R1200RT Dies on Freeway!

[flyby]

I was on my way home from my BMW dealer this afternoon, cruising along in moderate traffic on the 101 Freeway outside of LA, when the engine died! Fortunately, I was in the far right lane and coasted onto the shoulder. I could not restart the bike. Starter was turning, but no go! Gas was good, battery strong. I coasted to the off-ramp (about 100 yards) and exited the freeway. Called the service manger and told him what happened and that "EWS" appeared on the LCD. He checked and told me that this is an "immobilizer fault".

I just paid the dealer to disable the alarm "auto on" , so I'm suspect that something was improperly set, but I'm not sure. I was ready to call BMW Roadside Assistance, but the dealer offered to send their truck to come get the bike and take me home. That's 30 miles from their facility! I was impressed and greatful. I won't know until tomorrow what the problem is.

While I was sitting on the curb waiting for the truck, bike on the sidestand
with hazard lights flashing, 2 pedestrians, 1 motorcyclist, and 1 car driver, asked if I was ok, or did I need help. All in a 45 minute period. Made me feel a little better while waiting....a little kindness from strangers goes a long way.

Has anyone had a similar problem with their RT? This could have been very dangerous in any other lane...not good!

[Ghost55]

Can't help with your problem, but my experience is I always need about a 100 mile shakedown ride after getting the bike back from the dealer. Something, always loose, missing, or operates differently. Have found this true regardless of brand though.

[flyby]

Well, it turns out I was out of gas! Gauge showed 3/8 - 1/2 and no warning light indicator came on! This was supposedly fixed when the new software was installed....NOT! So we are now awaiting for new part(s) to deal with this.

The dealer discovered the problem when the tech test drove the bike and ran out of gas a block from the shop.

[cfell]

gee.. you coulda ridden it a block further!