1998 r1100rt won't start

[erikhartzler]

Was recently caught in a bad rain storm and finally pulled off to wait out the storm and when I went to start the bike it would crank fine but had no spark. The battery on the bike is new this year and is kept on a tender nightly. Am sure that it is a matter of water getting into something it shouldn't have, but was looking for some ideas on where to start. The bike has dried out in my garage for a week and still won't spark. Any ideas would be appreciated.

[BONEY]

Does the fuel pump run for a second or two when you turn on the key?
Does the RID work properly?

If not:
Check to make sure all you safety switches are working.
1. Does the neutral light come on?
2. Is the side stand switch functioning properly. (use an ohmmeter to check resistence open/closed)

If so, or the above check out:
Check for spark, check for fuel. Troubleshoot according to findings.

Then, consider the dreaded Hall Effect Sensor, which are known to have brittle insulation on their wires after heat/years and typically show it by stalling in the rain/puddle/splash. It "should" work properly, or at least intermittantly, when dry. You'll find this little gem behind the crankshaft pully on the front of your engine.

Do a search for "HES" or "Hall Effect Sensor" and find a multitude of information.

[bmwmick]

Was recently caught in a bad rain storm and finally pulled off to wait out the storm and when I went to start the bike it would crank fine but had no spark. The battery on the bike is new this year and is kept on a tender nightly. Am sure that it is a matter of water getting into something it shouldn't have, but was looking for some ideas on where to start. The bike has dried out in my garage for a week and still won't spark. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Watch the tach while you are cranking, does it indicate at all? If it is erratic or if you hear strange clicking noises under the fuel tank, I'm will to bet you have a failing HES harness.

[mrich12000]

I second that Hes sender as the fault good diagnosis:bow :gerg :ca

[erikhartzler]

Thanks for the responses. I suspect the sensor was it. tried it today and it started right up. definitly going to have to check into that though, don't want to have to worry evertime it rains.