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My K1600GTL only starts in neutral.

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4.1K views 34 replies 18 participants last post by  DanDiver  
D
#1 ·
For several months I have had a problem starting my bike. I replaced the battery and I also replaced the starter relay. Both intermittently seemed to have "fixed" the problem, but only temperately. I finally took it to the local shop and they had the bike for over a week. They said that it seemed like the wires going to the battery terminals were loose and tightened them up. Meanwhile they started the bike numerous times and it would not fail. They found nothing seriously wrong so I picked up the bike and rode it home.

When I tried to start the bike this morning, it would not start. Battery read 13.25 volts so I knew it wasn't the battery. Everything was tight but it still would not start.

When I stop my motorcycle, I generally leave it in first gear and bring down the kickstand. I've done it this way forever. Just for grins, I put the bike in Neutral and she fired right up. I put her back in first gear with the clutch in and she would not start. I put her in second gear, clutch in, and she would not start. Putting her in N and she fired up. I think I've figured out the problem.

It there a part or switch that might be shorting out that keeps her from starting in gear. even though the clutch is engaged?
 
#5 · (Edited)
DanDiver said:
When I tried to start the bike this morning, it would not start. Battery read 13.25 volts so I knew it wasn't the battery. Everything was tight but it still would not start.

When I stop my motorcycle, I generally leave it in first gear and bring down the kickstand. I've done it this way forever. Just for grins, I put the bike in Neutral and she fired right up. I put her back in first gear with the clutch in and she would not start. I put her in second gear, clutch in, and she would not start. Putting her in N and she fired up. I think I've figured out the problem.

It there a part or switch that might be shorting out that keeps her from starting in gear. even though the clutch is engaged?
Click to expand...
Was the side stand/kickstand down through this?

If the side stand was up during that test, then it looks like your clutch switch is faulty.

K1600 Clutch switch, anyone order one lately, where, how much? | BMW K1600 Forum


www.k1600forum.com replace clutch switch - Google Search
 
#9 ·
Jonnybow said:
Yep, once you said the stand was down and the bike in gear, I knew it was the clutch switch.
The guys above have the part for you
Click to expand...
I'm not following - don't you mean if the stand is up and the clutch pulled it should start ?

My experience has been that it will kill the engine if you have the clutch pulled in gear and you put the stand down, and sure it won't start in gear with the stand down.
 
D
#12 ·
Thanks for all of the feedback.

If the kickstand is down, bike in first gear, clutch pulled in, NO START
If the kickstand is UP, bike in first gear, clutch pulled in, NO START

If I then put the bike in NEUTRAL, kickstand up or down, the bike starts.
 
#21 ·
@slawomirskrzypczak … no idea what you are trying to communicate on this English language forum.
 
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#31 ·
Google translate (from Polish) says he's saying it's the kickstand switch, and instructions on how to start the bike in gear with the clutch pulled in. Which won't fix the OP's issue as it's the clutch switch that's not working right, not the kickstand switch.
 
#22 ·
Just an observation guys..... I've got adjustable levers on my bike. If the clutch lever is adjusted to bring the lever as close to the handlebar as possible the bike won't start in gear even though the clutch still works correctly, the lever doesn't fully operate the clutch switch. If I back the lever off just one click the bike starts in gear every time. Might be worth checking the lever adjustment if you are having trouble starting in gear.

Edit.... Apologies guys, just realised I said something similar in an earlier post.
 
#29 ·
As others have noted, sounds like the clutch relay. I had a problem like that on my old GSA. While it may seem like just a minor inconvenience, it's something you really need to get fixed. It's all fine until you stall it in an intersection and there's a cager somewhere nearby not paying attention. Best of luck.
 
#33 ·
Bimbler said:
If I recall correctly,

The test for a failed clutch switch would be trying to activate cruise control - and it if does work then checking if it switches off when the clutch is pulled in.
Click to expand...
There's two clutch switches - the one that activates close to the fully released lever position is used for the cruise control and the second switch activates when the lever is close to the handlebar is the interlock for starting/running when in gear.

So the CC test doesn't apply.
 
J
#34 ·
Mine only starts in neutral, thought this was the norm. I know if the kickstand is down and you put it in gear it kills itself. Are you trying to start it in gear with the kickstand down, if so make sure it is up before starting. Hope it helps!
 
D
#35 ·
In answer to your question, no. I have not worked on the clutch switch yet and simply put the bike in Neutral to start. Kickstand is up. She fires up without a problem. I'll eventually get to the switch.
 
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