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Bike won't start

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Aleal

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Hi every one.
Today I was about to star my c650gt and it won't start. I check the battery and gas lever and everything looks good. Whenever I press the start button, I hear an unusual sound coming from beneath the steering wheel.I prefer not to visit the dealer because every time I do, it costs me $700 to fix anything.
 
Hello,
Can you give more details?
Does the starter motor turn the engine or not at all?
What does the noise you hear sound like? Do you hear a click when you press the starter button?
 
For example, if I try to start the bike and I haven't tried to start like a couple hours it would try to start the engine but then it here a buzzing sound to the steering, and then that's it Let's consider a scenario: when attempting to start a bike after it has been idle for a few hours, the engine cranks but a buzzing sound emanates from the steering. What could be the issue?
 
Hello,

Since your starter is running, you should start by rechecking and charging your battery. It may be tired and no longer delivering enough peak current to cover the starter's needs, even if it manages to power the accessories normally.
If not, you may have an ignition, air or fuel supply problem.

Have you noticed any other abnormal mechanical noises while the starter is running?

The noise you describe and its location leads me to believe that it's normal. In fact, this engine is packed with pollution control components.

Most of the time we don't pay much attention to it, because the noise of the engine starting covers everything else. However, when the engine starts up after a period of standstill, or is switched off quickly, or the start-up fails, you can hear the actuator of the fuel vapour ventilation valve (I know it's a complex name) opening and closing. The sound is caused by a small valve, but as it resonates in the carbon filter housing, it's quite audible and does indeed sound like a buzzing.
 
As I said before, I think your battery is low on power. I would jump start it with an extra known good (your car's with jumper cables?) battery.
When I collected my C650 Sport weekend before last at LAX airport, where it had been sitting for 3.5 months (!) I figured the battery might be low. I tried starting it: the starter motor chugged a couple of times, engine did not start though, and then the bike just gave off that noise that you describe. My son who was picking us up had a jump starter with him - I connected that to the battery after removing that one panel and not only did it start, the starter motor buzzed at a speed I never heard it run before. So now I am considering getting a new battery. I have noticed that the bike is taking just a bit more time to start these days which I attribute to the battery being past its prime. It's now almost 7 years old and was an El Cheapo no-name brand that the prior owner put in for the sale. On my Husaberg, when I replaced that bike's battery with a strong new one, it started way quicker than with the old, more tired one.
 
Your guidance was indeed precise. After charging the battery, the bike sprang to life. Thank you all. I've saved a trip to the dealer and probably $500!
 
Good news for you!
Enjoy your bike now.

The BMW's electric power system is solid. However, in view of what you've been through, it would be wise to check your charging circuit and, if all is in order, perhaps arrange for a new battery soon.

To check your charging circuit follow it :
1. Measure the voltage at the battery terminals (engine off, ignition switched off, battery at rest for at least one hour). You must obtain a voltage greater than 12.3V.
2. Measure the battery terminal voltage with the engine idling. You should obtain a stabilized voltage of around 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
3. Measure the battery terminal voltage with the motor running at 5000 RPM. You should obtain a stabilized voltage of around 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
4. Switch on as many consumers as possible (lights, heated seats and heated handles) and measure the battery terminal voltage with the engine running at 5000 RPM. You should obtain a stabilized voltage of around 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
 
Your "buzzing" sound was coming from the starter solenoid switch, you had to have had low voltage for the electro magnet not to pull the switch closed and send power to the starter. Without enough voltage to pull the switch closed and hold it the spring of the solenoid was fighting the magnet causing it to rapidly "bounce" in and out so fast it makes a buzzing sound. Thank BMW for a very robust solenoid, replacing the solenoid is one of the worst jobs on this scooter. The solenoid is located under the handlebars, inside the front fascia behind the compartment on the right side. if you pull the battery you can see the wires going to the bottom of the relay, what a nasty job.......
 
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