BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

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burridge01 wrote:[/size]As a keyless rider i have to know whether this is a common/known issue.Not had an issue myself but ive not put much mileage on the bike.

I've not had issues with either of my GS's with keyless fuel caps, plus it's only two torx screws to open it if it does catch you out for any reason.

burridge01 wrote: As a keyless rider i have to know whether this is a common/known issue.Not had an issue myself but ive not put much mileage on the bike.

My cap failed on my 2019 after about 8 months, it was changed with an updated cap and has been good for 2.5 years

Found this thread posted by gogs01, BMW R1200RT / R1250RT forum - The BMW R1200RT/R1250RT forum

From his diagnosis, it would seem to confirm that if a voltage is constantly applied to the cap, it will remain unlocked.

Perhaps this now answers wethead's question, "how to disable the auto lock on a gas cap".

Whether this action will cause any damage to what I think is a solenoid remains to be seen.

This also now agrees with keith1200r, that disconnecting the cap would "leave it permanently locked".

The best solution would appear to be, get the faulty cap replaced under warranty or "ditch & switch" for a keyed version.

Well it's good to know there is no on going issue with the cap.I really need to stop spending money on the bike

problem with the electronic key lock has never been a problem with me with RT/s (and I am on my 5th one: a 2021).


However, I did have one incident with my K1600, such that, I never want to experience that again hearing RT owners whom have had the gas cap malfunction.


As I stated earlier: I don't like keyless anything. I just simply want to get rid of mine

I don't understand the concern about the keyless fuel filler. If it fails, you remove two screws and it opens. The tool is under the seat.

Every day's a school day!

I was under the impression that after you switched the ignition off that you only had a short time period when you could open the cap and then it locked.
I just tried the same as another poster on here, I went out to my bike without the key and of course, the cap was locked. I then went out with the key in my pocket, I did not touch the ignition button but I was able to open my fuel cap.
It seems that if the bike has been parked for a while and you walk up to it with the key you can actually open the fuel cap without first turning the ignition on.

I never knew that!

burridge01 wrote: Well it's good to know there is no on going issue with the cap.I really need to stop spending money on the bike

No chance, there’s always something…

From manual:
There are 2 ways to open the
fuel filler cap:
Within the after-run period. (2 minutes)
After the after-run period is
over.
After the after-run period is
over
Bring radio-operated key into
reception range.
Slowly pull up tab 1.
The indicator light for the radio-
operated key blinks as
long as the radio-operated
key is being searched for.
Slowly pull up the fuel cap
tab 1 again.
Fuel filler cap unlocked.

Same thing on my 2017 GSA

When opening the fuel filler cap the 2nd way, at 3:00 in this video, it shows the tab being pulled twice to unlock and open the cap.

BMW R1250 GSA new fuel cap / Emergency key issue? - YouTube

I watched a video (which I can't find now) where a guy showed a dismantled cap/surround. He was able to remove the small ball and sliding part (solenoid ??) that meant the cap could be closed and secured so there was no leak of fuel or vapours, but is no longer lockable. My question is this. The cap itself has the sliding part. The upper part slides under the surround to keep the cap securely shut. On the same sliding part there is the lower, much smaller, part that connects with that ball/pin/solenoid to lock/unlock the cap. Instead of removing the ball/solenoid, what would happen if I just cut off that lower part of the sliding latch ? I may be way off track on this but I would be interested in your suggestions/opinions. Regards and safe riding to all.

I have had my question answered. My BMW dealer kindly cut off the small tab. I can use it like a normal fuel cap although it won't lock. Good enough until they let me know that a replacement fuel cap can be fitted. It means I can still use my tank bag. Hope this helps.

As an iteresting side note my dealer warned me about using a metal tank bag ring around the filler cap. He said there are a lot of electronics going on in the cap and the ring can create interference with it that can ultimately leads to failure. In therory that kind of makes sense, power & a metal loop tie in with magnetic induction and all that, but really. We're talking 12v and a near enough 6" diameter ring.

I've googled this and there just doesn't seem to be any information out there on the subject. Is my dealer talking out of his a*se or has anyone actually known this to happen?

Capt Sisko wrote: Wed May 07, 2025 12:34 pm As an iteresting side note my dealer warned me about using a metal tank bag ring around the filler cap. He said there are a lot of electronics going on in the cap and the ring can create interference with it that ultimately leads to failure. In therory that kind of makes sense, power & a metal loop tie in with magnetic induction and all that, but really. We're talking 12v and a near enough 6" diameter ring.

I've googled this and there just doesn't seem to be any information out there on the subject. Is my dealer talking out of his a*se or has anyone actually known this to happen?

I got the same story from a BM dealer in Ravenna last year when my petrol cap wouldn’t open. It was a very worrying moment, low on fuel en route to the ferry, fortunately the dealership was close and they fixed it.
They also suggested that fuel splashing ones the mechanism may cause a lack of lubrication resulting in the cap not opening, their resolution was simply to lubricate the mechanism.
Whatever, I’m careful how I fill up, lubricate the mech and carry suitable torx drivers so that I remove the cap to refil if all else fails.

I wonder if the magnetic ring theory is more than just a theory. I have re installed the same tank ring so I will see what happens. Fingers crossed that it WAS just a dodgy cap. I'll keep you posted.