K75s Starter is stuck

[k75srider]

Help Please.
Here is the problem. My starter is stuck engagaed. I went to start the bike one morning and I had a weak battery, it was kind of cold and the bike was barely turning over. I turned the ignition off and the bike continued trying to turn over. I quickly disconected the battery. I bought a new battery , but when I conected the ground the bike started turning over again but really fast. mind you the ignition switch is off and I'm not pressing the starter button. I have heard others talk of this problem with K bikes, but can't remember the specifics. Does anyone out there in beemer land have the answer, I know that you do. I'm cheap and don't want to take it to the shop if I don't have to. I would really appreciate anyone's help who can help me solve this problem.
Thanks Craig

[dbrick]

Your bike needs a new starter relay. It's under the tank in the relay box.

Best theory I've heard about this is that trying to start the bike with a low battery draws more current through the relay than it's designed for. The contacts melt together into an always-turned-on position.

[kioolt]

As previously stated, your starter relay has its contacts stuck together. I have been able to unstick the contacts by tapping on the relay. It is under your tank. I don't know the exact position in the relay box but it will be the relay with the bigger wires on it. If tapping on it doesn't work, it shouldn't be to hard to replace. This is definitely something I would do myself instead of paying big bucks to let a dealer do it.

[flat_twin]

Originally posted by dbrick
Your bike needs a new starter relay. It's under the tank in the relay box.

Best theory I've heard about this is that trying to start the bike with a low battery draws more current through the relay than it's designed for. The contacts melt together into an always-turned-on position.


Been there, tapped that, and got away with it!! Yep the starter relay is stuck because of low voltage from a near dead battery. Get in the black box under the tank, give the big relay a good tap with a screwdriver handle and hope you didn't fry the relay. If you got the old battery disconnected quick enough, you should be ok. The tank does not have to be completely removed, just lifted enough to get access to the box.

Mark

[CustomSarge]

Having had this happen 4 times to me (different bikes), the relay is in the rear right corner as you sit on the bike. If you can't lift the tank 'cause you're on the road, try this. Take a dowel or a narrow block of wood and put it under the frame against the right rear corner of the relay box to deliver a shock from another block, hammer or rock. Force isn't the issue, you want a sudden shock. Replacing the relay is good, since the chance of another welding goes up due to the contact areas now have irregular matching surfaces, but it's ~$50. Alternatively, after removing the relay, take 2 small screwdrivers and pop the cover off. Get some 1000-1500 grit sandpaper (bodyshops & suppliers) and drag it through the contacts while holding them closed until both sides are a shiny smooth dome. The best answer would be a solid-state relay: no contacts, but I've not heard of one out there. Good Hunting <<<)))

[bmwmick]

Craig,
You've had several great replies. All are right on! I've seen this happen to several K-Bikes. The same relay (61 31 1 459 008) was used for all the K-Bikes through the K1100's.
There is a retrofit kit (61 357 663 945) that is made for the new K1200's to prevent this from ever happening. It is not sold for the earlier K-Bikes but I'm sure you could do it with some investigation.
Tapping your relay with a screwdrive or hammer handle will most likely unstick it. I would probably replace that relay with a new one and then clean up the contacts on your old one and carry it as a spare.

HTH,
Mick

PS That relay is $43.48 from these guys.... http://www.chicagobmwmotorcycle.com/

[k75srider]

Hey thanks a lot guys, you have made my day! I knew this was a easy fix, but did not want to proceed without the advice of other like minded souls. Wish that I would of sought your advice sooner as I have missed out on the last 60 degree days that we might see here in central WIS.. Still no snow so there is still riding to do. Thanks again, ride safe and long.
Craig