ABS

[Douglas Whittaker]

Hi, I have a 2005 series 1 R 1200 GS with 70000 kilo on the clock, up to now never a problem. But a couple of weeks ago the ABS system warning lights went on and off at their own time. I will not go to BMW as I am retired and just cannot afford their ridiculous prices, plus I been riding BMW bikes since 1969 and the other 6 did not have such a system, so my mechanic has turned it off. Now my question is a simple one, will the bike operate normally as a manual braking bike? Or are there any nasty surprises waiting for me? Thanks to one and all, Douglas. PS Just for the record I live up country in Thailand.

 

[jim123]

I'm not an expert, but maybe the following can help:

For off road riding it is recommended to disengage the ABS using the button on the handlebars. So I'd presume that riding on roads without the ABS connected should be OK. The only thing you might want to check out is how and where your mechanic disconnected the ABS just incase he's disabled something else along with it.

Also, i had a problem with my 06 bike with the ABS light staying on, but it turned out that this was due to the battery getting to the end of it's useful life. This resulted in the Canbus controller interpreting that the electrics were not 100%, so it switched off the ABS to save power. From memory the Canbus also switched the speedo off at the same time. Might be worth looking at the battery?

 

[Shilo]

I have just had the same problem with 2006 GSA ABS light flashing 4 times per second.

There was a recall to replace hand protectors as the front brake lever touches the hand shield and turns off the ABS.

Solved my problem.

 

[Ralphieb]

ABS light

Mine (06 GS) stayed on after being intermittant for awhile. Replaced battery, checked everything else, finally went back to BMW Dealer and they admitted there was a problem (well out of warranty but regular servicing and 40000ks) and they relpaced the ABS unit but I had to pay the labour costs - about$A400.