Brake failure. Can someone compare their brakes to mine.

[JimmyUK]

(also on Advrider. Don't read it twice)

Hi all.

I unfortunately did the last 100 miles of my 2800 mile European trip in the comfort of a breakdown recovery van. In short, I was riding along the motorway, felt a split second jolt as the bike (2005 1200GS) decelerated momentarily and found the brake failure light, and triangle flashing ( once a second, so ABS according to the manual). As it was getting dark, raining a little and I had breakdown cover, I decided to play it safe and get her carried home.

As I'm waiting til saturday to take it into my dealer, I decided to check things out. I would really appreciate someone confirming this for me.

When you apply the brakes, you hear the servos sound, and they wine more when you press them harder until, it reaches a level which stays the same, despite any additional effort. This I believe is right, yes???

At the moment, when I apply the back brake (front is fine), the servo sounds up until a point where it seems to shut off (no noise). I don't recall the two brakes being different before the problem. It isn't on my father's 02 1150rt anyway. Also, I found the back brake to be very inaffective (more than usual ).

It would be great if some of you could have a quick check. My initial thoughts are dodgy, but not completely failed servo or ABS sensor playing up. Thanks in advance, James.

 

[Mike Gough]

Brake Failure

Hi,

The only problem I've got is an intermittent rear brake failure which is down to the sensor I think. But this only happens on start up, I get the flashing amber triangle, front brake works but not the rear. If I go through the start up sequence a couple of times it clears and the rear brake starts working. I'm just trying to find the time to take it in to the dealer.
However I have never had brake failure on the move - only on start up.

 

[Shep]

I think you may have to compare the same year/build bikes as all three of mine have been different although all claiming to be the same brake system.

Good luck

Shep

ps Check that the rear light connections havn't corroded, on early models that was a favourite fault

& I guess you have checked the handguards havn't moved

 

[JimmyUK]

Hi,

The only problem I've got is an intermittent rear brake failure which is down to the sensor I think. But this only happens on start up, I get the flashing amber triangle, front brake works but not the rear. If I go through the start up sequence a couple of times it clears and the rear brake starts working. I'm just trying to find the time to take it in to the dealer.
However I have never had brake failure on the move - only on start up.

Hi Mike. Interesting. I will go for a ride on mine tomorrow and see if the problem repeats itself. If like yours, its only intermittent, then it will be okay in the short term. Unfortunately, on saturday, my dealer can only plug it in and check for faults. I'm off to watch the Manx on Sunday and the GS is my only bike so I bigger problem is going to be a real bugger.

PS. We must be distant relatives. I'm a Gough as well

 

[JimmyUK]

I think you may have to compare the same year/build bikes as all three of mine have been different although all claiming to be the same brake system.

Good luck

Shep

ps Check that the rear light connections havn't corroded, on early models that was a favourite fault

& I guess you have checked the handguards havn't moved

Hi Shep. Yes the handguards have been checked and I've had a good look around the electrics (where I reckon the problem lies) and can't see anything obviously wrong.

All except the cable for the front ABS sensor as it follows the brake line down to the wheel. It isn't smooth all the way down, like it has been stretched in one place. I shall investigate this some more. though it might be normal.

 

[ktmmark]

I have an 05 & the front servo runs all the time with brake on & rear servo turns off when pressure reached (use this on hills so not to keep servo running )

 

[JimmyUK]

I have an 05 & the front servo runs all the time with brake on & rear servo turns off when pressure reached (use this on hills so not to keep servo running )

Thanks Mark, yours makes a good comparison. Well I'll be glad if it turns out not to be a broken servo. I imagine that would be expensive. I couldn't for love nor money remember whether if sounded before. It's something you just don't think about until your in this situation.

 

[JimmyUK]

Hi all. Apologise for not giving you an update on my experiences earlier, I was in the Isle of Man for the Manx GP.



I took the bike into Bath Road Motorcycles and they ran there computer diagnostic thingy. They found to faults:



- Rear Brake level position sensor and

- Rear speed sensor.



Both of which had occurred simultanously and which were no longer present. So no parts were replaced. I've done about 600 miles since and had no problems.



I recall prior to the problem these strange occurance that maybe linked. I have a Garmin Zumo attached to the bike. Twice in the minutes leading up to the problem it kept popping up something like (from memory) "Cannot connect. accessory not compatiable". Obviously I wasn't trying to pair it with anything. My phone wasn't even on. The only thing I can think of is the speed cameras that, Along the M25 are in groups of 4 mounted in the overhead gantries. I told the dealer this and they 'jumped' on the idea that this caused the electrics to play up.



Personally I'm sceptical, but they are an honest bunch at Bath Road and really open with the problems they encounter. I'm inclined to trust them on this.



I'll be heading along the same road again on the weekend so I'd be interested to see if it happens again. I shall be riding carefully