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Kill switch malfunction


Brad Moores

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Three months ago my RT (2011) would not start. Problem was kill switch was overheated in sunlight. Now, in winter here in Florida same problem re-occurred. Got it started and then running down road bike just turned itself off. Now can't get it re-started. Suggestions???

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  • 4 weeks later...

The starter switch fails when exposed to high heat or direct sunlight. Press the button to start and nothing happens. When under way there is no problem.

 

Direct sunlight expands the switch housing and the foil strips that make contact can't touch. In an emergency, pour cold water over the switch housing and the switch will work.

 

It happened to me in August and the dealer replaced the switch under warranty. Later they called me and replaced it again (although working) with a new part number that is supposed to cure the problem.

 

It is a well known issue that has been discussed on this board, BMWLT, BMWMOA etc.

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Exposed to high heat or sunlight??? Good thing motorcycles are never subjected to those. Geez, I'm beginning to think BMW engineers have their heads... where the sun don't shine.

 

pete

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You haven't figured out that German guys are quite happy to use you for beta testing of their stuff that hasn't seen adequate testing time in the real world where climates are moe extreme than Germany?

Their development tesingt in North America is a couple quick runs and call it good, if any. There is no such thing as sustained hot weather in northern Europe- which is why a whole raft of Ger,man stuff routinely has problems like adhesives, some rubbers (still),electronics, some plastics, etc. Not as bas as old Brit rubber from the 50sthat always dry-rotted and cracked i US sunshine in about a year...

BMW Motorad relies on is customers for developmet testing which is why a lot of us say year 3 of a new model is good time to think about it. The GErman car makers do enough North American testing to do a better job but not quite enough..

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Exposed to high heat or sunlight??? Good thing motorcycles are never subjected to those. Geez, I'm beginning to think BMW engineers have their heads... where the sun don't shine.

What is this high heat you talk of ?

Not seen here for a few years, mores the pity.

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Morning John

 

There have been a few switch failures on the 2010 model. There has also been at least one switch pod change (supercede) since the 2010.

 

Will yours fail?- no way of knowing. Can it fail?- sure.

 

With all the problems BMW has been having with the switch assemblies on the 2010>up RT's, unless your dealer is a total money grabbing pocket stuffer, you will probably get some good will help should yours fail.

 

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Is this kill switch issue also a problem on the 2010RT? My warranty runs out this June.

John

 

The problem arose when the new switch clusters (with left side turn signal switch) went into use with the 2010 models.

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