Bike just up and died...

[Kabish]

So was driving into work and apparently my bike died for no apparent reason. I have a 2015 (non ES) version of the bike, 100% factory.

I was in third gear doing about 40mph coming up to a stop sign. I pulled in the clutch and downshifted to 2nd and released the clutch. I only got the clutch 1/2 released as it threw me forward into my tank, I assumed I just messed up and accidentally put the bike in 1st. I slowed down to 1st gear speed and went to release the clutch again. This time about the same time I was releasing the clutch I realized the motor was not running. When I released the clutch this time it did the same thing and lugged super hard and then started back up.

No idea how/why it would had killed the motor in 3rd gear and no I did not hit the kill switch. I did have the bike die on me at the dealer the day I bought it. Was just sitting on it and the motor just up and shut off, but I've never noticed this happening while actually moving.

Any idea what would cause this? I'm hoping this is not going to become a common issue with the bike...

 

[WJBertrand]

My '15 ES has done that a couple of times too. Pull in the clutch - boom engine stalls, usually in slowish traffic. It did it several times during the first 1000 miles or so but only once or twice since then. The bike is now showing 25K miles. Either I've adapted to riding it differently or somethings gotten broken in / learned in the ECU, dunno. I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes a consistent problem. It would be very hard for the dealer to diagnose until then anyway.

 

[bigbob]

I had same problem a couple time in first 5k but none since. Break it in (or unconsciously learn) and then ride it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Checkswrecks]

A number of people, me included, have had happen what Bob and Bertand described. The good news is that to the best of my memory they've all been in the first five-ish thousand miles.


How many miles on yours?

 

[Kabish]

How many miles on yours?

4,992 miles, so technically still under the 5k mark that others have seen. I was just curious if anyone else had this issue and if it was a reason to be concerned. Just really caught me off guard and wanted to make sure I did not have any major issues outside of my man bits getting introduced to my tank

 

[Squibb]

My bet is the side-stand switch cut-out system. Maybe the switch, which gets a hard lifestyle, maybe just the wiring/connector. Ok, it stops you starting the bike in gear, without pulling the clutch in, but any faults can see the system killing the motor unexpectedly.

Obviously worth reporting to your dealer & getting them to check for any fault codes too. Just sets wheels in motion with warranty should it be needed.

Ride Ssfe ................ KEN

 

[RhodeTrip]

Do you blip the throttle during down shifting? I had it happen once and relate it to an old habit.
Jim

 

[patrickg450]

4,992 miles, so technically still under the 5k mark that others have seen. I was just curious if anyone else had this issue and if it was a reason to be concerned. Just really caught me off guard and wanted to make sure I did not have any major issues outside of my man bits getting introduced to my tank

good news!!!! by the time you read this you will most likely have traveled 8 miles.

 

[Kabish]

Do you blip the throttle during down shifting? I had it happen once and relate it to an old habit.
Jim

Ya I do

 

[GearheadGrrrl]

Had something similar happened, but engine didn't die. Was slowing for a stop sign and instead of my usual downshifting just pulled in the clutch and applied brakes. Engine revs dropped down way below the usual 1100-1200 RPM idle speed. I suspect the engine control software cuts the fuel way back under trailing throttle to increase engine braking and save fuel, by pulling in the clutch quick it may not have had enough time to increase the fuel flow to keep the idle speed up.

This is peanuts compared to some of the problems we've had on BMW F800s with engines dying and locked rear wheels on braking. Seems BMW shuts off the ABS at times to prevent "stoppies", and if you're downshifting at the same time like I was it locked up the rear wheel AND killed the engine!

 

[tomatocity]

Ya I do

That will do it.

 

[Kabish]

Excuse my ignorance, but why would blipping cause the engine to die? I've always done it mostly because it sounds cool with an after effect of a little smoother transition through gears If that is what can cause it, I'll stop doing it, or at least try.

 

[Checkswrecks]

It can aggravate a mixture or ignition issue, especially on an old-fashioned bike with points and carbs. Basically, when the rpm rises, the ignition needs to advance and the fueling richens. Then the revs come back down and the opposite happens. Electronic ignition and injection keeps up pretty well, but these bikes are delivered really lean, so if there is a touch of error then they can still quit.


Once they break in the issue seems to go away, so I'm, going to guess (all it's worth) these bikes get slightly richer as they do so.