almost $30K bike, 2 years old, fails to start

[classicvw]

The ‘net is filled with stories of vehicle problems that don’t show up inside of a dealership’s garage.
And of warranty refusals for big money items.

In the grand scheme of things, this is relatively minor and you may just be the victim of bad luck (the battery) or bad timing (the problem not happening at the dealership). Either way, be glad it’s an easily replaceable, not that expensive item and just replace the thing on your own. 3X to the dealership spending your time, being without the bike, and aggravation or annoyance isn’t worth another trip there so just suck it up and buy a battery and ride the riding season that’s in front of you.

 

[mikegalbicka]

One possible solution by the dealer pointed out above. And it wasn't the battery.

R1250GS Starting problem

[MEDIA]

advrider.com

 

[omega man]

Solution by the dealer.

R1250GS Starting problem

[MEDIA]

advrider.com

Four years ago?
Seems like a lot of time has passed that even by osmosis, the OP’s dealer would know to check and or resolve.
OM

 

[lee]

The solution is on post 77(page 4).

Thanks

 

[GTRider]

I went through looking for just posts by the OP. The solution is on post 77(page 4).

Thank you!

Best,
DeVern

 

[pat8635]

Call BMW Mottorad directly and discuss the problem. With a 3 year USA warranty, the battery should be replaced! Do you ALWAYS use a battery tender when parked?

Did that

 

[pat8635]

I didn’t go through all 40 pages of that thread, only the first few. But it reminds me of the hot start issue on the K1300 bikes. However, I recall it being more consistent on those- once hot, the issue was common, not sporadic. The fix involved a new starter relay and replacing the wiring to starter and relay with heavier gauge cables. There was a campaign on those bikes.
Maybe something similar on the 1250s?

Best,
DeVern

Thanks, I sent that to them and that was.a.diffent bike. I could have sworn it had same engine, but what do I know! They kept and rode bike an extra day and couldn't get it to fail. I rode gas, 2.6 miles, it failed. They came, battery failed test and they installed new battery and off I went. I'm not sure I'm fixed as I'm a fairly sure what that article describes is what is happening! Thanks for help!

 

[oneillsrmtnc]

I've had 2 RT's now, 2014 and '17 presently. Ditto on the charging system reply and mine last about 2.5 years with daily/weekly driving. I also put the bike on a trickle charger every time I park it. I have read that will "prolong" the life of your battery.

 

[willhawks]

Put a battery in it. There is really too much expected of these small bike batteries. Battery warranty is only 2 years so perhaps you are at the end of that?
The hardest part is deciding which battery to buy for a replacement. I find it a bit of a crap shoot as to how long the next battery will last. For me, if I get 3.5 years out of a battery, I’m happy.
Put a battery in it. Relieve your anguish. Enjoy the ride.
OM
BTW, it happens a lot-

My battery died yesterday...

My battery died yesterday, and it went down with a vengeance. :banghead I have a lot of experience with batteries-probably have 17 in service at the present time, but this experience was new. I rode the 2009 F800GS the 3.5 miles to the Post Office, was in and out in 2 minutes and it was over. I...

forums.bmwmoa.org

Learned this from The Late, Great Patchett (MOA # 981); Question: Do you want to buy a battery every 2 years or every 6-7 years? Answer 6-7 years: Keep it on a battery tender year round. LISTENED TO HIM. BATTERIES NOW LAST 5-7 YEARS. NUFF SAID

 

[kbasa]

There's a reason I have a box of chargers...

 

[r0ckrat]

Alternative to a tender - ride weekly (or more)...