Servo removal / deactivation.

ExpatinIstanbul · Jan 16, 2009

So, I'm wondering if it's possible to either remove or deactivate the servo assistance on my '05 gs (ABS model). Can this be done but still keep a decent level of braking force? Is the process reversible?

Before someone asks. Why? Because last year I had a problem when the brakes locked on, which got put down to the servo. And, because I prefer more feel with braking than I get with the servo.

Mav · Jan 16, 2009

I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on this as well - occasionally my bike likes to stall, which then kills power to the breaks. This can be pretty tedious if you're approaching a junction :blast

Davy F · Jan 16, 2009

Searching for the answer

There's probably some info somewhere on here about doing this. Short answer is yes, but you will lose your ABS. There's also some other small mods needed to the plumbing to do this properly.

The Bede · Jan 16, 2009

ExpatinIstanbul said:
So, I'm wondering if it's possible to either remove or deactivate the servo assistance on my '05 gs (ABS model). Can this be done but still keep a decent level of braking force? .

... Simple answer NO!
... Complex answer, sure, but only if you want to install an entire new braking system.

... On the early ABS machines the entire circuit is set-up to have the added assist of the servo. There have been complaints about the ineffective level of residual braking ...

Mav said:
... occasionally my bike likes to stall, which then kills power to the breaks. This can be pretty tedious if you're approaching a junction

... If you want to find out how bad, push your bike down hill with the ignition off and try braking

... FWIW - I never had a problem with servos on my first 1200GS and was disappointed when they were taken off the spec.

Timolgra · Jan 16, 2009

I can't speak for the 1200 system but understand why you want the non servo feel of your brakes.

This week I've just removed a perfectly working servo/abs unit from my 1150 and plumbed it direct. The brakes are just as effective but of course there's now no abs, I can live with that.

Servos are for the limp wristed, abs for the non sensitive

It's a bit of a fiddle with the wiring since both brake light switches have to be changed and rewired, I couldn't say if it's the same process with the canbus system though.

Mav · Jan 16, 2009

The Bede said:
... Simple answer NO!
... Complex answer, sure, but only if you want to install an entire new braking system.

... On the early ABS machines the entire circuit is set-up to have the added assist of the servo. There have been complaints about the ineffective level of residual braking ...

... If you want to find out how bad, push your bike down hill with the ignition off and try braking

... FWIW - I never had a problem with servos on my first 1200GS and was disappointed when they were taken off the spec.

Hey Bede

TBH - Like you, I have no problem with the brakes themselves - they're fine. But we're gonna be doing a trip 2-up on the GSA in April, and I'm wondering just how interesting braking on residual brakes (due to a stall) is gonna be 2-up and fully loaded :eek

davidgibson999 · Jan 16, 2009

Check in with Brian (Mototech) - I think a recall a recent post from him where he'd done this to at least one 12.

JohnnyBoxer · Jan 16, 2009

Mav said:
Hey Bede

TBH - Like you, I have no problem with the brakes themselves - they're fine. But we're gonna be doing a trip 2-up on the GSA in April, and I'm wondering just how interesting braking on residual brakes (due to a stall) is gonna be 2-up and fully loaded

I believe no 12GSA's were ever fitted with Servo ABS Brakes, Mav

So yours shouldn't even have it?

Only post early 2003 1150's and 2004 to 2006/7 1200GS's had Servo ABS brakes IIRC

LiquidLAN · Jan 16, 2009

JohnnyBoxer said:
I believe no 12GSA's were ever fitted with Servo ABS Brakes, Mav

So yours shouldn't even have it?

Only post early 2003 1150's and 2004 to 2006/7 1200GS's had Servo ABS brakes IIRC

then I think I might have one of those 12GSA's that doesnt exist - that'll explain all the other problems I've had!

06 12GSA with a label on the tank stating the engine needs to be running for the servo assist brakes to work or something... I'll go and check

Mav · Jan 16, 2009

JohnnyBoxer said:
I believe no 12GSA's were ever fitted with Servo ABS Brakes, Mav

So yours shouldn't even have it?

