2017 R12GS - No start in gear

[tonybob]

Here’s a dumb question, but I’ll ask anyway. I have a 2017 R1200GS. Noticed a week or so ago that I need to be in neutral for the starter to engage. When I try to start in 1st gear (and yes with the clutch in and side stand up), the starter will not spin; hitting the button does nothing. I checked my owner’s manual, and it says: “engage neutral, or pull back clutch lever if a gear is engaged”.

Now for as long as I’ve ridden (nearly 40 years) over multiple bikes, I typically do a start from neutral. Maybe I would keep the bike in gear when filling up the tank, then start and go, but not as frequently. On this bike, over the 18 months that I’ve had it, I may have done that a small handful of times.

So, the question: has anyone else experienced this? Something break in the transmission? I did not try to re-program anything with the shift assist. Heading to the Beartooth Rally next week and now I’m getting a bit concerned.

 

[r0ckrat]

Clurch switch is not registering, you can try and clean it, but the switches aren't terribly priced if you don't buy it from BMW.

 

[markl]

There a micro switch within the clutch lever housing. maybe spray some cleaner just behind the lever towards the housing.

 

[gloucesterman]

Here’s a dumb question, but I’ll ask anyway. I have a 2017 R1200GS. Noticed a week or so ago that I need to be in neutral for the starter to engage. When I try to start in 1st gear (and yes with the clutch in and side stand up), the starter will not spin; hitting the button does nothing. I checked my owner’s manual, and it says: “engage neutral, or pull back clutch lever if a gear is engaged”.

Now for as long as I’ve ridden (nearly 40 years) over multiple bikes, I typically do a start from neutral. Maybe I would keep the bike in gear when filling up the tank, then start and go, but not as frequently. On this bike, over the 18 months that I’ve had it, I may have done that a small handful of times.

So, the question: has anyone else experienced this? Something break in the transmission? I did not try to re-program anything with the shift assist. Heading to the Beartooth Rally next week and now I’m getting a bit concerned.

Similar situation. No amount of WD-40 or Super Lube had any effect even after taking the switches out and soaking them. Replaced switches, which is very easy and not too expensive. Problem gone. PO I believe used self serve car washes to clean his bike. I have seen numerous incidents of corrosion under bolts after removing them. There are two different switches depending on your bike.

 

[JK28]

My '17 RT wont start if its in 1st gear. I have not tried by pulling in the clutch though as I 99% of the time, start it when its in Neutral. I'll try next time and report back with an update.

 

[r0ckrat]

Yes, there are 2 switches. The clutch switch is a two-position switch, that registers "slack taken up" which is primarily for cruise control and quick shifter functions (cancel cruise, and/or disable quick shifter) and "clutch pulled in" which is for fueling controls (allows idle to increase when starting to release, and IIRC adjusts fuel mixture for minimum pollution when stopped and standing) and starting in gear with the stand up. There is also a side stand switch, which prevents the bike from starting in gear with the stand down. When that one fails, the bike will stall when started in neutral and then placed in gear whether the stand is up or not.

 

[gloucesterman]

Yes, there are 2 switches. The clutch switch is a two-position switch, that registers "slack taken up" which is primarily for cruise control and quick shifter functions (cancel cruise, and/or disable quick shifter) and "clutch pulled in" which is for fueling controls (allows idle to increase when starting to release, and IIRC adjusts fuel mixture for minimum pollution when stopped and standing) and starting in gear with the stand up. There is also a side stand switch, which prevents the bike from starting in gear with the stand down. When that one fails, the bike will stall when started in neutral and then placed in gear whether the stand is up or not.

Non cruise control RT's have only one switch per Max's fiche.

 

[r0ckrat]

Non cruise control RT's have only one switch per Max's fiche.

One switch total, so no clutch switch at all?? Or a single-position clutch switch, rather than a dual position switch?

If single-position switch, would still be the issue, as he can start it in neutral and (so I have assumed) then ride it away.

The purpose of the clutch switch is to prevent someone from starting it in gear without having pulled in the clutch. *Derp* fall down, go boohoo.
The purpose of the side stand switch is to prevent the bike from running at all when in gear while the stand is deployed. *Derp* Stand down, snags something, or pops the bike off the ground turning left, bending things, and fall down go boohoohoo.

That's why the failure mode defaults to "don't start if in gear" for the clutch, and "don't start or run, period" for the stand.

 

[gloucesterman]

One switch total, so no clutch switch at all?? Or a single-position clutch switch, rather than a dual position switch?

If single-position switch, would still be the issue, as he can start it in neutral and (so I have assumed) then ride it away.

The purpose of the clutch switch is to prevent someone from starting it in gear without having pulled in the clutch. *Derp* fall down, go boohoo.
The purpose of the side stand switch is to prevent the bike from running at all when in gear while the stand is deployed. *Derp* Stand down, snags something, or pops the bike off the ground turning left, bending things, and fall down go boohoohoo.

That's why the failure mode defaults to "don't start if in gear" for the clutch, and "don't start or run, period" for the stand.

No, one switch for the clutch, a single position switch. A dual position switch when cruise control is added.

 

[akbeemer]

My wife’s 2017 R1200GS suddenly would not start while in gear with the clutch lever pulled in. Turns out the single screw that holds the clutch safety switch in place was loose. I tightened it and the switch now functions normally.

 

[tonybob]

Hey, thanks all for the comments. I'll check the screw that akbeemer mentions above for sure, then deep dive the clutch switch.

Of course, when I tried to start in gear this afternoon leaving work, she started fine. So seems like the clutch switch needs attention eventually.

 

[akbeemer]

The switch looks like it is completely sealed so that contact cleaner, or other solvents cannot help.

 

[r0ckrat]

An aussie member of another forum drilled a small hole in the bottom cover... but then changed it later. Replacements can be found for less than $30.

 

[teech]

Here’s a dumb question, but I’ll ask anyway. I have a 2017 R1200GS. Noticed a week or so ago that I need to be in neutral for the starter to engage. When I try to start in 1st gear (and yes with the clutch in and side stand up), the starter will not spin; hitting the button does nothing. I checked my owner’s manual, and it says: “engage neutral, or pull back clutch lever if a gear is engaged”.

Now for as long as I’ve ridden (nearly 40 years) over multiple bikes, I typically do a start from neutral. Maybe I would keep the bike in gear when filling up the tank, then start and go, but not as frequently. On this bike, over the 18 months that I’ve had it, I may have done that a small handful of times.

So, the question: has anyone else experienced this? Something break in the transmission? I did not try to re-program anything with the shift assist. Heading to the Beartooth Rally next week and now I’m getting a bit concerned.

 

[teech]

While the clutch micro switch is no doubt the problem, things too check before replacement switch placement can be adjusted be very careful do not lose the very small set screw also what does occur at times is with the clutch lever adjustment it may not be enguaging the switch. I ruined several of these switches by moving my bike in the guarage while pulling on the clutch and moving my hands up or down movement on the lever rather than in or out. good luck, jhope it helps.

 

[glenvine12]

I had the same problem with my 25,000-mile ‘16 R1200RS. Pulling in the clutch while in gear, it would not start. I removed the switch but left it connected to the harness, strapped the clutch lever to the grip and put the bike in gear. I energized the bike and pushed the start button. I depressed the micro switch and it started.

It had to be the physical position of the switch. The microswitch is held to the cluster with one, long skinny “wood” screw. I put the screw in and tightened it then backed it off a turn or two so it was loose. If I pushed the loose switch toward the grip and it worked. So pushing and holding the switch in place, I tightened the screw.

It worked and has worked for a year.