'97 BMW boxer firing on only 1 cylinder

Greetings,

I have a '97 BMW R850R
I just changed the battery which required me taking off the gas tank. Not a
big problem, just took a few more minutes. After replacing the battery and
getting everything back in order, it seems that only the left cylinder is
firing. I checked for misplaced fuel lines or loose plugs, but I can't
seem to find anything wrong.

Does anyone have any hints recommendations?

Thanks

~Doug

 

I found the problem

i had found a reference to this problem in google's newsgroup archives and
had misunderstood the resolution.

It was simple... the throttle cable for the right cylinder had been unseated
and left misaligned in its terminating bracket while taking off the gas
tank. This left the two cylinders fighting each other when it was running:
the name boxer for this engine is all too appropriate.

Anyway, a simple flick of the throttle cable reseats it and solves the
problem. Never mind I had taking the bike apart twice looking for a
solution.

FWI for those who follow....

Cheers

 

Doug,

Boxer BMWs have a 'wasted spark` ignition system and the fuel lines
in an 'H` arrangement so I'd be willing to bet you a shiney new nickel
that you did something to the left ignition cable up under the tank.
(Like maybe working it loose from the common ignition coil?)
Give that a look.
I believe the 97 has CD ignition so there might have been damage if
there was a 'floating` lead. Go to the manual for 'spark check`
proceedure.

Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything else
with which I can be of absolutely no help at all.

Best of luck,
Pragmatist - "R75/5 Forever!"