EWS light displayed

[womanridge]

Just brought home my new R-1200 RT yesterday. Rode 300 miles and decided to use the kill swith (emergency 0n/off switch) when I pulled up to my garage tonight. I don't know why I used the kill switch, I just did. Maybe that has nothing to do with it. Now the bike won't start. The EWS warning is on. I looked at the obvious and did not have the kill switch in the off position. Tried the other key (as they are electronic) and it would not work either. I will call my dealer in the morning, but thought someone out there might know something I can do short of having it trailered to the dealer.

 

[MLS2GO]

Possibility

Did you have both keys on the same key ring? I have read on this and other forums that that can screw up the EWS.

 

[womanridge]

Did you have both keys on the same key ring? I have read on this and other forums that that can screw up the EWS.

No, but I had them in the same pocket after I initially shut it off. Tried starting it a few minutes ago. Started right up. I wonder if it resets itself. Thanks for your input.

 

[darrylri]

The owners manual will tell you not to put ANY other keys on the ring with your ignition key. My dealer made a specific point of telling me this when I picked up my R1200ST last April.

 

[jimvonbaden]

The owners manual will tell you not to put ANY other keys on the ring with your ignition key. My dealer made a specific point of telling me this when I picked up my R1200ST last April.

What he should have said is any other key with a chip in it. Regular keys like housekeys wont hurt anything.

Also, it is probably a bad idea to have other RFID devices like a Gas Tag on your keychain as well.

After half an hour (IIRC) the security system will reset if there has been an RFID violation like a pair of RFID keys together on the keychain.

Jim

 

[darrylri]

Thread moved to Hexheads

I just noticed (yeah, that first cup of coffee is just kicking in) that this was in the Oilheads group, but refers to a Hexhead at the top. (I don't think any Oilheads came with EWS...) So, I've moved it over.

 

[deilenberger]

And what Jim pointed out IS important. There is a timeout (I thought it was 5 minutes..) where the system won't respond to repeated tries once it faults.

The thinking on BMW's part is that someone using a code-jumper (automatic device that outputs sequential codes until one is found that works..) isn't going to wait around for 5 minutes between codes (since there are probably millions of possible coes - this seems pretty likely to put a crimp in stealing a bike with a code-jumper.)

So if it faults out on you (for whatever reason) - walk away. Get a cuppa'joe.. take a pee.. then come back and try it again.

 

[westhautianplen]

Ews ---

Womanridge, I have an 07 RT and a similar thing happened when I stopped to fuel up. My bike cleared its self also.
There has been serveral posting on the subject in hexheads back in November or December.

 

[womanridge]

Womanridge, I have an 07 RT and a similar thing happened when I stopped to fuel up. My bike cleared its self also.
There has been serveral posting on the subject in hexheads back in November or December.

Thanks Plen & thanks everyone else. Thinking back, I probably put the key in my pocket with other keys, as well as the SPARE key. That is most likely.
Dealer didn't recall this ever happening, but he said he would research it.
I know what not to do from now on.

 

[greenwald]

Thanks Plen & thanks everyone else. Thinking back, I probably put the key in my pocket with other keys, as well as the SPARE key. That is most likely.
Dealer didn't recall this ever happening, but he said he would research it.
I know what not to do from now on.

Keep some seperation between keys when starting a BMW, and I think you'll be fine.

You rode it home in these temps?! You rock.

Enjoy the bike - awesome ride.

 

[feds27]

How about EZ-Pass?

What he should have said is any other key with a chip in it. Regular keys like housekeys wont hurt anything.

Also, it is probably a bad idea to have other RFID devices like a Gas Tag on your keychain as well.

After half an hour (IIRC) the security system will reset if there has been an RFID violation like a pair of RFID keys together on the keychain.

Jim

Curious if a toll tag (ie. EZ-Pass) would cause a problem.

 

[deilenberger]

Curious if a toll tag (ie. EZ-Pass) would cause a problem.

I think we're into the realm of speculation here. I can empirically report that mine - which is mounted about 5" from the antenna - in 12,000 miles - has caused no problems.

 

[feds27]

I think we're into the realm of speculation here. I can empirically report that mine - which is mounted about 5" from the antenna - in 12,000 miles - has caused no problems.

Good, because I was thinking of mounting my tag right next to the ignition switch on the top triple clamp.

 

[jimvonbaden]

Curious if a toll tag (ie. EZ-Pass) would cause a problem.

I have yet to see any indication that they do. I suspect, like Don said, that they work at different frequencies.

Jim

 

[cjack]

I think we're into the realm of speculation here. I can empirically report that mine - which is mounted about 5" from the antenna - in 12,000 miles - has caused no problems.

Mine too...no issues.

 

[gulfcoastbeemer]

...The thinking on BMW's part is that someone using a code-jumper isn't going to wait around for 5 minutes between codes... this seems pretty likely to put a crimp in stealing a bike with a code-jumper.

I've been following these EWS threads with a mixture of dread, confusion, fascination and amusement.

One thing keeps coming to mind: Is there really a market for a stolen BMW motorcycle? Seriously!

Also, I asked my insurance agent what kind of discount I was receiving on my motorcycle insurance, given that my motorcycle has such state-of-the-art theft deterrents.

His reply, "None."

 

[darrylri]

I've been following these EWS threads with a mixture of dread, confusion, fascination and amusement.

One thing keeps coming to mind: Is there really a market for a stolen BMW motorcycle? Seriously!

Also, I asked my insurance agent what kind of discount I was receiving on my motorcycle insurance, given that my motorcycle has such state-of-the-art theft deterrents.

His reply, "None."

In the US, there's not much of a market for stolen BMWs and parts. But in Europe, BMWs are highly regarded and are stolen. If you visit, you'll see that everyone uses at least a disk lock and usually a chain, too.

I have some friends from Sweden (yes, Sweden!) who have told me that their theft insurance is not effective if they don't use TWO locks in addition to the bike's own fork lock.

A few years ago I was in Amsterdam. I was waiting for a shop to open, so I was enjoying a beautiful morning by people watching on a sqaure. A fellow rode up on an R1100GS and parked pretty close by. Somehow, I fell into conversation with him as he removed his helmet and gloves, locked them inside a tail trunk after removing some papers, and locked the fork and put a disk lock on the bike. At that point, I asked him if theft was that common and he said it wasn't unusual. Then he said his goodbyes and went on to his job in one of the buildings on the square. It was still a few minutes before 9, so I sat down at another bench a little ways away. Not two minutes later, I noticed a fellow walk up to the parked bike and give the handlebars a jiggle. Then he looked the bike over a bit and, I believe, at that point noticed the fork lock. Then he continued across the square.

 

[OUTBACKUFO]

just the last few days my 05 1200 st is doing the same thing... the only thing i can think of i had my Jag keep with a RF frequency unlock kicker in my jacket pocket since it has the house keys....i think it is a chip key also.... never told this at the dealer about the EWS... they just said it was the security thing.... i had to completely turn the bike off and put the kick stand down and then and turn the kill switch a coupld of time... it starts up eventurally... will have to ask them about this...

thanks everyone for the heads up