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2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 8:08 am
by Q
Does anyone know how to remove the front right hand fairing on a 2016 RT LE? I can only find a 2014 video which is the older RT that I used to have.
I am trying to mount a hardwired roadhawk camera and want to tap into the right hand accessories socket to keep everything neat.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 8:12 am
by guest2360
Page 117 of your handbook explained how to.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 8:20 am
by Q
Typical,  if all else fails RTFM  :grave:

Many thanks, it's on page 130 in my manual. 

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 8:24 am
by David.
Q wrote:Does anyone know how to remove the front right hand fairing on a 2016 RT LE?
I can only find a 2014 video which is the older RT that I used to have.
Is this video any help, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDoeYK9tvmI

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 8:34 am
by guest2360
Don't want to throw a spanner into your plan but be aware that it has been known for some items once plumbed into accessory sockets to keep them alive after switch off.  Suggest you listen carefully after you turn off the ignition for a slight click about 40 seconds later  indicating the system has shut down.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 8:42 am
by David.
Have got an Autocom & Sat. Nav. mount powered from the rear aux. socket (+ve only),  with the -ve from the battery without any problems.

If the aux. socket did remain live, but nothing was plugged in to it, would this be a problem.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 9:10 am
by Q
Thanks RTman10,  I will check  that. It was fine on my 2005 RT, but this one is a bit more electronic!

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 10:56 am
by guest2360
The item I have seen keeping it open and taking power was the Autocom Bluetooth dongle but not the latest BTM 02. If whatever you wire in has a power light on it its easy enough to check.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:28 am
by David.
Presumably, any electrical item consuming power (load) will keep the aux. socket open.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:46 am
by guest2360

Presumably, any electrical item consuming power (load) will keep the aux. socket open

No it seems just some do, the rest  just shut down with the Canbus. Its when they don't and it keeps the socket open,  starting the next morning can get difficult. A good example is a compatible battery charger but with the power going the right way of course.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:05 pm
by David.
Taken from the Rider's Manual.

Power sockets

Automatic shutdown

"The power supply to the sockets is switched off a certain time after the ignition is switched off, in order to prevent overloading of the onboard electrics. Low-wattage electrical accessories might not be recognised by the vehicle’s electronics. In such cases, power sockets are switched off very shortly after the ignition is turned off."

"If the battery charge state is too low to maintain the motorcycle's start capability, the power sockets are switched off."


Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 12:50 pm
by David.
On the 1981 Yamaha XJ650, there are some Oxford heated grips fitted, they are supplied via an ignition switched live (like BMW aux. socket),  if the battery voltage drops too low, the control unit switches them off.

Surely after 35 years, BMW have caught up with this technology too.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 4:04 pm
by STeinar
If what you connect do have a capacitor inside to filter noise, then the bike after switching off the power socket do measure some voltage on the connector still there, then switching the connector back on as it "could" be a charger connected.

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 4:21 pm
by T6pilot
Removing the fairing on the 16 should be the same as 14, no changes
A Warning and a Caution
WARNING
Be careful removing panel after screws are out, the 2 tabs that hold the panel to the upper piece are fragile and easily broken
CAUTION
the screws you remove have a plastic washer and different length shanks, I have found it best to use a short length of masking tape and secure the screw next to its respective hole
Don't forget there are a couple rubber grommets on the various side panel these can easily get displaced and are difficult to relocate once they drop down


My dealer supplied me with some extra grommets and a bag of washers, so I wouldn't be caught short
As a last note a bit of silicone grease on the end of screws helps them get started into nut/nut plate easier

Re: 2016 RT fairing removal

Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2016 4:36 pm
by guest2360


Surely after 35 years, BMW have caught up with this technology too.


Of course they have.  The accessory sockets are isolated if Canbus decides the voltage is too low.  It will also switch off your GPS, heated grips and seats.  But if something has been grafted into the system that keeps taking power after you switch off your battery will be well down before that happens.