• Welcome to the BMW Scooter Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

c650gt 2014 starting issue

M

mwood95

New member
Joined
May 31, 2026
Messages
5
Location
norcal
Visit site
hey folks
I was given a c650gt with a persistent starting issue.
it cranks once or twice but seems to hang up and stop cranking. It would catch on the 3rd or 4th try and run before but now it seems to not want to start at all. mechanic has confirmed the motor turns freely by hand.

i briefly got it started a minute ago but it actually died as though it wasnt getting fuel. very odd.

it only has about 7500 miles

i dont not know what could cause the engine to struggle cranking. maybe timing issue?

the bike has had a new starter, starting relay, and the battery has tested good. the voltage drop between the batt and starter is also good.

anyone have any ideas?
 
@mwood95 :

I have a C 400 GT, not a 650. Also, I'm definitely in the "shade tree mechanic" category, i.e., never even played a mechanic on TV. That said, I have a few general suggestions:

1) I'm NOT a firm believer in "battery tested good" reports.

How old is the battery?

And are you able to attempt to jump-start the bike, with, preferable, one of those portable battery-booster packs (or maybe even a car battery, with the car turned off)?

2) Less likely, I think, given what you've described, but how old is the gas?

If it's very old, have you tried to drain the tank and put in fresh stuff (preferably ethanol-free)?

3) Less likely, I think, given what you've described, but have you checked the fuel filter? (I'm assuming that the 650 has one, someplace.)

I was wondering whether there's rust or other crud in the tank, and that's clogged the fuel filter.

It sounds like an electrical problem to me, which is why I first asked about the battery (given that you're already put in a new starter).

Good luck with your issue, and hopefully someone more knowledgeable about bikes in general and the 650 in particular will chime in.
 
Ceesie76 said:
I suggest checking the ECU for trouble codes, that might point to the culprit.
Click to expand...
only codes at time of diag were low voltage codes unrelated to starter according to service history. i dont have a scanner but i may have time to get it scanned this week
 
wspollack said:
@mwood95 :

I have a C 400 GT, not a 650. Also, I'm definitely in the "shade tree mechanic" category, i.e., never even played a mechanic on TV. That said, I have a few general suggestions:

1) I'm NOT a firm believer in "battery tested good" reports.

How old is the battery?

And are you able to attempt to jump-start the bike, with, preferable, one of those portable battery-booster packs (or maybe even a car battery, with the car turned off)?

2) Less likely, I think, given what you've described, but how old is the gas?

If it's very old, have you tried to drain the tank and put in fresh stuff (preferably ethanol-free)?

3) Less likely, I think, given what you've described, but have you checked the fuel filter? (I'm assuming that the 650 has one, someplace.)

I was wondering whether there's rust or other crud in the tank, and that's clogged the fuel filter.

It sounds like an electrical problem to me, which is why I first asked about the battery (given that you're already put in a new starter).

Good luck with your issue, and hopefully someone more knowledgeable about bikes in general and the 650 in particular will chime in.
Click to expand...
people on facebook are saying it needs a stronger battery (14ah apparently) but I am unconvinced. I will try to figure out how to get the fairing off to inspect the battery regardless. it was replaced by a previous owner in 2024 I believe.
I agree it sounds like an electrical gremlin but Im worried its a timing chain issue. i wonder if bad valve timing due to bad chain tensioner could cause the engine to have trouble rotating with the starter..
 
To get to the battery, pop off the small-ish central front cover, which provides access to a few screws to undo. More screws on the rear of the panel covering the battery. Then pop off that side cover. I believe it is covered in the owners handbook, which is downloadable from BMW'S motorrad site. Try connecting an auxiliary battery eg with starter cables to 'help' the bike's battery, to verify whether it is in fact the battery.
Given that your mechanic was able to rotate the engine by hand with no interference, and it briefly ran, that should not be your issue.
 
Ceesie76 said:
To get to the battery, pop off the small-ish central front cover, which provides access to a few screws to undo. More screws on the rear of the panel covering the battery. Then pop off that side cover. I believe it is covered in the owners handbook, which is downloadable from BMW'S motorrad site. Try connecting an auxiliary battery eg with starter cables to 'help' the bike's battery, to verify whether it is in fact the battery.
Given that your mechanic was able to rotate the engine by hand with no interference, and it briefly ran, that should not be your issue.
Click to expand...
thank you for the info.
I jumped the battery from my truck (engine off) and it did crank with more force but it still gets stuck or jams after 1/2 to 2 cranks. occasionally starts but usually will not. I have it on a battery tender but I dont think its the battery.

do you know where the starter is? I would like to try tapping on it. I wonder if the replacement starter that was fitted is also having problems.

it could also be some sort of intermittent signal from one of the killswitches - the kickstand or brake lever etc.

there are too many electronics on this bike for my taste
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top