2003 1150GS

[Red 5]

Hello,

I'm currently considering a 2003 GS with ABS (34,000 km). It's lovely, however I'm about concerned about the servo brakes. I know it really about personal preference, I don't mind the way the brakes feel, however I wanted to know if there is the any actual data on servo failure rates? Am I being too cautious or is this really an issue?

Thank you.

JPH.

 

[the_laughing_mole]

I've had my 2001 1150GS with servo brakes for 3 years now and (touch wood ) they've been 100% reliable and powerful - you just have to get used to the squeal of the servo....

 

[KMD]

Ditto. 2000 year 1150GS with ABS and no problems at all. Go on..........you know it makes sense!

 

[DutchBryn]

Hello Red5,

Mole and KMD's ABS systems differ from your prospective 'bike, as they are un-servoed. From memory, servos came 'in' in '03.
There has been mucho discussion about pros and cons of this system.
Some love it, won't hear a word.. etc. others ( like me ), consider it a good idea taken a step too far.
BWM did eventually give-up on it. Make of that what you will.

Bit chilly for this sort of thing in Alberta, now. (?)

(Dutch)Bryn.

 

[yahoorsir]

brakes.........................

i've got a 2003 1150 gs with servo brakes,37,000 miles, no problems, (inshallah !)

Couple of mates with 06 and 08 1200 gs's had various breakdowns,problems, they think the build quality is not as good, i'll end up buying one maybe next year , like the feel of the more nimble and powerful 1200.

 

[Red 5]

Thanks for your help, I'll be making my mind up in the next few weeks, hope to get in a short ride or 2 (+5C today) before the snow arrives.
JPH.

 

[FatAl]

I have a 2002 (december) ABS servo, has done 30,000 miles, everything is tickety boo, I haven't even had to change a light bulb. However when the bike goes to southport superbikes each year for it's MOT I get the brakes bled and pressure tested. It is prudent to keep the battery fully charged by a tender of some sort as the ABS is apparently sensitive to battery charge.

 

[west coast traveller]

My 2003 ABS Servo 1150 GS has 35000 miles on clock and so far no problems (touch wood). Yearly change of brake fluid is an easy DIY if you are fairly confident in your mechanicing abilities. Also if ABS suffers terminal breakdown then it can be removed fairly cheaply (plenty of threads on this).
Good luck

 

[simondippenhall]

2003 GS1150

ABS/servo

40,000 miles (including W Sahara and Middle East).

No problems with servo..just something you get used to.

 

[Markblox]

Mine failed!

Hi, my 05 adv had it's sevo fail about 4 months ago when it had done about 25k miles. BMW paid for the whole job despite me servicing the bike myself. It was bought as a private sale as well which is cool. Cost of part though is about £1200 ! Great bike though. Just get one.

 

[essbee]

Unit Replaced

Mine failed on my 2003 just out of warranty. Failed three times - dealer not very interested. 1st time they said there wasn't a problem - failed as I was about to turn into a garage, I went right on by! 2nd fail they charged me £60 for new tail light - but it was ok! 3rd fail I was tamping. Had to speak myself to BMW customer services after dealer said breakdown collection would be charged for. Customer services fine - they ordered an UPGRADED unit from Germany. Had this fitted free of charge and no breakdown collection fee to pay. No trouble since but disappointed that BMW had not done a blanket safety recall concerning a problem they were fully aware of. I found the residual braking fine but the brake lever needed to be cranked up before it could be worked without too much effort. Had no trouble since then - very powerful brakes.