-blade. Good luck.

[sstein]

Thanks. I called local shop (Razee in North Kingston, RI) and they can't even look at the bike for a few weeks cause they're so swamped. I would like to try a few things at least. Bike had been dead for past few days - turn the key and get nothing. Not even clock working. With key on, turned the steering from r lock to l lock - nothing.

Then today, turned key and all turned on including fuel pump and headlight (probably not the load relief relay?). Hit starter button - all cut out immediately. Turned off and back on - nothing

Plan to take off tank in few days and check battery terminals. Hopefully easy fix....



Steven

[CycleRob]

Sounds like a battery terminal connection or an internal connector bar cracked inside the battery. When you have the tank off and the battery terminals are tight, turn the key on/off until it dies again, then pound on the battery from the rear and see if it comes alive.

The symptoms that point to only those 2 systems as the likely sources are:
--Clock does not work with the key off.
--EVERYTHING is dead with key on.

Harness wire breaks usually don't kill everything.

[sstein]

Well once again the wisdom of this message board shines. Took off the tank and after disconnecting, cleaning and reconnecting the battery terminal leads, ALL IS FIXED

Can't thank you all enough.

I will continue to bring my bike issues first to this forum.

Cyclerob and Slowtorque nailed it.

Looking forward to my trip to the Blue Ridge Highway and Tail of the Dragon in few weeks. If any of you are around there, I owe you a cold beer.

Steven

[Ol' Jeffers]

Yep! The moment you said that the clock wasn't working it pointed the the diagnosis in a whole new direction!
Then you said that it was working until you hit the starter button really sealed it up!
CycleRob is a true guru and slowtorque ain't so rusty either!

[CycleRob]

sstein,
If you are coming from Providence RI to ride the area roads and the Dragon, let me know the days you'll be there and I'll join you and show you my favorites there. BTW, I prefer Pepsi, not beer. I'm actually due for another ride there (before July 27th).

[sstein]

Thanks for the offer. Ironically after "fixing" my bike (cleaning and reconnecting the battery contacts) my buddy called to cancel on me! I will have to take a rain check on your offer but plan to get down there eventually, maybe in the Fall...

[swamper]

Ride alone, it's the best way. Always check grounds when having any electrical problems, starting with the battery as you have found out. Good luck riding Lone Wolf, LOL