Gear Position Indicator - 2004 R1150RT

[BMW_Ken]

After riding about 2 hrs in heavy rain, my gear position indicator went flaky.

 

I have read of several neutral light switches going bad, but very few gear position indicator switches malfunctioning. The microfiche for the R1150RT does not seem to show a separate neutral switch. Does anyone know if they were combined into one switch on the R1150RT?

[Big_Gray]

Hi Ken:

A similar thing happened to me on my 2003 RT when it was about a year old. After about 3 hours in heavy rain (why do we do this?)my indicator started behaving eratically. It only indicated the right gear once in a while, and probably by chance. I made some inquiries right here on this forum and I believe I was advised I was going to have to replace the sending unit as the corrosion gremlins would be setting in sooner or later. Procrastinator that I am, I delayed doing anything other than riding the bike for a couple weeks, annoyed that I didn't know for sure what gear I was in.

About the time I was getting used to it, the problem disappeared. It probably dried out. It must have self sealed too as it still works 7 years and many rainy rides later. Perhaps you will get lucky too if you aren't in too much of a hurry. Good luck. I understand getting at the switch itself is a significant job.

[Big_Gray]

Ken:

One more thing.

From Max BMW Pt # 23142333154 GEAR POSITION INDICATOR SWITCH 0.13 1 $115.08

 

[dirtrider]

Evening Ken

 

That isn’t unusual when riding in very wet weather. Lots of 1100/1150 RT’s do/did that. The shift position indicator switch is a very low current affair so even a little water will drive the internal continuity crazy.

 

Just ride it a while and see if it goes back to normal (they usually do).

 

[Skywagon]

Had the same thing happen to my 2005 1150RT when riding through rain for about 4-5 days straight. After it dried out, worked perfectly. Just let it dry for a few days and you will be fine. It hasn't happened to me since on the occasional few hours of rain.

[jfremder]

I've had the same issue occur after every extended rain ride for the last several years. It always corrects itself after a couple dry riding days, faster if it's hot out.

 

Hi Ken:

A similar thing happened to me on my 2003 RT when it was about a year old. After about 3 hours in heavy rain (why do we do this?)my indicator started behaving eratically. It only indicated the right gear once in a while, and probably by chance. I made some inquiries right here on this forum and I believe I was advised I was going to have to replace the sending unit as the corrosion gremlins would be setting in sooner or later. Procrastinator that I am, I delayed doing anything other than riding the bike for a couple weeks, annoyed that I didn't know for sure what gear I was in.

About the time I was getting used to it, the problem disappeared. It probably dried out. It must have self sealed too as it still works 7 years and many rainy rides later. Perhaps you will get lucky too if you aren't in too much of a hurry. Good luck. I understand getting at the switch itself is a significant job.