Just curious to see if there are any other owners that have experienced starter issues. Occasionally (and I don't think it's going to get better on it's own) when I push the start button I can clearly hear the starter motor spinning but it has not engaged the flywheel and the bike doesn't start. Usually I try a couple times and it engages but this morning I put it in gear and bumped it forward a bit and it started. Any ideas? I suspect it's a starter and likely pricy. Bike is a 2014 K1600GT with 10K miles and that seems kind of early for starter issues. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Yes and if you search it on here, it happens quite often. My bike has done it a few times, gave me a heart attack! I haven't had it happen in a while but when it does happen, it will start the very next attempt.
Some folks have replaced parts, others haven't. I won't replace anything until 1 of 2 scenarios happen:
1: The bike finally doesn't start no matter what I do. or,
2: It happens more frequently and I'm getting close to the end of my extended warranty.
My first part replaced would be the battery; probably with lithium. Worked for most MV's with the same starter sprag clutch non engagement problem.
Tom
hi
I have a 14 mine did the same thing. around the same mileage . I bought the gtl new. I checked for a lose battery cable(nope). so I put in new battery .( nope did not fix) well **** . so i read all stories on the forum about sprag clutch being dirty, or some **** and will not engage .then I realized I haven't changed oil for 2 years .so I changed oil & filter and put in z-max oil treatment that's supposed clean engine parts. I bought it at Walmart thinking it would clean out sprag clutch.
well all this worked for me. starts like new. no problems
Agreed, if no warranty, 1st I'd look at battery (most problems surface in winter when not started regularly), next I'd try oil change, then I'd try Rislone or CD2 Engine Oil Detergent into the oil, then I'd suck it up and replace the sprag. Some have had luck somewhere along the way........ Good luck :smile:.
Frequently have the same issue with my 2012 I picked up 2 months ago. Previous owner had issue, thought it was the starter and the local shop gladly accepted his $1k to replace it. Sad they aren't aware of this seemingly common issue.
Replaced the battery as recommended in the other thread. No help. I've found if I just give it a couple seconds, then hold the starter in, it will eventually catch.
Added a antigravity x10 jump starter to my always carry kit, so if it takes longer to start, I've always got enough juice to get'er started.
I am confident if it was oil or battery BMW would have chosen that repair route for the hundreds of warranty claims they have had on this issue between 2012 and 2016. But maybe not. All I know is every single person including myself who has had the starter or clutch replaced due to this same problem has never had the issue come back. For me, that's evidence enough it's a defective part and not oil or battery replaced.
I am confident if it was oil or battery BMW would have chosen that repair route for the hundreds of warranty claims they have had on this issue between 2012 and 2016
.... and I am confident that every manufacturer that has had starter sprag failures (Triumph, MV Agusta, and BMW) will continue to replace rather than repair during the warranty period. That's the simple solution, no matter what the problem.
What you try after the warranty period, as always, is up to you. :smile:
Yep, that ain't a K1600.
It is a gorgeous bike however.
The starter problem can raise it's ugly head with a brand new battery or a used one. When the battery is really weak, the starter just spins slow and you'll have a slow start. The starter issue sounds like a starter that just doesn't engage, it free spins. It's a crazy sound that you just don't want to hear BUT it's completely different than a bad battery sound.
My 2021 GA has started doing it at only 1000 miles. Also sounds like a can of pennies shaking cruising in 3rd and 4th gears. I'll put it in 5th at 40 mph just so I don't have to listen to it. Of course I could leave the rpms way up in 2nd but that's just as annoying. Turd of a bike so far.
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