2015 Spare key fob

Can someone please show with a pic or tell me exactly where the plastic spare key fob for a 2015 R1200RT needs to be placed/inserted to start the bike. Looks like the manual shows it going under the instrument cluster and I've tried inserting it every which way but it does nothing. Thanks

In wheel wheel, close to seat

I stick mine under the rear fender well, touching the inside of the fender, as close as possible to the electronics under the rear seat. Sometimes I have to move it around to find the "sweet spot."

on my 2017 GS the manual says to hold it near the antennae under the seat.

sorry for the huge picture! eek

I don't "Know", but it's my understanding that the antenna is in different places on the different models, and the RT's is indeed somewhere down in the center of the instrument cluster (and the GS's is below the rear fender). Effective "range" is pretty short.
There have been "issues" with the antennas in the past, but I don't think they hit more recent bikes.
I've also read that it matters which side you hold as "up".
Have you changed the battery recently? And if so, did you peel off the little piece of sticky plastic from the battery before installing it? (Some, but not all, have this to prevent accidental discharging before installation.)
Might you have another electronic device nearby that is interfering with the FOB's operation? Cell phone, FOB for something else, garage door opener, controller for a heated jacket, etc.
Also possible that the FOB may need to be re-flashed.

gordsmarsredrt said:

For the RT the plastic emergency key needs to be held in the space between the GPS dock and the gauges. Press the ignition button and it will boot up. Start the bike. To restart after shutting off, just repeat. To open the fuel cap, hold the plastic key in the same spot and open the fuel cap. After the engine is started, pocket the plastic key. It doesn't need to remain near the antena. You will, though, have a key and question mark diisplayed on the dash.

Hope this helps.
Gord

PS. The engine needs to be off to open the fuel cap.

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Thanks for the correct answer for the R1200RT. I tired it and the bike started. Thanks so much.

Slightly off topic but also slightly relevant. I lost my fob ('16 R1200R) and didn't have an emergency RFID key (thanks, previous owner) and had to buy both. Luckily I was able to make the 130 miles home on the fuel I had left. I'll be putting an Apple Airtag on my fob soon so that if this ever happens again I'll be able to find it. BTW, a new fob, RFID key, a new "dumb" key to open the luggage (so that I won't need to use the fob) and programming set me back just over $500. Expensive day for me.

davidsanders said:

Slightly off topic but also slightly relevant. I lost my fob ('16 R1200R) and didn't have an emergency RFID key (thanks, previous owner) and had to buy both. Luckily I was able to make the 130 miles home on the fuel I had left. .

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If anyone has the same problem or the keyless gas cap will not open, you can remove two screws from the front of the cap to open it.

Lee said:

If anyone has the same problem or the keyless gas cap will not open, you can remove two screws from the front of the cap to open it.

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Information like that will probably take you off the BMW engineering Christmas Card list
OM

Omega Man said:

Information like that will probably take you off the BMW engineering Christmas Card list
OM

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Yup, I see “Keyless Ride Gas Cap V2” in the future…

DeVern

This keyless fuel cap has nut failed me yet.

I found that trick after I got home and removed the piece to open the cap and fill the tank so I could get to the dealer. My problem would have been compounded by not having the proper hex key wrench with me on the road. I have a SW-Motech tank bag with a tank ring. SW-Motech supplies cosocket headed caps screws with hex heads instead of the T25 BMW uses. Regardless, the tools would have been locked under the seat.