All:
First I would like to thank all of the regulars on this list who have
been so helpful. A couple of years ago I had stretched head studs on
the right cylinder that was causing an oil weep and you all helped me
sort it (new studs and the correct torquing procedure). Although I
don't contribute much, I appreciate the dialog and I've learned a
lot. So here I am with hat in hand again. I think this could be
interesting...
Here's my new challenge. When my 1999 R1100RS (32K miles) is tipped
even a few degrees (less than 10) to the left, the electrics cut out
completely. Tip it up straight and the electric's come back on -
lights, idiot lights, ABS flashing correctly etc. - although the
engine shuts off. I thought it might be a fuel problem but my test
case is: key in "on" position, no ignition. Tip to the left -
everything goes dark, tip it upright, everything comes back on. I
touch nothing in the meantime. It's not intermittent - does it every
time.
Background: Last fall I smelled a hot electrical odor. The the engine
ran erratically - and got worse the warmer the engine got. Because of
the intermittent but severe nature of the "cut-out-rough-running-
stutter", then normal running for a minute or two, then repeat, in a
very erratic pattern, I suspected the crank-position sensor (Hall-
effect sensor?), but I have no diagnostic tools, so this time sent it
to the dealer. They confirmed the sensor was burned and some wires
melted. They replaced the sensor and the wiring. I also remember,
one of the symptoms before the sensors were replaced was the bike
often cut out briefly tipping into a left-hander. Not pleasant. I
had them synch the throttle bodies also. The bike got back so late in
the winter I never had a chance to test it on the road.
I just put on dual horns and steel brake lines, a new Optima battery,
and ran it through the pre-season check, let it idle on the center
stand. it sounded really sweet. As soon as I pushed off it died. It
took me a while to to figure out that it was going to die every time
it was tipped slightly to the left.
Ideas?
John Merlin Williams
jmerlinw@xxxxxxx