F650 Electrical FAQs Index

Classic Q & A FAQs

• Q: There's no Wiring Diagram in the Manual
  A: Nope, BMW want you to PAY extra for that. So here's a better copy. 1994-2000 F650 Wiring Diagram. (by Flash #412)
• Q: My Voltage Regulator gets really HOT. What can I do about it.?
  A: You can move it. Look at the VR Relocation FAQ.

• Q. My Dash-lights Stopped Working. How do I fix them?
  A. Get Under the Dash.
• Q: BMW wants TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS for a lousy set of heated grips. Are there any other options?
  A: Sure, in fact there are a couple of options for Hot Grips for US$50 to US$90.
• Q: My Hot Grips Jam when they are Hot. Any Help with that?
  A: See the Hot Grips FAQ
• Q: I have checked all the other FAQs and tested my Battery and it needs replacing. What are the options?
  A: Try the Battery FAQ.
• Q. I am experiencing poor starting, some mid range lag and possibly poor Gas Mileage. What Gives?
  A. Well it could be your Plug Caps or Coils. by Nameless.
• Q. What is the General Procedure for finding Electrical Faults?
  A. The nice folks at Electrex USA have made this: Motorcycle Electrical Fault Finding Chart for you.
• Q. My bike won't rev over 1500-2000 rpm when cold. What could the problem be?
  A. It may be the Voltage Rectifier going bad. See the Voltage Rectifier FAQ and the Flaying the VR FAQ
• Q. What's the REAL brake light Bulb Number?
  A. It's here, and there are a few choices. Rear Brake-light Bulb FAQ.
• Q. Brake Light Burn Out? Common Problem.
  A. See the Brake Light FAQ - Man, you must be burned out!.
• Q. My Brake Light Doesn't Work (at ALL/Only with the Rear/Brake/Stays On all the time).
  A. See the Brake Light FAQ - My Brake Light Doesn't Work.
• Q: The stock horn blows.
  A: Mount Aftermarket Horns like FIAMMS or Hellas.
• Q. I want to be able to turn on the fan independently of the thermostat. Can I do that?
  A. Sure. Just Install a Manual FAN Switch.
• Q. My plastic fan blade broke and the dealer wants WAY too much money for a new one. What can I do?
  A. Spend $3 for a Replacement Fan Blade. There are a few tricks to the installation, though.
• Q. My Radiator Fan is Not Working and my Engine is Getting HOT! How can I fix that?
  A. See Fan Not Working.
• Q. My bike is hard to start/runs poorly. What should I look for?
  A. It depends very much on the symptoms. The Hard Starting Poor Running FAQ might also be able to help you out.
• Q. What is the Spark Plug Gap? Are there any Platinum Plugs Available? Will they give me more power?
  A. Check out The Spark Plug FAQ.
• Q. Where is the Accessory Socket? Where is the Hot Grips Socket?
  A. Check out the Accessory Socket FAQ.
• Q. Help. The little red cover of my Ignition Switch Broke!
  A. Check out the Ignition Switch FAQ.
• Q. My Ignition Switch seems to have broken. My Bike doesn't even show Idiot Lights.
  A. Check out the Ignition Switch FAQ.
• Q. I've seen the phrase "Test the Ground" in several FAQs. How do I do that?
  A. Check out the Misc. Electrical Q's FAQ.
• Q. I'm convinced my VR is causing my battery to get overcharged and dry out more often than I'd like.
  A. You're not alone. Check out FIRST the Voltage Rectifier FAQ, then a possible solution in the Flaying the VR FAQ.
• Q. What is the Black Box in the Tail Section?
  A. Check out the Misc. Electrical Q's FAQ.
• Q. My Bike won't start after the Sidestand has been down. What's up with that? Is here some way to disable the Sidestand Kill Switch?
  A. Sure. Check out the Sidestand Kill Switch FAQ
• Q. Which wire activates the FAN sensor and which the Temp Light. The Electrical Diagram is not clear?
  A. Check out the Misc. Electrical Q's FAQ.
• Q. Do you have a LIST of the Bulbs used on the Classic F?
  A. Check out the Misc. Electrical Q's FAQ.
• Q. Do you have any tips on how to Remove the Flywheel (to check the Alternator/Starter Mechanism etc.)
  A. See the Ron Woods Woodruff Key Installation FAQ, which has also useful information for the Flywheel Removal/Reinstallation.
• Q. Any Tips on Hunting Down Electrical Faults, Blown Fuses, Testing for Shorts etc.
  A. See the Misc. Electrical Q's FAQ. Testing for Shorts.
• Q: What about problems installing Heated Grips with Aftermarket Handlebars or Handguards.
  A: See the Aftermarket Handlebars FAQ.
• Q: How do I measure the Power Draw of each item on the Bike, Like my Lights, My Heated Vest, My Heated Grips?
  A. See the Misc. Electrical Q's FAQ. DC Electrical Basics.

GS/Dakar Q & A FAQs

• Q. Why does my bike turn over by itself and run until the battery goes flat?
  A. See. My Bike Starts Automatically.
• Q. Any Tips on Batteries?
  A. See the Classic, Classic F Battery FAQ, Electrical Section.
• Q. Can I access the GS Battery without removing ALL the darn Panels?
  A. Sure. See the GS Fairing FAQ.
• Q. Can I install an AGM maintenance-free battery in my GS?
  A. Sure. See Battery FAQ for installation tips.
• Q. Know where I can find the Electrical Diagrams for the GS?
  A. See GS Electrical Diagrams - Reworked
• Q. Where is the Electrical Accessory Connector? Where Is That Connector the Heated Grips Attach To on a GS?
  A. See the Electrical Misc Q's FAQ GS

Detailed Maintenance FAQs

• Voltage Regulator Relocation FAQ
• Plug Caps or Coils Replacement FAQ
• Spark Pug FAQ
• Battery FAQ
• Flaying the VR FAQ.
• Refer also the Aftermarket Instrumentation FAQ for stuff like Voltmeters, Temp Gauges, Clocks etc.
• GS Electrical Misc FAQ
• Classic Electrical Misc FAQ