ABS u/s

[cruisermoi]

Hi Guys
Took bike for run, went half a mile when I lost ABS function, the bike (1200gs) brake warning flashed 4 x per second. Still had auxilliary braking but very little, I have booked it into local dealer, however has anyone any ideas ??

 

[TheWarlock]

If this is a servo assisted bike, it sounds like servo / abs unit failure. Happened to me on 1150RT. A bit disconcerting when you try to brake expecting the servo assist and only get residual retardation.

Oh how I laughed.

 

[Shep]

Check your RH hand guard isn't fouling the lever, also check operation of rear brake switch, check rear lights are working OK.

If all OK take to the dealers

Shep

 

[TheWarlock]

If it's a switch or lever fouling problem, it wouldn't normally cause a problem until next system boot / check I think. No harm in checking though.

 

[Shep]

If it's a switch or lever fouling problem, it wouldn't normally cause a problem until next system boot / check I think. No harm in checking though.

I had the same symptoms when a clump of mud on my right boot got pushed into the brakeswitch on one of my old 1200's, I rode 60miles home with residual braking (which isn't that bad once you get used to it) only to pick the mud out and everthing was OK again

Shep

 

[TheWarlock]

Point taken.

 

[cruisermoi]

ABs

Thanks lads

If I apply the brakes with ignition on and the engine off there is no "whine" plus the rear brake light is not working.

 

[Fanum]

Thanks lads

If I apply the brakes with ignition on and the engine off there is no "whine" plus the rear brake light is not working.

Listen very carefully at the lever end though...can you hear a micro switch clicking in???

If you can, (it's a physical click so not electronic) then it's either the wiring to the ABS unit from the switch, or the ABS unit itself.
With the ignition off, it's quite a noticeable 'click' even though it's quiet, IYSWIM

 

[Shep]

Thanks lads

If I apply the brakes with ignition on and the engine off there is no "whine" plus the rear brake light is not working.

Check and see if the rear light connections are corroded or not, IIRC there has been cases of rear light corrosion causing brake issues on early 04/05 models.

Shep

 

[cruisermoi]

Problem solved, handguard fouling brake lever. I moved the guard up a bit and tightened the end Torx bolt. I contacted dealer who knew of the fault he also advised that if the clutch hand guard moves around it can foul clutch lever causing clutch to slip !!

 

[cruisermoi]

Just realised SHEP gave the solution, down boy !!!!

 

[Shep]

Well done, glad its sorted.

I've got in a habit now of flicking the levers forward whilst riding along as its very easy to knock or lean on a handguard enough to foul a lever.

Shep