2010 R1200GS - Cutting out when slowing down
Is something similar happening to any one else??????:
My bike, a R1200GS, cuts out when slowing down. Johan Louw from Hamman Motorrad in Bellville has been investigating this problem for me from the day I took delivery on Friday 2010/2/26.
2010/02/26 Friday (A): I took delivery of the bike and when slowing down for the second set of traffic lights (800m) it cut out. It was clear to me that the bike had cut out while the throttle was closed and it did not restart when the throttle was opened again. Using the Starter, it started immediately. I returned immediately to Hamman Motorrad and reported the problem to Johan.
2010/02/26 Friday (B): On arriving in Melkbosstrand (40km) I showed off the bike to a friend and reved the engine once while it was on the centre stand and in neutral. When the revs dropped it just cut out.
2010/02/26 Friday (C): My wife (pillion) and I when out to the movies with the NEW BIKE and after about 40km while slowing down for a robot it cut out as I was changing down a gear. Because we were two up and I judged there to be enough traction, I tried to start by dropping the clutch but was unable to get the bike started without causing the rear wheel to skid.
2010/02/26 Friday (D): After the movies, we went for a ride (moonlight, GS, no roses unfortunately) and after 3km at a tight turn I changed down a gear and it cut out.
2010/02/27 Saturday (A): Leaving from home at the third stop (2km), as I was slowing down and while gearing down the bike cut out.
2010/02/27 Saturday (B): Leaving the Adventure Rider shop it cut out at the T-junction with the main road exiting their parking area. Again, when the throttle was opened and the clutch let out after changing down the engine had already cut out.
2010/02/27 Saturday (C): I went to Hamman Motorrad to complain and when leaving them it cut out twice on the way to the petrol station (1km) and once again on the way back to Hamman Motorrad when I went to tell them just how ‘peeved’ I was getting with the bike.
2010/02/28 to date: It has continued to happen on a daily basis since then with the following interesting variations: We attended the BMW Bike Fest this past weekend and while travelling at speed between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn (in 6th gear) I slowed down by closing the throttle and when I opened it again, the bike had cut out. The speed we were travelling still caused the engine to turn rapidly but it did not start until I pulled in the clutch and started the engine. A similar incident happened on a gravel road to McGregor. While coming down the Swartberg pass it cut out while slowing down for a slow (2nd gear) turn – interesting variation being the really serious threat of falling over!
It appears to be more prevalent shortly after starting out again. For example after stopping at a garage for something (or stopping to view the scenery on the top of Swartberg pass;-)) but it is not limited to those incidents as indicated by the incident between Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn.
The bike has an overrun fuel cutout system, if I understand the marketing bumf correctly, and it appears as if the synchronisation of the ‘restarting’ of the engine is faulty.
Johan can confirm that he tried to apply a software update at the 1000km service but that has not helped. But he has also had problems with the unit which does the software download to the bike.
I have sent the above detail to BMW Motorrad as well. If anyone is having the same problem please let me know so that we can compare notes.
I'm surprised you haven't insisted on a replacement. Some of those instances sound quite dangerous! I would not be happy paying for a brand new vehicle which behaves like that & I wouldn't accept it from BMW.
Stalls easily while cold, and cuts out if I gun him in neutral and close the throttle. I think it is a tuning setting that is too low (probably idle speed). On your bike it is a different matter though - smacks of faulty mappings or a faulty sensor somewhere.
And yes, it is dangerous - stalling during a turn can easily cause a fall. Give it to your dealer to commute with for a day or two - then see how they like it 
Normally i lurk and dont chirp
Apart from the damage to tyres and Final drive train you are at great risk of having a tumble !!! Given the fact that youve put it out on the forum I am not sure that any resulting insurance claims would be honoured given the fact that you knowingly rode the motorcycle with a serious defect.
Maybe the insurance smouse can comment here !
Surely this cannot be difficult to rectify
I spoke to Chris Hamman in this regard and he was well aware of the problem on this bike.
They (Hamman Motorrad) are doing what they can to sort out the problem but are awaiting computer stuff from BMW.
I suggested he come onto the Forum and make a posting regarding the matter in order to end any speculation that there may be about the facts of the matter and what is being done to rectify the problem.
So it sounds like a mapping problem which requires some ECU tweaking, maybe have something to do with adjustment for altitude, in which case all new ones will need the tweak.
My F800s also has done this on a number of occasions. However, so seldom that I have been unsure whether to mention it. Perhaps 5-6 times in two years and 17500km. The first time it happened, I thought it was me just being stupid.
Usually it happens when riding in a group if you often have to tap off more urgently (due to bunching up) than you would if riding alone. It is impossible to predict when it might happen and the bike will not start unless you operate the starter. However, at that point it fires up without hesitation. Quite scary though, especially when going into a bend.
Would be keen to know if there is a fix, even if we have different motors.
I would not even get on the bike - leave it at Hamman rather - or ask for a demo bike 
of course this can also turn into a real bad PR exercise...
