Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
bmw r80 gs: engine problems bmw r80 gs: engine problems
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Apr 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: zurich, switzerland
Posts: 60
bmw r80 gs: engine problems
i seem to have a technical problem with my bike bmw r80 gs. i'm not really a mechanic so i'm looking for advice to my problem:

the engine keeps cutting out, just like that, during the ride.

after the engine stops, i can't start it for 2-5 minutes. after that it runs smoothly again for a while and stops again.

i had the carburators cleaned, and it seemed to work.

the problem, however, is that prior to stopping, the engine runs well on both cylingers and then stops from one second to the other. with a carburator problem i would expect one cylinder to run fine, while the other might stop. it just doesen't make sense to me that both carourators would stop at exactly the same time.

i would suspect that there might be a problem with the wiring, some loose contact.

any answer or hint would be greatly appreciated!

cheers,

steven

------------------
__________________
online diary and travel info from the road in africa:

west coast to cape town
east coast to zurich

www.contrast.cx
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Apr 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
This SOUNDS like fuel starvation - both sides run out at the same time, or with one quitting the other is so weak it quits too.

I'd check the venting for the gas cap, and the fuel filter(s). The taps themselves have a filter INSIDE the tank - and these often get badly gummed up, and covered with rust flakes. Puling the gas cap off sometimes cures the problem - plugged vent hole.

Immediately on stopping pull off one of the float bowls - is it dry, or low - should be almost brimming over.

With both bowls off check fuel flow - should be a steady stream from both sides.

That's where I'd start anyway - if that's not it, let us know and we'll get into ignition problems.


------------------
Grant Johnson

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Apr 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC - now at large in the world
Posts: 411
I think the problem is the coil. When the engine is hot, the coil gets hot too and expands. It then fails to pass a spark. When the engine cools down, things get aligned again and it works. Another thing to check is the battery negative cable and ensure you have a good ground. Other places to look are the wires to the plugs, make sure the resistance is 5000 Ohms, or around there.

------------------
Kevin

http://www.nohorizons.net
__________________
http://www.nohorizons.net
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 8
I had the same problem in Scotland last year and was the coil at the end which expanded with heat and letting moist/water in! Drove me nuts as it would run for several miles then just stop and not start for about 30-40 minutes. New coil sorted it out!

Cheers
Maverick
__________________
Little Gringo
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 May 2002
chris's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
Posts: 3,335
i agree with the others. the COIL. did the same on my r100gs. get the newer bosch one, not another old version bosch
good luck
cb
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: zurich, switzerland
Posts: 60
thanks to all of you very much!

it turned out to be a problem with the wiring... i found an excellent mechanic in bobo dioulasso, burkina faso who fixed up me bike again!

thanks again!

steven
__________________
online diary and travel info from the road in africa:

west coast to cape town
east coast to zurich

www.contrast.cx
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Oct 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Stockholm - Sweden
Posts: 317
I've had that.
Engine just stopped.
Then as it cooled down it ran like nothing had happened.

It was not easy to find the problem, but when I did...

I had jammed the cable from ignition control unit on the cam-shaft the generator cover.

You may perhaps suffer the same ?


------------------
Albert Lindberg, D.C.
heal@ebox.tninet.se
__________________
Drive Safely,
Albert
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:48.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top