Starter

[Rob Frankham]

Yes, I've often thought about doing just that but the issue hasn't arisen so I haven't got round to it... I think I would probably simply solder join the two ends and add a flying lead to jump to the relay using just one of the '87' terminals. An added advantage would be that you could then use a much cheaper standard accessory relay rather than the more expensive and less available type favoured by BMW.

I think I should clarify that this only applies to /7 and machines up to '84. Monoshock machines have a different arrangement (they do use an accessory type relay). /6 machines have their own rather wierd and wonderful setup and /5 machines have an even wierder and more wonderful system, which includes a circuit to prevent the starter being engaged when the engine is running. It also doesn't apply to R45/R65 machines or the R80G/S. In fact, one could state that a lot simpler by saying that it only applies to '77 to '84 year 247 engined road machines...

Rob

[Zombie Master]

Thanx for your help. Now the bikes is starting normally. But I haven't taken it out for a ride yet to replicate the situation. Thanx again!

[ME 109]

Starter button might be dodgy.

Does your neutral light work and do you start in neutral without pulling the clutch? If your neutral light doesn't work and you have to pull the clutch to start, your clutch switch might be dodgy.

[Zombie Master]

Well....I went out for a ride and the bike started normally. I had the battery load tested showing full capacity, so I ordered a new starter relay from the BMW dealer at great cost and will change it out prophylactic-ally.
I wonder if there is any servicing on the starter system that I should perform?

[Zombie Master]

Starter button might be dodgy.

Does your neutral light work and do you start in neutral without pulling the clutch? If your neutral light doesn't work and you have to pull the clutch to start, your clutch switch might be dodgy.

Neutral light does work and starts without disengaging clutch. I quess a 30+ year old bike might be dodgy.

ZM

[Rob Frankham]

Well....I went out for a ride and the bike started normally. I had the battery load tested showing full capacity, so I ordered a new starter relay from the BMW dealer at great cost and will change it out prophylactic-ally.
I wonder if there is any servicing on the starter system that I should perform?

If you're looking for 'speculative' items to service, you would do well to examine and clean the solenoid. Arcing at the contacts can cause corrosion/erosion and intermittent problems.

Rob

[Zombie Master]

Well....I went out for a ride and the bike started normally. I had the battery load tested showing full capacity, so I ordered a new starter relay from the BMW dealer at great cost and will change it out prophylactic-ally.
I wonder if there is any servicing on the starter system that I should perform?

If you're looking for 'speculative' items to service, you would do well to examine and clean the solenoid. Arcing at the contacts can cause corrosion/erosion and intermittent problems.

Rob

I'll have a look....thanx

[Zombie Master]

The starter issue has totally stopped being a problem. I did spray the starter button with a corrosion specific lubricant. But I did get a new relay for the starter. I'll probably install it next time I pull the tank.

Thanx for your input