Hi all, I went on a dual sport ride a few weeks ago. Was riding on a semi rough dirt road, having to stand about half the time. I glanced down at the instrument cluster and saw the engine light flashing rather fast, probably around 3 Hz, and notice the speedo fixed at 141. Kept going for another few miles and when I stopped it was in the same state. Of course at this point 50 miles from nowhere. I turned off the bike and right away tried to start it. It started, but with same symptom. I turned it off, chatted with the buds for a few minutes, tried to start it again and it was dead. All of the LCD segments were lit, and it didn't go through its start up routine. Panic setting in at this point. I pulled off the seat, checked the fuses, and checked whatever connections were under the seat, nothing obvious seemed wrong. Then it started and has done fine since. But now i have trepidation about going on another off road ride and would like to know the cause. Has anyone else had this happen? If so did you determine the cause? Thanks Rich in PLacitas
Yes, essentially the same problem with the addition of the hazard warning light coming on as well. Check this plug under the headlight cowling, mine was almost pulled completely loose. My symptoms were intermittent. You will find the plug (at least on mine) in the upper left corner of the headlamp cowling. You can trace it back from the keyswitch antenna circuit (the black plastic thing around the key switch), This is the immobilizer circuit antenna for your chipped key. My circuit was making and breaking because of the loose plug. I hope yours is as easy of a fix as mine was.
Well I pulled it apart and all seemed intact behind the cowling. Started it and tugged here and there on harnesses behind the cowling and under the seat, all seems fine. I wonder if it could have been thermally related? On the ride after it cooled off it started and ran fine. Thanks Rich
Well dang, I was hoping that would help you. Have you check the plug to the o2 sensor. You will find it on the left side tucked against the frame near the head of the engine at the top.
Something similar has happened to me on two separate occasions. After a rather long ride and when the bike has worked pretty hard, I would get the engine and warning light flashing. Both times were in the middle of nowhere on the Taos Plateau, and Nevada desert. When I pulled over and shut the bike off, it didn't restart both times with no response at all from the starter button. Both times I pulled the seat and disconnected the battery for a few minutes and it started right up with no signs of trouble after that. First time the bike had about 2000 miles on it, and the second time at about 8000. It is kind of funny that I have never worried about it. My heart never even skips a beat when it happens. I just casually pull over, reset it, and go on my merry way. I should mention that if you continue to ride it in this state, it will start to vibrate excessively and force you to pull over and reset it. Both times I was also on rough roads working the bike hard, so I agree it is most likely a vibration or thermal related issue for sure. I will check for loose connections this winter when I do the valve adjustment. Thanks for the input Charlie. I will also check the above connector.
I sometimes wonder if the stator overcharges on our bikes, very occasionally (maybe 3 times in 10000km) after a long hard ride if I stop for minute or two to find out where the hell I am, I hit the starter button and nothing happens or it's very slow to crank. Haven't had the dash light up like a christmas tree or anything like that yet but could imagine something like this happening if it was overcharging. I wonder how many others have experienced this.
Just a thought, but on automobiles with obd2 (the inboard diagnostic system post 1996) if the check engine light flashes it indicates a misfire that could damage the catylist. Not sure if this bike is doing the same thing? Faboneup, it sounds like you may have a misfire, IPA Brewer did you get the vibration/misfire as well? Many times heat will affect ignition coils and have a misfire when hot then when they cool will act fine. I might pack a cheap multimeter and ohm out the coils cold and when the issue occurs.
'I sometimes wonder if the stator overcharges on our bikes, very occasionally (maybe 3 times in 10000km) after a long hard ride if I stop for minute or two to find out where the hell I am, I hit the starter button and nothing happens or it's very slow to crank. Haven't had the dash light up like a christmas tree or anything like that yet but could imagine something like this happening if it was overcharging. I wonder how many others have experienced this I've also experienced this problem several times when riding in hot weather. My thought was it might be a problem with the battery. Because I was about to do my Baja Mexico ride and I didn't want to take any chances with the battery down there I replaced it with a Shorai battery. After 2400 miles in Mexico and temps mostly in the 90's I had no further problems.
Interesting. I know standard lead/acid batteries don't like heat, their performance drops off significantly when they get hot. They work better when cold, quite the opposite of Lithium based batteries. Now I have one more reason to buy a Shorai battery for this bike....., it's not if, but when. I have them in 3 other bikes and have found them to be very good, plus it's nice to be knocking 4-8 lbs off the bike with a new supercharged battery. They crank the engine very strongly and keep on cranking strong until the very end when they drop off quick. But they hold the cranking speed far longer than a lead/acid battery. They will actually put out slightly more power after they heat up a bit.
Thanks for the replies. It appears to me that it is a thermal issue, causing a voltage drop to the ECU or an issue within the ECU itself. The ECU itself is my guess, with its little cooling fins and located under the seat where there is no air flow, next to the exhaust, etc. The fact that it has the cooling fins tells me it is thermally susceptible to start with. Rich in Placitas
