Engine/Power Shut Down

[Andy A]

Hey everyone: I have a 2003 R1150RT with just under 74,000 miles on it. Yesterday morning while coming to a slow stop in traffic on the way to work, the engine decided to shut down. The bike has always run great with out any sudden shut downs like this at all. And I mean total shut down; the clock went to all zeros like you had pulled the fuse or disconnected the battery. I was able to re-start before coming to a complete stop and it has not missed a beat since. I am sure this a sign telling me to take action before I’m pushing, but I’m not sure exactly what to take action on. Thanks for your help.

[ElevenFifty]

Check the battery terminal connections ... I just rescued a buddy whose Guzzi stopped dead - It has also happened to my son's Honda. In both cases they had noticed a slight and occasional 'miss' as the terminal loosened.

[Andy A]

How true. Sometimes the simplest things can cause the biggest problems! I'll check tonight. Thank you.

[flars]

The main fuse sometimes fails without looking bad. I would replace it just for the heck of it.

That said, mine has quit on two occasions when I backed off the throttle for a corner. Rather disconcerting, but it hasn't happened again in over a year.

[Andy A]

Yet another good idea and a simple fix. Thanks again.

[HRminneapolis]

make sure the battery terminals are tight. they can vibrate into imtermittent contact way too easy. don't ask how I know

[Andy A]

OK. I checked all of the fuses, although I didn’t see one that was a “main” fuse. I presume the motronic fuse and fuel system could have caused a sudden shut down, but I wouldn’t think enough to cause a clock reset. The battery terminals were tight and clean, and I would think the bike would continue to run even with the battery removed such as a car will. I do believe a disruption in the power, such as a loose terminal could cause enough of an upset in the circuit to reset the clock….

 

It is still a mystery, but I do feel better for at least checking the items you all have suggested. The bike is still running great so I will leave well enough alone! Thank you.

[jbr7t]

I had a similar issue with my '04. I ended up taking it into the mechanic just to be sure. It turns out my battery was at the end of it's life. Therefore when at low idle and the alternator not keeping up with its lowness (that's the only word I could think of) it was not producing enough voltage to keep everything going. Just something to think about. Good luck and hope you don't have anymore troubles.

[Andy A]

James, I too have seen issues with mine when the battery had gotten low. I just checked my records and it has been two years since I installed the gel battery….. From time-to-time I put it on the trickle charger, even though I ride it every day to work, just to keep it topped off. Good idea to check its charge now that it is cooling off here in TX.