Limp Mode

[motodan]

I would look for ED codes...

 

[acools]

How many of you have experienced "limp Mode" when traveling at speed?

I experienced a sudden loss of power, and my RT went in 'Limp Home' mode. (2016 RT)

I considered having the bike towed to my very friendly local dealer, but then did a little research on the interwebs.

Common fault is the throttle position sensor, and more specifically the connector on the back of the hand grip.

I located, disconnected and re-tightened the connector and resolved the issue in less than 2 minutes.

Yes, many people say, I am the man.

 

[azgman]

I know it's too early in this thread for humor, so only a short note - friend had same problem, solved it with two Viagra applications...no more "limp mode". Hang in there.

Thus my post to look for ED codes...

 

[brorke]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll add this to my service schedule, Lube is never a bad thing unless it’s between your tires and pavement.

LOL......This is true sir!

 

[motodan]

Thus my post to look for ED codes...

I got your drift. And yes, the post directing one to, "lube your flapper", is probably the best advise when it comes to any "limp mode".

 

[36654]

If anything, limp mode is ultra conservative, so you're unlikely to do Engine damage, because limp mode is stepping in to keep you from doing any.

I hope the guy in the semi behind me appreciates that feature.

 

[cwroady]

Common fault is the throttle position sensor, and more specifically the connector on the back of the hand grip.

I located, disconnected and re-tightened the connector and resolved the issue in less than 2 minutes.

Experienced this as well a few years ago .. no reoccurrence.

 

[ncpbmw1953]

Does this

Is this video pretty much what I should expect on my '16 RT? Sounds like it might be worth looking at. I'm not sure what would make it freeze into a closed position unless the solenoids failed. My RT stays in the garage and has very little time in wet conditions so hard to tell if it's worth doing or not.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feKQACwTfR4

 

[azgman]

Checking the exhaust valve is a good idea. Here in dry Arizona, the flap on my R1200GS was making a squeaking sound during the self test. I got in there and sprayed the pivot points with WD-40 and actuated it a bunch of times and it freed it up so no more squeak. The flapper itself is mechanical. Any electronics are located at the far end of the cables that actuate it.

 

[cadmanpilot]

Last fall on my 2015 after my 12K maintenance, a vacuum line on the top of the right cylinder worked its way loose. It must not have been seated completely after the maintenance. After I got home while idling in the driveway, the bike entered limp mode. Restarting corrected but if left to idle a short period it would reoccur. I was able to return to the dealership while keeping the revs up successfully. Issue was corrected and have never had a problem since. Apparently even a slight mixture issue can trigger it under certain circumstances (low idle).

Paul

 

[lstreb@msn.com]

Limpy R1200’s

I’ve experienced limp home mode twice now on two different bikes. My 2016 R1200RS and my 2015 R1200GS.

I had just started my ride on The RS and was only a couple of miles from home. No power. Ragged throttle that was non responsive. I made it home in 1st gear and had it towed to the dealer, since it was still in warranty. Diagnosed as a bad throttle position sensor. No reoccurrence in 2K miles since fix.

Today my GS went in to limp mode at the end of my ride. I was putting around on a dirt road in 1st gear and no throttle response. But a constant, slightly elevated RPM, not ragged like the RS. I got to the top of the hill above my house where I knew I could coast home and turned the bike off and back on. Problem went away.

I’m due for an oil change so I guess I’ll take it to the dealer if Ft Collins, about an hour away, and see if they find any fault codes.

Both bikes are low mileage, 5.5K on the RS, and 4K on the GS.

 

[lstreb@msn.com]

Limpy R1200’s

I’ve experienced limp home mode twice now on two different bikes. My 2016 R1200RS and my 2015 R1200GS.

I had just started my ride on the RS and was only a couple of miles from home. No power. Ragged throttle that was non responsive. I made it home in 1st gear and had it towed to the dealer, since it was still in warranty. Diagnosed as a bad throttle position sensor. No reoccurrence in 2K miles since fix.

