BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

06 bmw r1200rt  won't start  I had bike running with sidestand down  put it in gear engine stopped  put side stand up etc  bike won't start  soft click from starter relay that's all  battery is good any ideas  appreciated

Darren wrote:I had bike running with side stand down put it in gear engine stopped.

From the Rider's Manual, "The engine will switch itself off if you start it with the gearbox in neutral and then engage a gear before retracting the side stand".

Yes that's correct but out of gear  now sidestand up won't start at all

Could be a faulty side stand switch.

Any way of testing the switch

Does the switch have a plug which can be disconnected (#5) or is it hardwired (#1).



Either way, the switch will look like this on the inside. First, I'd remove the switch to make sure that the plastic peg isn't broken. After that, it would be some electrical tests.

Found this thread on BMWMOA, Kick Stand Sensor '07 R1200RT (bmwmoa.org)

A video that shows how to access the side stand switch and how to at your own risk bypass it, https://youtu.be/dHXGGXKYk_E

Could it be a jammed starter ?

Hi I'll try the sidestand switch tomo  ref stuck starter I put it it it 3rd and pushed bike few times to see if it would  start after  no luck but maybe I'll try to run power straight to starter motor as well

It's such a small but critical component;  I've wondered if, while out on tour, is there a temporary fix, like just attaching a wire to bypass the unit? 

jackronner wrote:I've wondered if, while out on tour, is there a temporary fix, like just attaching a wire to bypass the unit?

This works for a GS, https://youtu.be/kWVEAMZ7jMg I would imagine it's similar for an RT.

Bridging the two wires at the plug would save butchering the wiring until a new switch can be fitted.

Yeah, David, that was my thought - to just complete the circuit in the plug and tape it.  Or, if the plug won't come out, just bridge two small adjacent stripped areas up the wire instead of cutting it.  Thanks, and Happy Christmas.

What about making up a "Jumper" with a couple of "Scotch Lock T Tap" connectors. (to be made up and carried as an emergency fix prior to any switch failure) This could be applied with minimal damage to the original wiring then removed later after a replacement switch (About £65) is obtained.

This is the wiring diagram for the side stand switch.



If the Haynes manuals are correct, it's the same for both Hexheads & Camheads.

In this example, bridging the red & brown wires would simulate the side stand in the up position.

There are two styles of side stand switches, one has wires coming out and the other takes a plug. The latter would be much easier to deal with. Otherwise, fairing panels would have to be removed to trace the wire back to the connector.

An example of a cracked switch and loop bypass at the plug, Side-stand Kill Switch and Field Jumper Repair | BMW Motorcycle Club of Indianapolis (bmwmcindy.org)

(Click on the photos to enlarge).