F You BMW!

ErricZ · 03-29-2002, 02:51 PM

Ya know, do you THINK that they could have made it ANY ****** HARDER to jump the battery on our bikes?!?!?!?! OH MY GOD! 32 minutes to jump the bike, from start to finish -- well, that included a couple of attempts at push starting her in the parking lot at work in 2nd gear.

And I only took of the left side panel, only to see the ground staring me in the face. UGH! Glad I had a buddy with jumper cables that have a "needle-nose" extension to them. So I held it there while it charged up and then she finally started.

Didn't even have to get the ABS rest. That was probably the only good thing to come out of it. Other than it will be quicker for me the next time I take off the panels.

Smack me, someone? I left the key in, high beams on and heated grips on. DOH!!!!!!

Kempy · 03-29-2002, 03:30 PM

yeah - I agree - Hitlers revenge!!!

CarlosT · 03-29-2002, 05:10 PM

Erric:
Best bet is to carry a spare plug like they sell with the Battery Tender. Then all you gotta do is take your seat off and plug in. That wire is not meant to carry a "jump" load but can get you out of a bind if got some time.

Don Ro · 03-29-2002, 08:28 PM

What a ***** when you're already pissed off.
Sorry 'bout the event, Eric.
SMACK!...

Don

brad black · 03-29-2002, 09:02 PM

if you pull the starter motor cover you can get to the battery positive from there. much easier.

sorry for being a smart arse.

brad

RBMann · 03-30-2002, 12:48 AM

How do you take the starter cover off? Mine comes loose but it seems like I might break it with more force. I can see the rubber parts but is there something on the back side?

Thank, RB.

Don Ro · 03-30-2002, 01:01 AM

I notice that I can say "pissed" off...but not make reference to my dog's mother. Hmmm. Fine with me...just wantin' to know the rules.

Don
A good Catholic boy.

These smilies are cute.

Eron Flory · 03-30-2002, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ErricZ
well, that included a couple of attempts at push starting her in the parking lot at work in 2nd gear.

You will have a very hard time pushing fast enough to start it in second gear. Try first gear and back it up to reverse the engine till you feel it come up on the compression stroke going backwards. What this does is allow the engine to start spinning before it hits the compression stroke going forward.

Eron

Trevor Rossack · 03-30-2002, 01:21 PM

I know what you mean - the battery is in a very difficult place to jump start. You may not do it very often but it will get you home.

I have considered adding a couple of extensions of suitable diameter to the battery the next time my bodywork is off. It pays to be prepared! I am also going to add a spike protector ( available from auto electrical and part stores for a modest price) to prevent damage to bikes computers.

I don't want to be trying to jump start the bike only to have a power surge fry the S's brains - could ruin a good day. I have successfully jump started my old K100RS many times without trouble and also some modern cars - but I have heard there is a possibility of damaging the FI when your vehicle alternator kicks in.

CHEERS
TREVOR

BMWSBK · 03-31-2002, 04:04 AM

A properly maintained bike doesn't need to be jump started. So maybe you should think about where you lay blame.

LarryP · 03-31-2002, 04:41 AM

Oh pleeze. I defy you to maintain a bike so you can leave it, unrunning, with the brights and heated grips on! On the other hand, turning the key off is generally a good idea.

Don Ro · 03-31-2002, 07:47 AM

"A properly maintained bike doesn't need to be jump started. So maybe you should think about where you lay blame."

Perhaps if you go back and read, one more time, what the man was upset about...1) himself, and 2) the location of the battery and what one needs to do to access it.

There...I did it for you.
You're welcome.

Don

ErricZ · 03-31-2002, 07:56 AM

Thank you, Don ... I'd hate to have to kill anyone so early in the morning.

I didn't say I was pissed at the battery, I said I was pissed at myself and the pissed at BMW for the LOCATION of the battery.

I like the idea of hooking up some kind of terminal post somewhere remote, under the seat or something. Have to look into making something I think.

CarlosT · 03-31-2002, 04:13 PM

I'm not sure what kinda EMI testing BMW did when designing the S or what requirements it imposed on Bosch when procuring the Motronic, ABS, etc. but I would recommend against jumping any bike. One of my business units does nothing but test automobile modules and I can tellya that some are very easy to fry.

Best bet is to buy a six-pack, relax and hook up a low amp charger.

Rapt · 04-01-2002, 06:53 AM

Yep its a pain BUT I've found from jumping my battery a couple times... Before I wired and auto shut off on my aux lights I left them on once or twice...

You only need to remove a few of the screws on the Right (as you face the front) side panel. Those under the seat, that will let you spring the rear part of the panel up and out to get access (carefully) to the positive terminal of the battery. It slips in there with some care. The neg just goes to a good ground on the frame someplace. Then crank her right away...

Bump starts also work but I've had the best success with third gear. In fact it starts pretty easy that way. There does need to be a least little TINY bit of juice to get the fuel pump running though...

1967 R50/2 · 04-01-2002, 07:30 AM

Hey, weren't the induct guys working on a battery relo kit? Looked like it lowered the battery too.

roger albert · 04-01-2002, 11:30 AM

I'm not so sure I agree with all of this. There isn't anything that makes jumping a battery particularly more dangerous that just staring your motor (your starter makes a giant back-EMF)

If the bike is off when the connection is made, there is NO problem. Sure, a trickle or moderate charge is always better for the battery, but that has nothing to do with frying things. I've personally done plenty of ESD and EMF testing and well as jumping when needed for customers, and it's just not a problem if done thoughtfully. About the only problem I've seen with a car battery is that the extra capacity can allow a lunk to crank long enough to thermally damage the starter. Even that will only happen with an aging or otherwise compromised one.

Don't worry so much folks. The starter is a good/easy place to jump, when needed. Stock location _does_ wank for jumping.

later
roger

ErricZ · 04-01-2002, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rapt
Yep its a pain BUT I've found from jumping my battery a couple times... Before I wired and auto shut off on my aux lights I left them on once or twice...

You only need to remove a few of the screws on the Right (as you face the front) side panel. Those under the seat, that will let you spring the rear part of the panel up and out to get access (carefully) to the positive terminal of the battery. It slips in there with some care. The neg just goes to a good ground on the frame someplace. Then crank her right away...

Bump starts also work but I've had the best success with third gear. In fact it starts pretty easy that way. There does need to be a least little TINY bit of juice to get the fuel pump running though...

Hopefully I never will have to, but if I need to, I will try this next time.

fredman · 04-01-2002, 10:09 PM

I'm with Brad. There's one screw that holds the starter motor cover on, it's easy to get to.Best way..............