1150GS question

[ChrisH Kerry]

I'm tempted towards the 1150GS but am bit confused about the braking system on the 1150 - I've seen mention of servos and EVO and of course ABS, and also seen a post in the for sale bit where someone removed all of this. I've read that the servo/ABS system needs complicated service only a dealer can do? Am I better to go for a non ABS bike as I do all my own servicing on my bikes? Is the ABS system that good/worthwhile? Does it give that much trouble? As I said - I find it all a bit confusing, any clarification greatly appreciated
thanks

 

[Sleepy]

I've had my ABS (non-servo) equipped 1150 since new (2001) done 40,000+ miles, do all my own servicing too, no problems at all, and the brakes are more than adequate.

 

[Canuck]

I've had my ABS (non-servo) equipped 1150 since new (2001) done 40,000+ miles, do all my own servicing too, no problems at all, and the brakes are more than adequate.

change 2001 t0 2004 , +1

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Is it possible to have a non ABS servo system? and would the presence of a 'Brake Failure' light on the dash mean it's a servo assisted brake system? I've seen one that's OK but it has the light and no ABS (no sensor wire on shaft drive casing and no crenulated on front wheel) I think I want to stay clear of servo assisted ones

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Struggling to work out all the available options...

 

[Bryn]

Does it have a button on the switchgear marked ABS?

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Didn't notice any ABS switch, but I'm nearly sure it isn't one cos there would be a sensor wire on the rear and the visible sensor disc on the front left. It's the servo bit I'm less keen on...

 

[Coolcarbon]

All servo bikes have ABS, I've had mine since 2002, no problems....so far...

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

Can you tell from this pic? I thought ABS ones had the sensor wire coming out of the housing there?

There's a Brake Failure lamp to right of neutral lamp... what's that about?

 

[ahutcheon]

Can you tell from this pic? I thought ABS ones had the sensor wire coming out of the housing there?

There's a Brake Failure lamp to right of neutral lamp... what's that about?

I'm pretty sure my ABS servo bike (an 03) has a sensor and wiring where the blank boss is below the brake caliper in that picture. Does the front wheel have the perforated sensor rings and sensors/wiring inside the brake discs?

The brake failure lamp and the other red light below it are related to the ABS. Do they flash in interesting ways when the ignition is first turned on and then until the bike is ridden a few meters? If not, maybe they just use the same instrument cluster on ABS and non-ABS bikes?

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

I'm pretty sure my ABS servo bike (an 03) has a sensor and wiring where the blank boss is below the brake caliper in that picture. Does the front wheel have the perforated sensor rings and sensors/wiring inside the brake discs?

NO perforated ring... seems like it's a non ABS version and they use the same dashboard for all models... Jeez, this is confusing determined to fathom it all out though or I'll end up with something I don't want.

 

[Geeza]

Its non ABS.....see attached pic of my old 1150. As mentioned by other GSer's
there is a sensor coming out of the rear housing.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

I'm getting there now! Servo ones from 2002 onwards have a tadpole shaped plug cover. All servo ones are ABS. Non servo (longer plug cover) ABS have the sensor wire on rear and sensor disc on front. How am I doing??

 

[MikeP]

Longer plug cover?

Surely that's a single-spark?

 

[Geeza]

I'm getting there now! Servo ones from 2002 onwards have a tadpole shaped plug cover. All servo ones are ABS. Non servo (longer plug cover) ABS have the sensor wire on rear and sensor disc on front. How am I doing??

The pic of my bike is a W reg (year 2000) if that helps.

 

[THE PICT]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, some late2001 early 2002 single spark abs 1150's had EVO systems inbetween the old ABS and the newer servo types. Thats what I have and no problems with it.

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

I think I'm approaching information overload here Pretty happy I know what to look for now, so thanks for the replies

 

[Packer]

Make sure that you're not looking at a bitza, what you really need is someone who can say categorically that there should be no brake warning lights illuminated at all, ever, on a non-abs bike! I can't as mine is ABS. Had it from Nov. 03 52,000+miles, zero problems with ABS or servo's but I have had major services done by the dealer.

Great all rounders these bikes

 

[ChrisH Kerry]

what you really need is someone who can say categorically that there should be no brake warning lights illuminated at all, ever, on a non-abs bike!

Good point! I'm more than able to cope with standard braking systems - it's the electronic wizzardly that's beyond my capabilities so want to stay clear of that if poss. Have a total phobia of taking any bike I own to a dealer... don't trust them, and don't appreciate their charges..

 

[Stewart H]

Good point! I'm more than able to cope with standard braking systems - it's the electronic wizzardly that's beyond my capabilities so want to stay clear of that if poss. Have a total phobia of taking any bike I own to a dealer... don't trust them, and don't appreciate their charges..

I dont know where my nearest dealer is either, If you dont fear the spanners a bit and arent a total numpty then the non servo ABS bikes are easily owner serviced as far as flushing and bleeding etc, one or two new tricks to learn perhaps but its all pretty straightforward

Stewart