Bank Angle Sensor

[Murrgh]

My bank angle sensor is acting up. I have to hold the bike upright for a few minutes before it'll let me start. Sometimes I have to lean the bike and put it back upright and wait...

I know I can ground it out, but is this the recommended solution? Is this a common problem?

Thanks

EDIT:

I suppose I should mention that it's activating when it's just on the kickstand. I've never tipped the bike over.

[sandy]

Chris; Be sure to shut the key off to reset it if you've tipped it over. I have one for shipping.

[Murrgh]

Chris; Be sure to shut the key off to reset it if you've tipped it over. I have one for shipping.

Thanks, I forgot to mention that I cycle the key every 30 seconds while doing this until I'm successful. Is this sensor necessary?

[Jess from VA]

I always thought the idea of the bank angle sensor was to help the guy who went off the road and down the hill and was pinned under a running, horizontal bike who was unconscious or could not manage to reach the key or kill switch, and gas was leaking out (and fixing to ignite). 

There may be other reasons, but that's the one that comes to mind.

[Hook#3287]

I always thought the idea of the bank angle sensor was to help the guy who went off the road and down the hill and was pinned under a running, horizontal bike who was unconscious or could not manage to reach the key or kill switch, and gas was leaking out (and fixing to ignite). 

There may be other reasons, but that's the one that comes to mind.

Whether for safety or for self preservation of the engine, I believe the bank angle sensor is a good idea.

  I'd remove & test it and replace it, if necessary, with a tested used one.

[Chrisj CMA]

This is not a common problem.  Have you looked at the sensor?  What if it was loose or able to move causing the erratic behavior.  Just guessing.  You probably need a new one

[Hook#3287]

This is not a common problem.  Have you looked at the sensor?  What if it was loose or able to move causing the erratic behavior.  Just guessing.  You probably need a new one

Has anyone ever taken one of these apart?  My guess is there's a simple pendulum device that breaks the circuit at a certain % angle, book says approx. 50%.  There's a full page in the manual describing removal and testing, in my book it's page 19-18.  There's also a relay to test

[Paladin528]

I was going to say it could be a faulty relay.  the bank angle sensor is essentially a mercury switch.  It is designed to shut the bike off if it is layed down.
Check to see if both screws are in place.  If one of the screws comes out (or the plastic boss is broken) the the angle sensor will sit at the incorrect angle.

This should be worrisome as it could activate any time when you are riding and could possible cause an accident.

[indybobm]

There are two parts to the Bank Angle Sensor circuit. The first is the Bank Angle Sensor itself.  The second is the Bank Angle Sensor Relay.

The Bank Angle Sensor has an 'internal' relay which is not energized until the angle of the bike reaches a 50 degree bank angle. This unenergized 'internal' relay supplies a ground to the Bank Angle Sensor Relay through its Normally Closed contacts.  This enables the Bank Angle Sensor Relay to supply 12 volts through the Engine Stop Switch and Starter Button to the Starter Relay.

When the angle of the bike exceeds the allowed angle, an internal contact in the Bank Angle Sensor,  (think of it as a pendulum swinging side to side) supplies a ground to the 'internal' relay in the Bank Angle Sensor, energizing the 'internal' relay which opens the Normally Closed contacts.
This removes the ground from the Bank Angle Sensor Relay which de-energizes and removes the 12 volts to the Engine Stop Switch, the Starter Switch and the Starter Relay.
The 'internal' relay in the Bank Angle Sensor is a latching relay. It will remain energized until the ignition key is switched off.

Do NOT defeat this safety feature. It has a very important function.

[Paladin528]

http://drakesmotors.com/blog/bank-angle-sensor