Aussie RTW F650gs broken down in Hamilton, Alabama

[beemerbird]

Help!! My 650GS gave 3 little "kicks" over about 10 miles, then when sitting idling at lights in Hamilton, it died. When I tried to start it, it made some strange noises (almost like grinding) and refused to start.

Stripped it down (all my gear off it, and the tank panels). All battery connections appear tight. When ignition is switched on, headlight comes on as normal; diags(?) run as normal; when starter is pressed, there's just a "click" and nothing happens. [Difficult to do much more investigating in the darkness.]

The bike is still eligible for Roadside Assistance in Australia, but US Roadside Assist can't help, as the VIN is not showing on the US database, so they can't offer any help at all!!!

Any ideas as to what's happening here, please? I am NOT mechanically/electrically minded, but do have the manual here on the laptop.

At least it happened in a town, with a motel - not out the middle of nowhere, like last time - 77 miles from Dawson City in Yukon. I suppose that's something!

Many thanks

Маrgaret
cell: 509 388 7651

[Polarbear]

I had a '99 F650, which is probably simpler than your newer(what year?) model, but I always try the simplest solutions first! Riding BMW's for near 40 years now and its almost always been the simplest of things going wrong, therefore think this way first:). Your battery may well have failed you, with a dead short or weak one, unable to keep the bike running and/or turning the starter properly. This would be a fairly simple solution and an easy fix. Do a battery diagnostic at any auto parts store, if you can access the battery or take it out. The stores can do a bench test easily, on your battery. They are basically loading it to see if it holds up to a load test. Finding the battery will be your biggest challenge, if it needs replaced. Your BMWMOA Annon.Book will be most helpful, finding a member and/or BMW dealer nearby. Other batteries of various manufacturers may well work if you can find a battery supply store of any kind nearby and most carry motorbike batteries, I've found. "Listen up"! IF YOU can find a jumper cable and your m/c battery is accessable, jump it to a car battery of a willing helper and this will determine a lot towards your troubles...If it cranks right up and runs, the battery is toast and needs replaced. Troubles over, most probable:). Be "brief" in determining your battery condition this way, as if you have mechanical issues and the starter is failing and/or coming apart, you have to keep its damage minimal until further diagnostics are complete. Be well and best wishes. I'm betting on the battery failing and you may simply need a new one. Even new batteries fail occasionally, so don't be fooled by a fairly new battery going south, if this is your case. An alternator diagnostic may well be in order as well, for peace of mind and knowing the battery is serviced well, by the bikes internal operations. Happy Trails, Randy'"Polarbear".....:D

[BluegrassPicker]

Hi margaret, Sorry to hear about this. Do you have a copy of the anonymous book with you?

Tom

[beemerbird]

Yes, I have the book. The local Yamaha/Suzuki dealer will be here shortly to have a look at the bike, via a contact through the Book!

Thanks
PS: It's a late 2006 model

[Voni]

Sending hugs and good karma your way.

Let me know if there's anything Paul can do!

Voni
sMiling

[BluegrassPicker]

Any updates? :lurk

[FredRydr]

Single or twin F650GS?

Fred

[naddy100]

You have a PM.

[PGlaves]

Margaret,

Any update on status??

Paul

[naddy100]

I called a couple of places and it appears that the bike is at Bogarts BMW in Birmingham, AL. The rider left it there, flew to Seattle, and is going to use another unit for a while.

I don't know all the details, but it seems as though she's not stuck; stuck meaning she's without help. I hope we get filled in on the story later.

Noel
Starkville, MS
(90 miles from Hamilton, and 150 miles west of the east side of B'ham.)