The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Matt Chapter on August 22, 2011, 10:07:40 AM

Title: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: Matt Chapter on August 22, 2011, 10:07:40 AM
This morning on my commute, my neutral light would come on while the clutch lever was in.  The light also functioned as normal.  The bike shifted and ran pretty normal, and I don't think it was doing this last night. Temperatures last night were mid 90s, this morning mid 80s...


Things I've changed recently:
new clutch cable and adjustment
fresh transmission and shaft drive oils (too full maybe?)
oil change (1 qt 20w50 "racing" oil with slippery stuff (my local store was pretty low on decent oils), 1.5 qts 20w50 "motorcycle" oil)

I'm regretting not spending more time finding the right oil, but is this related to any of the above, or another bad symptom transmission wise?
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: Dizerens5 on August 22, 2011, 10:27:34 AM
The neutral light is telling you that it is ok to use the starter. If you prefer to have it light only in neutral gear, just pull out the two-pin connector under the front of the tank. (There are two there, the other disconnects the turn indicator buzzer. Trial and error will tell you which one!)
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: Matt Chapter on August 22, 2011, 10:29:56 AM
Quote
The neutral light is telling you that it is ok to use the starter.

I guess I should add this is new behavior.. doesn't it seem weird to have the neutral light come on for the shift between 4th and 5th, for example?  Also, I have an '86 US model, so no turn signal buzzer.
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: Dizerens5 on August 22, 2011, 10:31:48 AM
O. Then I don't know! Sorry...
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: montmil on August 22, 2011, 10:44:49 AM
Matt, Check the two small wires and their terminals that run up the handlebar to the clutch lever perch. They may be dirty, corroded, loose.

Also, the neutral indicator switch screws into the bottom of the transmissions case. Check the connections there. It is a booger to get to with the motor mount bolt and spacer.

If this is a recent anomaly, it may likely be just an insecure wire that needs "counseling".

No turn signal beeper/buzzer relays on either of my twin-shock R65s.

Monte
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: Bob_Roller on August 22, 2011, 11:02:00 AM
If the neutral light comes on when you pull the clutch lever in, you have a faulty diode in either the starter relay, or in the wire harness .

Alright, I just saw you have an'86 year bike, so your culprit is in the starter relay .

Not difficult to replace it if you are handy with a soldering iron .

A common 1N4001 diode will work and seem to be readily available at electronic stores.
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: tvrla on August 23, 2011, 01:22:11 AM
Rob's answer is the ticket!
Title: Re: Neutral light wierdness.
Post by: Matt Chapter on August 23, 2011, 10:23:04 AM
I've never done any soldering, but I think the wife might have some gear.  It doesn't seem to affect the "performance" so onto the back burner it goes!