Stalling Question

[lenrt1200st]

I have a simple question about stalling during start off. I was on a slight incline at a stop sign. When I went to move forward approaching the sign (I was in a line of stopped cars, etc.) the bike (2006, R1200ST) stalled. I had a rider on the back, I'm on a hill, and darn the bike dies:banghead.

When I restarted, pulling in the clutch, thumbing the starter, I get the "flashing" brake warning light which tells me that the brakes are not at full power. I had to apply the brake to keep from rolling backward into cars behind me:dunno so I couldn't use a normal starting sequence. Sure enough, brake response was weak as I approached the paint/stop line and the failure light was frantically flashing.

Now, I'm faced w/ riding away from the stop w/out good braking performance! Not a great feeling. So, I stop the bike by the side of the road after negotiating the stop and right turn, and shut off the bike on more level ground and re-start. Now, I get the normal slow flash associated w/ a normal start, and no rapid "brake failure" light flashing. The slow flash clears as soon as I'm under way.

I'm familiar w/ this function, but I'm wondering if there is there a method for starting the bike after a stall on un-level ground, where the brake must be applied to hold the bike?

This scared the snot outta me earlier on a down hill start up that nearly put me in the path of an oncoming truck...yikes!

How does one restart on a hill w/out enabling this brake failure situation? Your advice/comments are appreciated.

Thanks,

Len

[108625]

Len,

The first thing I would suggest is you find a hill near you with minimal traffic, and develop your own technique, practice it until you're confident with it and maybe come back and share it. I will say that I use my rear brake only to hold on a hill, if it's steep I have my leg muscles and body weight to apply all the pressure I need while my hand is free to just work the throttle.
The incline you were on may have affected your indicated fluid levels, triggering the brake warning light, if your pads are very worn, the fluid level would be down a bit to start with. Check it before you ride, if you have to add any, and keep in mind when you replace your pads that some may have to come back out. Lots of vehicles give you warnings about low fluid levels (brakes, oil, coolant, etc.) when the vehicle is significantly out of level, and usually can only be reset by swtiching the ignition off and restarting. If the message returns afterwards, you may have a problem.
As far as how stalling affects the servo assist brakes, they are supposed to work as long as the ignition key is on, regardless if the engine is running. If that is not the case, you need to get it looked at right away.

Hope this helps,
Bob
(fellow STer)

[lenrt1200st]

Thanks, Bob and fellow ST'er,

Your comments are helpful in regard to starting on an incline. Which for that matter, I'm pretty good at!

Maybe I was not clear in my original question. Sorry. The fluids are fine, brakes in good repair, etc.

My confusion is this, when you hold the brake; foot or right hand level and re-start the bike, you get a "fast flashing" brake failure light! BTW- This is not the usual slow fleshing brake failure light that you get on a normal start up. And, more importantly you braking performance is terrible until you shut off the bike, and restart it w/out engaging the brake. This makes a re-start on an incline steep enough to require you use the brakes, a real PITA.

Is there a way to start the bike on a steep incline, while holding the brake level or foot brake and not upsetting the computer, compromising braking performance, engaging the alarm system? Or do you have to hold the bike w/ your legs, no touching any brake(s), roll the bike to level ground, etc. to re-start?

Thanks,

Len

[MPATROVSKY]

To avoid the failure according to the users manual on the bike:
place the bike in 1st gear and let out the clutch and turn off the key letting the engine hold the bike in place without any brake application.
Turn on the ignition key and wait until you get the normal slow flash of the brake warning light. Apply the hand brake and place transmission in neutral. Start the bike. Place bike in 1st gear and ride off normally.

[lenrt1200st]

To avoid the failure according to the users manual on the bike:
place the bike in 1st gear and let out the clutch and turn off the key letting the engine hold the bike in place without any brake application.
Turn on the ignition key and wait until you get the normal slow flash of the brake warning light. Apply the hand brake and place transmission in neutral. Start the bike. Place bike in 1st gear and ride off normally.
Thanks, MPAT,
This is all well and good, but quite a PITA in traffic, or in a line of cars at a stop sign.:banghead While I'm doing all that, the drivers behind me are waiting to proceed on their way.

I'd hoped there was a simpler, more rapid over-ride or solution. But, I do appreciate your advice just the same.

Thx,
Len :0)