Clutch Switch Clean and Realignment BMW R1200gs - similar for all R series 2004 -

My BMW R1200gs was not starting. This was mostly because the potentiomenter/gear indicator was not working - a common problem on these bikes.
However, with the clutch pulled in it should be able to start in any gear (even if it is in neutral and 'believes' it is in 6th).
This work around wasn't working which indicated the clutch switch was not working properly.

[@dh7277]

thanks for the video - very helpful. it is worth noting that my clutch switch, 2006 1200gsa, would click but only when the lever was almost touching the handle bar so it would not start the bike in gear. loosening the set screw and adjusting the switch so it clicked about half way on the lever movement solved the no start in gear. so happy Shel that you made this video.

[@killerfitz84]

Hi Shel, thanks for this video. Great that you take the time to share your knowledge with the wider world! Off now to see if I can sort my clutch switch. Ride safe.

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Be very careful, the parts are small - I suggest doing it inside a bag or have a box underneath to catch any errant parts.

[@egoodchild]

Thankyou Shel! This video saved me a trip to the BMW mechanic when applied to my R9T. R9T is a little simpler, but some of the same pieces. Thanks for going to the trouble of making this video and sharing your know-how!

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Thanks for the positive feedback, glad to help :-)

[@russelllocke7180]

Cheers, I think this is my problem. Will give your method a try.👍🏍🇦🇺

[@GRequinBlanc]

Great video. Note that if you have cruise control the switch will be double. The first click will be on CC (disengage), the second is your start permission

[@brandonsalas6552]

So thats the switch on top or on bottom for the cruise?

[@GRequinBlanc]

@@brandonsalas6552 I’m talking about the switch that is triggered by the clutch lever. Pull in clutch and the first click will be the CC disengagement. Keep pulling and you get a second click that gives the computer the signal that will enable a start if in gear (but side stand up)

[@robdude1969]

been there... broke a clutch perch once... it's fun in there. Now I have that GPS problem, and I think the clutch switch is out as well. oh joy. glad to see folks sharing what they learn. thanks for another informative video.

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Thank you for the kind feedback, safe riding!

[@estudios3604]

Thank You Miss, I had the same fault. Now Solved!! German D. from Chile

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

My pleasure, glad to be of help! Happy riding!

[@nihatdemirhan2591]

👍

[@davidhaney1394]

Potentiometer is said "potechy-ommiter" . I have the same issue on my R1150rt , bloody thing . Stupid ass place to put it huh . I`ll pull it out one day . lol You can get a good used Side stand switch for £20 of flea bay . I replaced mine about 4 years ago , been OK every since . Be careful if you remove it . Driving off with it down sucks !

[@Mikikb]

Shel thanks for doing the video, today muy bike didnt start in gear and began wondering whats going on? Tomorrow i will do the same procedure in order to correct it. I have a 2012 r1200r.

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Have you checked the sidestand switch? That can also stop the engine from starting.

[@Mikikb]

Shel Does Stuff Hi Shel, I went to the dealer and bought a new switch for $33 american dollars. I paid also $ 10 extra dollars for the change service, apparently they also adjust the lever because now it feels much smother.

[@brandonsalas6552]

My cruise control kept cutting out due to sloppy lever play up and down not normal it starts every time but i don’t have cruise anymore do you know what switch does what? The one on top is for starter or cruise im wondering

[@propatriabellum]

Great information. Very informative and thorough. Thanks! You've saved me $100USD. Keep- up the great work! Hope you're still at it. Have you had fuel sensor issues with your GS? Thoughts on a fix?

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Glad to help. Happily is have the original float version, so no sensor issues. Although , I have just had to replace the fuel pump output. It was spraying a lot of fuel everywhere.

[@propatriabellum]

@@sheldoesstuff2753 I recently replaced all the fuel fittings with brass upgraded ones from EuroMotorElectrics. Far more secure, and not subject to the cracking and leaking that the OEM units are known for.

[@obednunez3111]

Hello, your videos are very explanatory. I have a motorcycle just like yours, BMW R1200GS 2006, and I have a problem that the display does not turn on. I do not know what is happening. I turn the key and nothing happens. i have been able to find two broken wires but i have not idea where they whould be connected. Any help or comment would be helpful

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

That must be frustrating! I would first check all live wires from the battery to ignition. Then check all circuits which have a sensor (side stand, clutch switch, gear indicators, etc) Then check all earths. Ensure you do all checks with a very strong battery with correct cranking amps too.

[@ArcanePath360]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. My RT clutch seems to have a different biting point when the bike warms up, which is a little later after a dozen miles. Is this normal? I've never had a hydraulic clutch before.

[@mike.thomas]

I have the same issue with my GSA. I did find articles on a pretty easy adjustment that doesn’t fix the actual problem, but makes it more comfortable, with an earlier engagement point. In short there is a “plunger” that you might want to try backing out. It’s in the lever assembly and for me just required some patience and a 2mm hex key.

[@ArcanePath360]

@@mike.thomas Thanks. I took it back to the place I bought and they bled the slave cylinder. Seems better now, though not perfect.

[@mike.thomas]

@@ArcanePath360 Yeah definitely one of the other ways to attempt to address it.

[@ionutceausu]

One comment - screw that holds the switch is not allen key 2 mm is a Torx T9. At least that is on my 2006 gs

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Mine is definitely 2mm allen/hex - I can only speak as I find on bikes that I am working on at the time of doing the video. There will always be subtle differences between models as sometimes mechanics need to replace or change parts with what is appropriate and available at the time.

[@peterfallows6802]

these are the reasons i was put off bmw in 92 i swore'd not to buy another German bike ever

[@peterfallows6802]

great vid`s ♡

[@stuarth43]

there are NO inhex screws on these it is a torx nine, torx eight for clutch lever adjust and lock screws:))

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Mine is most definitely a hex. But, if you can A. demonstrate that YOURS have torx and B. think you can do better, then spend the time recording the videos, editing, and uploading them.

[@two_wheeled_guide]

How’s that when you start your engine the ABS light is not flashing? Have you disengaged it?

[@sheldoesstuff2753]

Hi, I do not have ABS - this bike never had it fitted from factory.

[@two_wheeled_guide]

Shel Does Stuff Although I knew the first R1200GS’s were coming both with and without ABS I never happened to see one without ABS. Mine is a 2004 model with the servo breaking system. Thanks for your reply. Cheers!