ABS Confusion

[DeuceBG]

I'm after some Informed Advice please People.....

When I bought my R1150 GS (2203 non-GSA) I was told by the PO that the ABS had been "Professionally Disconnected".
The ABS Light no longer illuminates and there is a disconnected Plug of some kind by the Rear Caliper.

The Servo, however, still operates.

Today I have had a Conversation with a supposed GS Buff who insists that the ABS and Servo Pumps on this Model are one and the same, therefore if my Servo works then so must my ABS (or it must still be connected at the very least).

Is this correct?
I am no expert on these things and I am now , more than a little confused!!

TIA.....

 

[Ian J Hartley]

It could be that the PO had an ABS fault, probably the rear sensor, and just removed the warning light bulbs from the instrument panel. There are two warning lights by the way. One is marked 'Brake Failure' and the other one, below has a triangle on it.

When you say the servo runs, I take it that when you press either the front or rear brake levers, you get a high pitch whine from some where under the fuel tank. This is not to be confused with the fuel pump whine that you get for the short duration just after you turn on the ignition.

Ian

 

[DeuceBG]

It could be that the PO had an ABS fault, probably the rear sensor, and just removed the warning light bulbs from the instrument panel. There are two warning lights by the way. One is marked 'Brake Failure' and the other one, below has a triangle on it.

When you say the servo runs, I take it that when you press either the front or rear brake levers, you get a high pitch whine from some where under the fuel tank. This is not to be confused with the fuel pump whine that you get for the short duration just after you turn on the ignition.

Ian

Correct Ian, it is the Servo I hear operating everytime I touch a Brake Lever.
Also, the Brakes are virtually non-existent without the Engine running.

 

[Ian J Hartley]

Then your Servo or iABS system is still installed, and it sounds as if the PO is not telling you the whole truth.

I take it that the rear Abs sensor is disconnected. The plug for it is on the right side of the frame top tube just rear of the fuse box. It's next to the connector for the foot brake switch.

I would have a look to see if the warning light bulbs have been removed. Chances are they have been. There should also be a blue relay located in the fuse box. Forward row one relay position in from the right.

Ian

 

[Ian J Hartley]

When you first switch on the ignition,

the Brake failure light and general warning light (triangle) illuminate.
Then the brake failure light flashes fast warning light illuminated
Then the brake failure light flashes slow and the warning light goes out

Whilst the light flashes, you should hear a relay clicking.

This is the initial self test of the iABS system.

The flashing brake failure light goes out when you ride off.

Ian

 

[DeuceBG]

No Yellow Lights at all with Ignition. No Blue Relay in Fuse Box either.


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[DeuceBG]

So are you saying that this Guy is correct in saying that the ABS can't have been Disconnected whilst leaving the Servo Operational?


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[Ian J Hartley]

It looks like what you have is servo assisted brakes but no ABS

Either way if it was me, I would investigate further to find out what is broken. Which will be the reason that the relay has been removed.

It's up to you really as to how you wish to proceed. You can either put everything back as it should be and try and find which component is causing your failure.

Or

You can continue to run the bike as it is. Though with servo brakes and no ABS then it should be easy to lock the wheels.

Or

Remove the system completely to revert to normal more reliable and simpler braking system.

Ian

 

[DeuceBG]

It looks like what you have is servo assisted brakes but no ABS

Either way if it was me, I would investigate further to find out what is broken. Which will be the reason that the relay has been removed.

It's up to you really as to how you wish to proceed. You can either put everything back as it should be and try and find which component is causing your failure.

Or

You can continue to run the bike as it is. Though with servo brakes and no ABS then it should be easy to lock the wheels.

Or

Remove the system completely to revert to normal more reliable and simpler braking system.

Ian

Thanks for all your Input Ian.
I'm not too fussed about having ABS.
I've been riding for over 30 years and it's only recently that my Bikes have actually had it fitted.
Regarding the Servo Assistance, my Brakes seem to operate as any other with no adverse Grabbing etc when applied.
A mate had an RT1150 with Servos and it was a nightmare.
Either that or he's just an over enthusiastic, heavy handed Operator.....which is possible!!
I'll leave them as is for now but I was just curious as I've had such blatantly conflicting Information.
I like to be clear as to what I'm dealing with.

 

[Flipfly]

Brakes are a safety issue, personally I wouldn't leave them to chance. Take the bike to Mikeyboy who is a stones throw away and get the feckin thing sorted properly! Mine has had the servo removed properly, yours sounds like a cowboy job. The whole reason to disconnect it was to cut the servo out of the system, why the feck would it still be connected and running?

Please get it looked at for your own safety.

 

[DeuceBG]

Brakes are a safety issue, personally I wouldn't leave them to chance. Take the bike to Mikeyboy who is a stones throw away and get the feckin thing sorted properly! Mine has had the servo removed properly, yours sounds like a cowboy job. The whole reason to disconnect it was to cut the servo out of the system, why the feck would it still be connected and running?

Please get it looked at for your own safety.

Fair Point, well made.
However, I thought that the reason behind disconnecting the ABS was to avoid having to pay out for a failed ABS Module rather than discarding the Servo?
I know that many report eventual issues with their Servo and have thereafter been led to disconnect them sometime after the initial disconnection of the ABS (in fact I read a Picture Thread on it somewhere on here) but is it a "Must?".
Which brings me back to my original Query, "Can the ABS be disconnected without also disconnecting the Servo?".

 

[Steptoe]

I know that many report eventual issues with their Servo and have thereafter been led to disconnect them sometime after the initial disconnection of the ABS (in fact I read a Picture Thread on it somewhere on here) but is it a "Must?".

This statement is a load of twaddle, i think you're getting confused.

Fair Point, well made.
However, I thought that the reason behind disconnecting the ABS was to avoid having to pay out for a failed ABS Module rather than discarding the Servo?
I know that many report eventual issues with their Servo and have thereafter been led to disconnect them sometime after the initial disconnection of the ABS (in fact I read a Picture Thread on it somewhere on here) but is it a "Must?".
Which brings me back to my original Query, "Can the ABS be disconnected without also disconnecting the Servo?".

With the combined ABS/servo system the ABS rarely gives a problem and if it does is very very easily and cheaply repairable.

The servo/abs is usually removed when the servo gives problems, which aren't so easily and cheaply repaired.

It sounds like you have a dogs dinner of a job done by someone who didn't know what they're doing and can't boil a kettle.

I'd get someone with the correct diagnostics to plug in and find out what the actual problem is/was.

 

[DeuceBG]

This statement is a load of twaddle, i think you're getting confused.





With the combined ABS/servo system the ABS rarely gives a problem and if it does is very very easily and cheaply repairable.

The servo/abs is usually removed when the servo gives problems, which aren't so easily and cheaply repaired.

It sounds like you have a dogs dinner of a job done by someone who didn't know what they're doing and can't boil a kettle.

I'd get someone with the correct diagnostics to plug in and find out what the actual problem is/was.

I think maybe you're right.
I've just sent MikeyBoy a Text to see what can be done.....

 

[DeuceBG]

Job done!
Thanks to all for your Input and Advice.
ABS / Servo stripped out and binned, Pipework et al.
Busy afternoon but well worth the effort.
£12 very well spent joining this Forum.