BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi, I've noticed an intermittent problem with my 2005 1200RT  Probably happens about 1 in 20 start cycles.


I turn the key to the on position, and the yellow triangle appears with the EWS display on the dash. The bike won't turn over, if I switch off/on again it usually clears it. It's only on startup and never gives a problem once started.


I read that it could be a problem with the RFID antenna that reads the key chip ?  Is this likely to get worse and leave me stranded ?  Is it an easy repair ?


Thx


Mat

A "Google" search has come up with a technical campaign (recall) on some EWS rings.

Here is a list of VIN nos., (not sure if they are just US models),  https://www.bmwlt.com/forums/rt-series/ ... -info.html

Further info. from BMWMOA, https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.ph ... t-EWS-quot

More from Adventure Rider, check the part no. ends in 247, https://advrider.com/f/threads/replace- ... ng.620400/

Emergency ring antenna replacement, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQnGgAOzcng

A new ring antenna #6 is £33.82, https://www.online-parts.co.uk/bmw-bike ... nth=01#sub

Looks like the ignition switch may need to be removed to replace the ring antenna.





How to remove the ignition switch, https://advrider.com/f/threads/how-to-r ... h.1207286/

matgriff wrote:Is this likely to get worse and leave me stranded?

Looks like it could be a possibility. Carrying a spare ring antenna and key might just save the day.
Emergency ring antenna replacement, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQnGgAOzcng

matgriff wrote:Is it an easy repair?

Looks like a right chew on removing the ignition switch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CltWWNdropk

Thanks for the info, I'll have a read up on it :-)


Mat

As a test I decided to remove my topbox key off the main bike keyring to see if that helped..... went out on the bike yesterday and no re-occurrence of the EWS message, so maybe the topbox key was affecting the antenna ?  Time will tell.

Thanks for the feedback, problem solved.

The Rider's Manual states, "A spare key attached to the same ring as the ignition key used to start the engine could "irritate" the electronics, in which case the enabling signal for starting is not issued. The EWS warning appears in the multifunction display. Always keep the spare key separate from the ignition key."

On long trips I have the spare key on a landyard around my neck.  Never had a problem so that must be out of range.