Only post early 2003 1150's and 2004 to 2006/7 1200GS's had Servo ABS brakes IIRC

I can't speak to what was supposed to be available.... but mine def has Servo ABS (can hear the whine and have to disengage the ABS when playing in the dirt)

Timolgra said:
I can't speak for the 1200 system but understand why you want the non servo feel of your brakes.

This week I've just removed a perfectly working servo/abs unit from my 1150 and plumbed it direct. The brakes are just as effective but of course there's now no abs, I can live with that.

Servos are for the limp wristed, abs for the non sensitive

It's a bit of a fiddle with the wiring since both brake light switches have to be changed and rewired, I couldn't say if it's the same process with the canbus system though.

I'm thinking I'm gonna go the same way as you Timothy - I would never want someone to think of me as a limp wristed, insensitive, 1200 rider! It's bad enough being a 1200 rider :blast

wilbjr21 · Jan 16, 2009

The servo brakes were replaced with the '07 model year. The '06 GSA did have servos ............. this was a good enough reason for a change of bike (doesn't take much :blush

).

Timolgra · Jan 16, 2009

Mav said:
I'm thinking I'm gonna go the same way as you Timothy - I would never want someone to think of me as a limp wristed, insensitive, 1200 rider! It's bad enough being a 1200 rider

I was only kidding, a few years ago we were in the BMW factory being given the corporate bullshit by their spokesman.

I asked why couldn't we have abs and no servo, like it used to be :nenau

since it ceased to be an option. He replied that customer feedback suggested owners wanted the servo and abs...what bollocks. still I think they saw the light in the end and did give an option.

Mav · Jan 16, 2009

Timolgra said:
I was only kidding, a few years ago we were in the BMW factory being given the corporate bullshit by their spokesman.

I asked why couldn't we have abs and no servo, like it used to be since it ceased to be an option. He replied that customer feedback suggested owners wanted the servo and abs...what bollocks. still I think they saw the light in the end and did give an option.

And it was taken in jest too :thumb2

I managed 20k on the HP without either and the servo seems like more of a liability than the benefit of having ABS so I think I'm gonna lose them both

I've just gotta find someone to help me do it without screwing up the brakes AND the canbus :blast

Pukmeister · Jan 16, 2009

Mav, I've asked this on the forum too and found no answer. I would ask a dealer but chances are it would mean them trawling through books/microfiche to find a possible solution.

If you do find out, please be sure to post how its done.

JohnnyBoxer · Jan 16, 2009

I stand corrected on 2006 12GSA's

Point noted

Note to self - don't buy a 2006 12GSA with ABS :augie

LiquidLAN · Jan 16, 2009

Mav said:
I'm thinking I'm gonna go the same way as you Timothy - I would never want someone to think of me as a limp wristed, insensitive, 1200 rider! It's bad enough being a 1200 rider

I wouldnt if I where you, you can find out what it would be like, as someone has suggested, by trying the ignition off rolling down a hill...

I'd guess it would be possible to do safely if you upgraded the brakes?

luckylucian · Jan 16, 2009

Over on Gspot its been done, micro switches need changing, rear brake pipe from caliper is re-used to run to rear brake pedal, non-abs front hoses required.

sell ABS unit etc for a fortune on e-bay! :blast

Pukmeister · Jan 16, 2009

It's been done on the 1150, not seen it yet on a 1200 due to the CANBUS and sofware interface with the ZFE controller.

cookie · Jan 16, 2009

a pedant would point out that the post 07 ABS GSs do have a servo, but on the rear brake only.

if anyone works out how to bin that, let me know. it's rubbish.

Big Lee · Jan 16, 2009

My 54 12 had a recall a couple of years ago to replace the banjo bolt on the front brake lever. That made a big difference to residual braking as it was a different design, smaller hole in it I think to up the pressure.

Servo removal / deactivation.

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