I considered not including the word “intermittent” in the title since people just shake their heads noting there is nothing to be done. But…for those of you who are brave of heart, read on:

1987 K100RT. Good bike, very few problems. Today was my first 100 mile ride in many moons. No problem until there was a problem. I experienced a momentary cutout, lasting no more than 1/10 of a second. Had this happen maybe six times in the last 20 miles (60-70 mph). Obviously electrical, but where to start?

Ideas?

Dirty ignition switch is a possible culprit.

Cleaning:
http://www.kbikeparts.com/classickbikes.com/ckb.tech/0.ckb.tech.files/ignition2vclean/ignition2vclean.htm

Bad fuel level sender connector is another possible cause but not so easy to deal with.

I agree with the Duck.  Sounds like a dirty switch.  Been down that road twice.  Short cutouts, or not wanting to start.  

There are instructions on doing the job.  My advice is to take it apart in a box to catch any parts that will try to make a bid for freedom, especially the tiny springs.

Well, cleaning the ignition switch sounds spot on. And here I was wondering how I was going to spend my day off…

Thanks

How do the cut-out symptoms your Brick is experiencing now differ from those you experienced in 2021? The starter, the alternator, the ignition switch and several connectors were cleaned back then.

Laitch wrote:How do the cut-out symptoms your Brick is experiencing now differ from those you experienced in 2021? The starter, the alternator, the ignition switch and several connectors were cleaned back then.

Quite different experience. Hopefully the 2021 issue is resolved. The last step I took (which seemed to the step that resolved the faltering/stalling) was to clean the alternator brushes and ground leads. I did not replace the brushes, just cleaned the connections. That problem just about earned me an honorary degree in BMW troubleshooting.

davemadsen wrote:Well, cleaning the ignition switch sounds spot on. And here I was wondering how I was going to spend my day off…

Thanks

Well, everything is now shiny clean - and I still have the four tiny springs! Thanks!