K11 Owners Group

Ray Laino · Joined: 25 Sep 2015 Posts: 2 Location: Chardon,Ohio USA

I'm brand new to the Group, very happy to find you!
So, I've owned her for about 2 months, she ran fine until the other day when she wouldn't start. I'm stumped.
Here's some clues;
Won't turn over, starter solenoid just clicks
Fuel pump whines for a few seconds, responding to the kill switch
Headlight won't light, turn signals inoperative.
Yet Battery tests good

Any Ideas?
Thanks! Confused

_________________
1995 K1100LT with 110,000 miles
and going strong

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2015 10:15 pm Post subject:

I'm thinking starter brushes.

Try this and see if it helps:::

(with the ignition OFF)put it in gear, probably 5th, and roll it backwards and pop the clutch.
This will rotate the starter motor in reverse direction, in the process also help clean the starter brushes contact with the starter armature.

After you do this, turn you key back on and see if you have headlight power....

The headlight and turn signals are powered from the load shed relay, and the load shed relay operation is part of the starter motor circuit.

If when you are done with this, you have headlight and it starts, you may be due to clean the inside of the starter, and/or replace the starter brushes.
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Ray Laino · Joined: 25 Sep 2015 Posts: 2 Location: Chardon,Ohio USA

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 9:26 am Post subject:

This image may help your understanding.

_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

jay k. · Posted: Mon Sep 28, 2015 11:26 am Post subject:

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 12:17 am Post subject:

K bikes do not have a solenoid. It's more of a clutch mechanism.. (aka sprag)

If you are having headlight issues and starting problems then the load shed relay may be faulty.
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kioolt · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2015 3:27 am Post subject:

The OP said the starter solenoid clicked. What he really meant is that the starter relay clicked. The load shed relay WILL NOT keep the starter from working. The load shed relay will keep the lights and some other non-essential for engine operation items from working. The starter will keep the load shed relay from working. Looking at the load shed relay as the cause for the OP's problem is a waste of time. His problem is the classic starter brush problem.
_________________
2004 R1150RT 186,800 miles
1991 K100LT 128,700 miles
1982 R100RT 106,900 miles
Total 422,400 BMW miles
AMA,BMWRA,BMWMOA
The cheapest thing on a BMW is the nut that connects the handlebars to the seat.