ABS Light

[Jessydog]

Hi

Have a problem with my R1100gs on a n plate, when I start the bike recently the ABS light does not flash together and go out, it flashes independently and does not go out. If I turn the bike off and restart it, after a couple of times, the light flashes as normal. Has anyone else had this problem.

Thanks in advance!!

Regards Rob

 

[Dragon Master]

Yep, it's a well known occurrance, usually due to battery not being up to scratch. On my old GS the lights would flash alternate, if I rode it for a mile or so then rethe -started they were usually OK. You might have to re-set the ABS fault warning, there are lots of threads on here on how to do that, perhaps try 'The Font of all Wisdom'? Or someone else will probably pop along to explain.

I avoided the problem on my 'new' GS by getting an Oddesy battery, not had the problem for two and a half years, and the battery is five years old. But that's a rather expensive way round for someone like me who can't be bothered with ordinary battery maintainence. As some on here will slag off the Oddesy batteries...

 

[robc]

Mine does the same from time to time. It started again last week. In my case it's not the battery but the ECU thinks it is. Basically, the ECU thinks the battery is down on power so disables the ABS. However, in my case, when the starter motor needs a service it begins to draw additional power from the battery at start up. The ECU still sees this as a dodgy battery. Removing and cleaning the starter resolves the problem for me. Perhaps it's the same for you.

Regards

Rob C

 

[robc]

Had to dig out this http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?207984-Starter-Strip&highlight=Starter just now to get a part number. It's a howto for stripping down a starter motor.

Try this first, it's much cheaper than buying a new battery.

Regards

Rob C

 

[Oldie]

Try keeping your battery on an optimate, or similar. If the problem persists then I'd agree with the starter motor comments. When I took off the starter on my 1100GS I found a bunch of mangled magnets. Bought one of those new £48 cheapos off ebay germany and haven't had a problem since. Time will tell though - buying cheap is always a risk but as it's not my main bike so it will do for me.

 

[fatnfast]

If your battery, starter and wiring are all good and the problem persists then this works just fine:
http://www.ibmwr.org/r-tech/oilheads/ABS-II_low_voltage_modification/index.shtml
On mine I used the blue wire in the diagnostics plug that lives on top of the airbox for my 'sensing' wire. Easy to do, no further issues in 10,000 miles now.

 

[Jessydog]

Hi

Thanks for the comments guys, will look into it.

Regards Rob

 

[Tsiklonaut]

+1 on starter clean + Odyssey battery, the best combo possible and years of no problems on cold starts or weak battery problems.

Be warned that the Odyssey is a flippin' heavy battery though. But first time I fired the starter it felt like it has a tank-like power and I thought it'll damage my strter or twist the crankcase . It definitely vastly outpowers and outruns any gel or wet battery I ever had before, especially strong difference in near 0 temperatures.