Idle drop off

[Gaston]

Hi, I've had my 04 1150R for 3 months now, and I love it. It is a fantastic machine in all aspects. I do have two issues and am looking for some guidance.

First, my bike has an unusual habit of cutting out as it moves through warming up. When I first crank my bike and have the choke on as it starts to get warm enough to turn the choke off it will occasionally cut out. If I ride the beauty for a few miles and get ready to park it, when it is just getting really nice and hot and ready to roll it will cut out. I'm thinking it needs a tune up - even though the shop claimed it had been serviced before I bought it.

2nd is the heated hand grips, they don't heat. I checked my fuse and it seems to be OK. I saw mention of wire wear although I don't think I've check that well enough. What else?

Thanks in advance, I am very excited about this bike and this community.

[DJ Downunder]

Hi there Gaston..welcome aboard....I'm no expert but...

First..our bikes do not have a choke..it's just a fast idle..and I think it's main job is to prevent the engine stalling when cold.

It takes a fair while for our bikes to warm up..it may run well while riding but if you turn it off too soon it may want to stall when you stop.

It may also be a tune or adjustment thing..it should idle on about 1100rpm I think.

About your heated grips..you should try replacing the fuse to rule that out first..then check where the wires come out from under the tank on the right side for any cable ties that may be too tight and cutting through the loom..after that maybe have your dealer look at it..our take them apart yourself..it's something I have not done but it shouldn't be too hard to do.

Good luck with it and let us know how you go.

DJ

[towerworker]

I agree with DJ, you need to run it several miles prior to flipping the fast idle lever back to normal. I run mine probably 5 miles or better before setting it back. (Depending on how cold it is) It will stall if you set it back too soon.

The grip issue is somewhat common. His advice is right on as well.

Wayne

[Gaston]

thanks guys,

good advice, sadly my ride to work is a lowly 3 miles...............

[chris]

thanks guys,

good advice, sadly my ride to work is a lowly 3 miles...............

Hi Gaston, welcome! Get up early and detour!

[towerworker]

I never take the direct route anywhere on my R. Always take the long way around!

It's probably 3 or so miles to my office as well, but I manage to make it 9 or 10.

Wayne

[Gaston]

I can make my ride 9 or 10 miles, easy.......

[Gaston]

With the help from you guys and the clues you gave me I figured out what was wrong with my bike. The wiring, not only to the heater grips but to the ignition switch were worn/breaking! Dangerous riding. When you mentioned that the wiring to the heated grips can go bad it clued me in as I was moving my bike around in my garage. When I would turn my bars hard from one side to the other the engine would either sputter or die! The wire from the starter switch is worn and moving toward being broken. The guys at the BMW are fixing it - under warranty, so I should be squared away soon.

Thanks to the knowledge you guys share and your willingness to help out. I owe ya one!