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1999 R1100RT Rain problems.

lkchris said:
Once again Oilhead owners ...

The Oilhead was BMW's first bike following new Euro regulations that auto parts be biodegradable. Your wiring harnesses all over your bike are falling apart at this age ... by design.
Click to expand...

The HES wire is not the biodegradable type. It is PVC that has too low a temperature rating. 80C is too low for the application.

The flexible covering over the harness on other areas of the bike is biodegradable and is falling off now due to age.
 
m_stock10506 said:
I hope you make it home trouble free and without rain. Let us know.

I have said this several times, probably on this site but on others too. EVERY 1100/R/RT/RS/GS left the factory with the same bad wire harness on the HES. Every one of them. The harness has to be replaced or repaired, or you will get stranded eventually. GSAddict is the guy that repairs them beautifully. His repair will last the remaining life of the bike. I think the new replacement units are made with the proper wiring, but can’t be sure of that.

I don’t understand why some folks think that their bike is magically immune to the problem.
Click to expand...

I just bought the bike this spring, I have not had the time to fins all the problems, give me a break
 
grees1 said:
............ all the problems, give me a break
Click to expand...

Good luck to you. We're here to help. My statement about magic bikes wasn't directed at you, it's directed at all the OTHER guys who ignore every thread about a failing HES until their bike won't start.
 
Pauls1150 said:
The garage isn't open yet so I can't actually go out and check - but are those lines on the side little vents to help cool the HES and the belt...? That would be a direct entry for water.
View attachment 84408
Click to expand...

Those are vents for sure and a great entry point for water. I finally got mine out and the HES wiring is shot. I ordered one from Amazon (cheaper than GSaddict) and we are going to have a go at rewiring it for a spare ourselves..
 
Omega Man said:
Here’s to a rain free trip.
Let us know how you make out.
OM
Click to expand...

Made it home no problem. The HES is the problem for sure now that I have it out. I ordered a new one from Amazon and we are going to have a go at rewiring the old one for a spare.
 
m_stock10506 said:
Good luck to you. We're here to help. My statement about magic bikes wasn't directed at you, it's directed at all the OTHER guys who ignore every thread about a failing HES until their bike won't start.
Click to expand...

I didn't take it personal, I just bought the bike in March so still learning about it.
 
I am not up to the task?

If youtube vids are right my mechanical aptitude probably will not suffice to remove it to send to GS addict this winter. Need a special tool? Have to make one? Anybody got a link to a vid re how the average non mechanic can remove it to send to GS?
 
HES Symptom

Not mentioned here but a classic symptom of bad HES wires is the Tach needle will bounce around when the ignition switch (key) is turned on. Happened on my 96R1100RT, and yes the initial failure was in a downpour.
 
mntngrown said:
If youtube vids are right my mechanical aptitude probably will not suffice to remove it to send to GS addict this winter. Need a special tool? Have to make one? Anybody got a link to a vid re how the average non mechanic can remove it to send to GS?
Click to expand...

Send me a PM with your email address.
I can send you a .pdf with Re&RE instructions
 
mntngrown said:
If youtube vids are right my mechanical aptitude probably will not suffice to remove it to send to GS addict this winter. Need a special tool? Have to make one? Anybody got a link to a vid re how the average non mechanic can remove it to send to GS?
Click to expand...

No special tools required. Take GSAddict up on his offer of comprehensive instructions BEFORE you remove the HES.
 
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