R65 Electrical Challenges

[kentuvman]

I'm either getting close or running out of bullets.

This morning, I jumped all the wires that go on the ignition switch and still just a "click" from the headlight relay.

I removed the handlebar housing and the only suspect I see is a bunch of dust balls on the turn signal switch. Will blow out with compressed air later today and spray some contact cleaner. Still, don't think that's the culprit.

It's gotta be something real simple.

I'll let you know when I get to the bottom of this.

Could it be a diode board issue? From what I've read I don't think that would prevent circuits from powering up before starting bike.

I also need to confirm bike is in neutral, although we have the clutch bungeed in the open position.

 

[AnnapolisAirhead]

...have you checked the neutral switch?

Also, a low/bad battery (even if it charges up initially on a charger) can wreak havoc on relays and give you false indications. I know you've said the battery is good, but at this point (e.g. running out of bullets), it may be worth trying a different battery.

 

[kentuvman]

Would it be okay to hook a battery charger up to the battery and test it that way? I can set it 12 volt 2 amp or 12 volt 10 amp.

OR can I hook run jumper cables from my riding mower to the battery.

*Note: Tried this and no go

 

[kentuvman]

Still NO GO

Okay - spent better part of the afternoon removing contacts, cleaning, reattaching - diode board, alternator connectors . . . tried Bob Roller's suggestion (R65 forum member) to bypass the kill switch - NO LUCK

Now, what if the ground wire I've been attaching to the negative post isn't THE ground wire? Although it is black, I've just looked under the black protective sheath and see it's red - dmaybe this is the solenoid wire that goes to the positive instead of negative pole? No, that doesn't sound right.

I'm pretty much out of ideas short of replacing the wiring harness - I've really gone through it - BUT only to the best of my skill set.

Attached pictures: 1st pic is the heavy wire I've got attached to the positive terminal on battery.
2nd pic shows a black sheath over a red wire - that's on the negative terminal. I've also got a black wire attached to the engine connected to the negative terminal.

Wouldn't it be simple if the terminals were reversed? - way too simple.

 

[kentuvman]

Wire I'm attaching to Negative post on battery

Although the wire is black, underneath the sheath it is red.

 

[Bill Burke]

At this point, I respectfully recommend that you locate a pickup truck, ramp and tiedowns and head two hours SW to:

http://www.judsoncyclesales.com/

Ron and the boys will have you running within an hour.

 

[kentuvman]

Thank you Bill! I'm ready for professional help.

 

[kentuvman]

I got it !!!

Okay - problem partially solved.

Had the second hot wire on the negative side of the battery. Now have electricity. I can't friggin believe it. I'm so happy. Horn works, light works, dash lights work, turn signal works!!!

Must be in gear because starter switch doesn't turn over - will try it on a charger. Must be in gear.

I AM SOOOOOOOO Excited!!!!!

Thanks!

Now on to the next process of getting bike started!!!!

Thanks Thanks Thanks

 

[kentuvman]

Need to make a ground wire for battery post R65

I understand where the ground wire connects (on the bolt that holds the speedo cable). What gauge wire should I use? My bike didn't have a ground wire when I acquired her.

Now that I got the electrics to work - last night when I pressed the starter button, all I hear is a click - so I put the trickle charger on last night - horns, t/s, brake lights work. If I want to jump the starter with a screwdriver, which terminals to I touch the screwdriver on?

Bright lights work but low beam won't stay on.

At this point, I'll have to play with connectors attaching to my new ignition switch- when from off to the first click, both instrument red lights come on - thinking that should be the parking light only on the tail lamp. Will have to play around.

 

[beemerguru]

The ground wire is the same gauge as the large positive wire to the starter. Any BMW breaker yard will have them laying all over the place..or go to the local auto parts and look in the battery section for wires. You may have to change one or both ends to fit the bike.

And the wire doesn't have to go to the tranny. You can also connect it to the frame bolt right next to the ground..where the rear subframe attaches to the main frame. No risk of striping that bolt.

If all the connections are now correct, the bike should start. You really don't want to get in there and try to short across the starter...too little room and you WILL short something out to ground...not good.

Try bike in neutral or pull in the clutch handle when starting...should get more than a click.