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Neutral switch workaround?

R

RTandGS

New member
Looking for help with how to solve the fact that my bike won’t crank Over unless the neutral light is on. The bike is in neutral, but the starter button doesn’t work until the neutral light comes on. I’m looking to just take this safety feature out and have the bike crank when I want it to.

Thanks!

Markus
2001 RT
 
Assuming it is an 1150, your RT should crank/start in gear if the sidestand is up and clutch lever is pulled in while in gear.
If it does not, check your sidestand switch and the clutch level switch.
If you have issues with the neutral light it is most likely the transmission gear position switch. Does the RID display the correct gears?
 
It’s an 1100RT not an 1150.

Yes the correct gear is indicated on the display. I have stood befuddled as to why the starter button had no effect and then found that when the green neutral light comes on, it would crank over. Weird, right?
Can I bypass the transmission gear switch?
 
mykrs said:
It’s an 1100RT not an 1150.

Yes the correct gear is indicated on the display. I have stood befuddled as to why the starter button had no effect and then found that when the green neutral light comes on, it would crank over. Weird, right?
Can I bypass the transmission gear switch?
Click to expand...
The 1100 is is wired differently.
They are prone to the 'lazy" neutral switch. A common problem. Replacement with new is the fix.
 
mykrs said:
It’s an 1100...
Yes the correct gear is indicated on the display. I have stood befuddled as to why the starter button had no effect and then found that when the green neutral light comes on, it would crank over. Weird, right?
Can I bypass the transmission gear switch?
Click to expand...

Yes, you can work around this. As said, sidestand up, pull in the clutch lever, hit the starter button. If it still won't start unless the light is on, then you have a 2nd issue - the clutch safety switch is also not working. Much easier to fix the clutch switch than the neutral switch. You could remove the switch from the lever assembly and try to get the plunger working. Or just replace the switch with new. Part # 61 31 1 459 569 - SWITCH, $85.97 - from the Max BMW parts fiche.

Capture.JPG
 
Omega Man said:
Yes ^^^^^
It’s a bugger when the bike happens to be in gear, you are not on the seat, the start button is hit..... and the bike makes a short trip without you.
OM
Click to expand...

Yup. It’s also a bugger when your bike doesn’t pass annual safety inspection. I was surprised how familiar my inspector was with the safety lockouts, as he tested each one.
 
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