This BMW 'measure' is apparently the fix. I was informed yesterday by Martin Ross, Technical Manager, BMW Motorrad after he double checked with Germany. The responce was very encouraging when the message finally got through to him. It entails repositioining an actuator attached to a valve camshaft on the righthand side. Hope this does it. Atlantic Motorrad are doing their demo bike first. Hold thumbs for me. PS: Geoff, did you get any dealer confirmation that my facts are correct?
Hi Neville,
I hope you get your ride sorted out soon mate. Nothing worse than riding a new bike with issues.
Just be thankful that you have the opportunity to take your motorcycle to topnotch BMW dealers. The best course of action is to keep communicating with your dealer and not to start a “flame war” on a forum. “Flame wars” on a forum never works, ask me I know! The dealers are on your side and they will help you.
Good luck.
Corne
I could not agree more, it's only with a reasonable relationship with our dealers that tricky problems like this one can be solved. I got a bit defensive there when Geoff, after speaking to Chris Hamman, was left with the impression that the facts needed clearing up. Thus far this problem has taught me to insist on a clear statement from BMW (not the dealer) as to what the 'Cause' is and what the 'Measure' is that is needed to be applied, to fix it. Until now we have been waiting for a 'Software Update' and a repair to a GT1 (computer for working on the bike I believe) without having had confirmation from BMW that these would address this specific problem. Secondly some of the 'advice' handed out at the BMW Bike Fest as to how to address the problem, amounted to encitment to jumping into the 'flame war'. So thanks again.
Hi Frank,
I found specific references to 800 cutting out during my research on the internet regarding my problem with the R1200GS. Unfortunately I did not save any of the links as they all related to the 800 specifically. Hope you get to the solution. The fix proposed by BMW for the R1200GS is very detailed and does not make sense at all on a 800. Regards Neville
Hi Tulips,
Granted I'm taking a chance but without riding the bike one does not collect the data needed to fix it. Your warning is welcome though and fortunately my broker has reassured me regarding a claim that could arise from this defect. Taking extra care has been necessary and maybe that will become the norm for me after the bike is fixed - practice makes perfect :-)
My reason for what I said was to make sure that as Club Chairman, all of our Forum readers are 100% aware of what the problem is and what is being done about it.
If this does not happen it leads to speculation , whether factual or not, being bandied around. As well as and I quote from Neville's posting "Secondly some of the 'advice' handed out at the BMW Bike Fest as to how to address the problem, amounted to encitment to jumping into the 'flame war'".
Different readers will read different things into this problem (and similar postings), so if the dealers come onto the Forum and allow us readers to be informed of the exact problem and the solution there is no room for speculation.
Thanks Geoff, I appreciate your involvement. Regards Neville
Thanks, will have a google. Good luck with yours!
There was a recall for programming and even in some cases replacement of injectors on the 800"s
Marting Ross has let me know three bikes have had PuMA Measure No: ZA 29884940-01 applied with good results. Shane Hoskins (Atlantic Motorrad) also did one yesterday. Tomorrow it's my bike's turn :-)
Unbelievable! After 3 years of zero issues my F800ST cut out tonight when slowing down in traffic. Approaching Mowbray/Pinelands intersection (just past the Caltex Garage) I slowed down, pulled in the clutch, off the throttle and.....whoops - red oil light comes on - nothing else - quickly put on flasher, coasted to side of the road, ignored the car hooting behind me (at least he didn't bump into me) and then hit the starter button - it started right up, the engine felt a little rough and lumpy but I got home okay. Now I'm suddenly feeling nervous - I would hate to take a tumble even with ATTGATT.
Frank, I used to be very active on the F800 forum and there are a few long threads on the issue. It seems to be one of a number of causes (kinked pipes - there is a BMW notice to fix this; cracked exhaust, fuel maps, running too lean, etc) some of which seem to be sorted out by a special software update (apparently not a "normal" one - required some kind of special double reboot or something). I know that my 07 has not had any s/w updates so I'm going to contact Shane in the morning to see what can be done.
Good luck
What a relief, thank you Lord Jesus! - and all those who helped :-):
Shaun Dickens, Johan Louw, Chris Hamman - Hamman Motorrad, Martin Ross - BMW Motorrad, Ruan de Lange, Shane Hoskins, Dave Higgs - Atlantic Motorrad ...
PS for Shane: This is a formal apology for setting an 'April fool' trap this morning by bring the bike back for a 'post maintenance failure' oil leak, supposedly caused by yesterday's fix - but it was worth the trip into town to see your face.
Good news Neville – Great JOB Chris and the Boys
Always good to know you guys are there for us.
We appreciate the Great service and Friendship we always receive from Hamman Motorrad.
Let’s not forget the Lekker Coffee…….and Alta/Linda
Kind Regards
Wayne Haylett
Ride Like the Wind
Hi there,
I just wanted to chime in about the same issue I was having with my 2010 R1200RT. I managed to stall it about 30+ times during the first 600 miles. On march 30th, my dealer performed the cam timing adjustment and since then ( about another 600 miles ), I haven't had the issue happen again. It sounds like this problem is going to affect the 2010 GS/RT series bikes.
Happy riding!
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