2007 R1200RT - engine dying - why

[Upsandowns]

I have a 2007 R1200RT that has experienced the same problem on 3 occasions, most recently today, May 2, 2008. The bike had run for over an hour at speeds that probably averaged approximately 60 - 70 mph, and it performed flawlessly. I pulled off the highway to fill the tank and when I came into the gas station and downshifted to 2nd to make the turn, the engine died. It didn't cough, sputter, make any strange noises nor emit any other symptoms, it just quit. For what it's worth, the temperature was in the high 70's or low to mid-80's and I was riding at altitudes between 1500 and 2500 feet.

The other two occasions when the same thing happened both occurred after a long downhill run, once at altitude in the Rockies last August, and the other time here in the mountains of Western North Carolina about 2 months ago. In each instance, I came to a stop after a long downhill run and shifted into 1st gear at the stop sign or light. When I got a green and tried to accelerate, the engine was dead. Once again, no coughing, sputtering, choking or anything else to indicate a problem. In all 3 cases, I was able to re-start after 10-15 seconds and the problem did not return nor could it be induced.

Any ideas ?????

Many thanks, Upsandowns

[Motorradfahrer]

Fuel pump...........have it checked

[jingdog]

Since its under warranty I would see your BMW dealer and let him suss it out.

[deilenberger]

And I'll be moving this thread to Hexheads where it belongs..

[kbikeinbc]

one word....

warranty


kbikeinbc
'07 crystal gre:deal y met

[jasonTDI]

Could it be an issue with an unbroken in bike and a long LEAN down hill with just enough fuel to keep the motor alive? The cylinder temps come way down. I know the comuter would like to keep it optimal for the cat but who knows.....

[ndjimbo]

I had an eerily similar problem with my former thumper (650CS). It would occasionally stall out at lower RPMs and wouldn't re-start unless I turned off the ignition. Neither the dealer nor I ever confirmed what the problem was, but it went away entirely after they replaced the fuel filter.

Jim

[Upsandowns]

I appreciate all of the input.
When I was having some work done on my GS at the dealer a week ago, I inquired about the problem with the RT, and the service rep provided a response similar to Jason's: that a long downhill run without a lot of acceleration causes the engine to lean out and might develop a vacuum effect in the fuel system. That would certainly apply to two of the occasions when it died, but last Friday's doesn't quite fit the diagnosis. Although we had descended over the 90 - 100 minute ride and had been constantly at speeds between 60 and 80mph on an interstate, the change in altitude was neither dramatic nor quick, and the bike ran smoothly until I slowed and shifted to 2nd or 3rd as I made the turn to pull into the gas station. I even may have gone down to 2nd just moments before when I got off the exit ramp and had to make a sharp turn onto the access road towards the gas station and it functioned "normally". As there are never any external indications that the engine is about to die, it's always(each of the 3 times it has occurred) a big surprise. I have over 7,000 miles on the bike so I don't think "break-in" is an issue, but I will make sure to change the fuel filter at the next oil change.

Again, many thanks for the thoughts; they all help. As for warranty work, that, too, will be considered. My only problem is that the dealer where I bought the bike is almost 80 miles away and it's neither easy or convenient to take the bike down there and leave it for them to play with, and the next closest BMW dealer is over 100 miles away ! Bummer, eh ???!!!
Sim :heart

[PGlaves]

It sounds to me like the dealer needs to check the action of the idle stepper system. Motors, servos, whichever they are, they don't seem to be working properly.