F650 GS won't stay started

SkinnyTiger · 11-07-2010, 03:41 PM

After not riding for a couple of months - I had to give my bike a jump start - I followed directions in the manual. When we took the cover off - there was an old dirt-dobber nest which could have caused a short. Afther the jump - the bike would run while connected to the car, but only on its own for about 30 to 40 seconds. Is this the immobilizer or could it just be a dead cell in the battery? There isn't a BMW dealership in our town - nearest is about 90 miles south.

On the trickle charger - the battery gets the green light - but when it's connected to the bike it is drained down again.

I guess I need to know how the bike would act if it were just the immobilizer. (I tried both sets of keys that I have - same thing)

Suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks

blender · 11-07-2010, 04:25 PM

You have a dead battery. When you replace it put the new battery on the trickle charger for a few hours before using it. Any local M/C shop should at least be able to order an appropriate-sized battery if they don't already have one in stock.

When I needed a new battery I was able to source one from Battery Mart, you might have a similar store in your area.

And next time if you're not using the bike for a few months on a Battery Tender or similar charger.

slowoldguy · 11-08-2010, 10:03 AM

Hey, doc. That was my first guess, too. Rule out battery before you do anything else. On every BMW I've ever owned, it's always the battery.

RetrogradE · 11-08-2010, 11:58 AM

Ayup.

Battery.

Same thing happened to me.

SkinnyTiger · 11-09-2010, 04:52 PM

It was the battery - she is purring like a kitten again

Yeah for new batteries!

11-07-2010, 03:41 PM	#1
SkinnyTiger ^OP Adventurer Princess Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Central Texas Oddometer: 15	F650 GS won't stay started After not riding for a couple of months - I had to give my bike a jump start - I followed directions in the manual. When we took the cover off - there was an old dirt-dobber nest which could have caused a short. Afther the jump - the bike would run while connected to the car, but only on its own for about 30 to 40 seconds. Is this the immobilizer or could it just be a dead cell in the battery? There isn't a BMW dealership in our town - nearest is about 90 miles south. On the trickle charger - the battery gets the green light - but when it's connected to the bike it is drained down again. I guess I need to know how the bike would act if it were just the immobilizer. (I tried both sets of keys that I have - same thing) Suggestions are welcomed. Thanks __________________ BMW F650GS Babies don't need a vacation, but I still see them at the beach... it pisses me off! I'll go over to a little baby and say 'What are you doing here? You haven't worked a day in your life!'

11-07-2010, 04:25 PM	#2
blender Just another rider Joined: Jul 2004 Location: The Middle Coast Oddometer: 687	You have a dead battery. When you replace it put the new battery on the trickle charger for a few hours before using it. Any local M/C shop should at least be able to order an appropriate-sized battery if they don't already have one in stock. When I needed a new battery I was able to source one from Battery Mart, you might have a similar store in your area. And next time if you're not using the bike for a few months on a Battery Tender or similar charger. __________________ Steve Madison, WI

11-08-2010, 10:03 AM	#3
slowoldguy Tire Tester Joined: Jun 2004 Location: West of Waco, Texas Oddometer: 6,182	Hey, doc. That was my first guess, too. Rule out battery before you do anything else. On every BMW I've ever owned, it's always the battery. __________________ Roll The Bones IV- What's coming next? http://www.rollthebonesrally.com/ "If you can't fix it with a hammer you can damn sure teach it a lesson".

11-09-2010, 04:52 PM	#5
SkinnyTiger ^OP Adventurer Princess Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Central Texas Oddometer: 15	Thanks It was the battery - she is purring like a kitten again Yeah for new batteries! __________________ BMW F650GS Babies don't need a vacation, but I still see them at the beach... it pisses me off! I'll go over to a little baby and say 'What are you doing here? You haven't worked a day in your life!'

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11-08-2010, 11:58 AM	#4
RetrogradE Banned Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Cap City, Utah Oddometer: 1,076	Ayup. Battery. Same thing happened to me.