R1200 GSA Only Starts in Neutral

[197889]

I have a 2017 GSA and recently had this intermittent (now constant) starting issue with the bike. I few months ago the bike would only start in N but the gear selector would indicate which gear I always was in. I thought maybe it was a side stand switch issue, but the position of the side stand did not impact the ability to start the bike. I took the switch apart at the left grip and cleaned it and the issue seemed to go away, until it didn't. Sometimes I can wiggle or cycle the clutch and while holding the starter switch the engine will fire up. On a longer trip the bike decided that i would act up 1,000 miles from home. Was not keen on taking the switch apart in the campground (my buddies would love to help me...with beer and photos I'm sure). It's near the end of the season now and I'm going to take the switch out again and clean etc. didn't want to take the switch on the engine out (not sure what that involves but maybe when I change the oil and check the valves in a few weeks.

I live remote from any BMW dealers or service folks (it's a bmw desert out here) so all repairs and troubleshooting are done in the garage with or without beer, and some advice (usually not helpful) from 'buddies'. Don't like the idea of just replacing parts, as the bike ain't left me stranded...yet.

Anybody have this issue before and offer some input?

Thanks,

 

[PGlaves]

By design the bike won't start while in gear unless the clutch is pulled; ie, disengaged. And that depends on the clutch switch signalling that the clutch is in fact disengaged.

You need to replace the defective clutch switch in your bike.

 

[pepperdave]

Had the same issue on my 2015 R1200R. I ordered a new one but repaired the existing by "super gluing" a thin, about .010 strip of SS on top of the existing lever blade. The clearance between the switch and the clutch lever becomes wider as the switch and clutch lever wears. It now engages and starts in gear.
I should have measured the movement with a dial gauge when the switch was removed. I'm betting that is is only a few thousands.
Another example of Fine precise German engineering

 

[r0ckrat]

Just remember that the switch for the clutch is a two-stage switch.

The upper touch point (just taking the slack out of the lever) controls (if installed) whether the ShiftAssist will engage (and something else that I'm forgetting.) The second touch point is the starter lock out (when the lever is fully engaged/depressed.)

An Aussie member of the R1200R repaired his switch, details at this link.

 

[LFarling]

17.5 GS. Had the issue and removed the switch and cleaned it a bit, reinstalled and it worked for a month or so. Then it did the same thing and I replaced it and all is well.

I bought one here:https://www.motorworks.co.uk/clutch-microswitch-ela37609-1.html

It came pretty quick and was a good price.

 

[windsailor97]

Identical to the original. $35 USD. Works great so far.

Clutch Control Microswitch Motorcycle Accessories For R1200GS/Adventure LC R1200RT R1200R R1200RS R 1200 GS RT RS 2014-2022 2019

https://a.aliexpress.com/_m0QnX1I

 

[AntonLargiader]

Great find, thanks! I replace at least one of these switches every year, and the dual-contact version is well over $100 from BMW. They have a construction flaw that makes them lose contact internally. If we need to buy crappy switches, at least they don't have to be expensive crappy switches.

 

[omega man]

Great find, thanks! I replace at least one of these switches every year, and the dual-contact version is well over $100 from BMW. They have a construction flaw that makes them lose contact internally. If we need to buy crappy switches, at least they don't have to be expensive crappy switches.

Too funny!
OM

 

[teech]

I agree with all those post that it is the micro switch in the clutch. Be careful not to lose the set screw a little piece of tape covering the screw helps piece of mind. I wondered why mine quit working so soon after I got my bike in 2009. I figured out that I had the habit of holding the clutch in while pushing the bike in and out of the garage while making various turns and back ups. All that pushing and pulling I was placing alot of side tensions and stress on the clutch lever. I just put the bike in netural now and I have never replaced the switch since then. Just a thought.