Today my GS went in to limp mode at the end of my ride. I was putting around on a dirt road in 1st gear and no throttle response. But a constant, slightly elevated RPM, not ragged like the RS. I got to the top of the hill above my house where I knew I could coast home and turned the bike off and back on. Problem went away.

I’m due for an oil change so I guess I’ll take it to the dealer if Ft Collins, about an hour away, and see if they find any fault codes.

Both bikes are low mileage, 5.5K on the RS, and 4K on the GS.

 

[36654]

I’ve experienced limp home mode twice now on two different bikes. My 2016 R1200RS and my 2015 R1200GS.

I had just started my ride on the RS and was only a couple of miles from home. No power. Ragged throttle that was non responsive. I made it home in 1st gear and had it towed to the dealer, since it was still in warranty. Diagnosed as a bad throttle position sensor. No reoccurrence in 2K miles since fix.

Today my GS went in to limp mode at the end of my ride. I was putting around on a dirt road in 1st gear and no throttle response. But a constant, slightly elevated RPM, not ragged like the RS. I got to the top of the hill above my house where I knew I could coast home and turned the bike off and back on. Problem went away.

I’m due for an oil change so I guess I’ll take it to the dealer if Ft Collins, about an hour away, and see if they find any fault codes.

Both bikes are low mileage, 5.5K on the RS, and 4K on the GS.

Happened to me twice today. Once at ~40MPH on a rural paved road while slowing for turn and the second time on a long down hill stretch. All the wire connections at the throttle seem fine.

 

[pglaves]

Happened to me twice today. Once at ~40MPH on a rural paved road while slowing for turn and the second time on a long down hill stretch. All the wire connections at the throttle seem fine.

I would report this "feature" to the NHTSB. In traffic it is clearly an unsafe condition.

 

[Omega Man]

I would report this "feature" to the NHTSB. In traffic it is clearly an unsafe condition.

I’m thinking a trip to the dealer is in order. I have never seen a “limp home mode” not leave an error code.
My guess a part/sensor going bad.
OM

 

[36654]

I’m thinking a trip to the dealer is in order. I have never seen a “limp home mode” not leave an error code.
My guess a part/sensor going bad.
OM

Tomorrow I'll make my first attempt at using the diagnostic tool. Hopefully, that will give me some info to relay to the shop.

In many ways, I feel like Rip Van Winkle having awakened in a strange world in the dis-functional future.

 

[36654]

I would report this "feature" to the NHTSB. In traffic it is clearly an unsafe condition.

Apparently, in a SUV world, your vehicle just coasting to a slow crawl isn't anything to worry about. That's my only guess.....

 

[sf6gas]

It happened to me after a rain delay while riding the upper portion of the Natchez Trace. Stopped for over an hour to let a heavy rain pass over, fueled up got back on the trace. After about 10 minutes it went into limp mode. I pulled over turned the bike off, looked things over and it has never missed a beat.
I contribute this and the cruise cycling on and off to the exposure of heavy to light rain. In the days and miles since this event I haven't not one issue.

2015 1200 GS

 

[rangerreece]

It happened to me after a rain delay while riding the upper portion of the Natchez Trace. Stopped for over an hour to let a heavy rain pass over, fueled up got back on the trace. After about 10 minutes it went into limp mode. I pulled over turned the bike off, looked things over and it has never missed a beat.
I contribute this and the cruise cycling on and off to the exposure of heavy to light rain. In the days and miles since this event I haven't not one issue.

2015 1200 GS

There must be a limp magnet in Alabaster, I was on 231 headed to Alabaster when it happened to me.

 

[36654]

According to the OBD reader, I have 21F960 and 21F971 faults on Throttle Valve 1 (right). Based on postings to various GS forums, that appears to be the "common" throttle sensor or software issue. For some, there's a cure. For the other's?...