Dicsonnecting brake servo on 1150GSA

[DoctorZippy]

Hi all,

Just spent a happy week touring Ireland on my '05 1150GSA, but have come the the conclusion that I really hate the servo-assisted ABS brakes. After years of riding sportsbikes, and a year on a non-ABS 1150GS, I've got used to having a brake lever that feels a certain way, and the servo takes this from me and I simply don't like it. Add to that the reason for buying the 1150GSA was to tour the world (see my earlier posts) next year, then the added complication is something I could do without.

I've read as many of the previous threads on this subject as a I can, and one refers to bypassing the servo but doesn't provide any more information. Can someone please tell me what is involved in removing this unnecessary complexity from what otherwise is a great bike?

Alternative is to sell it and get something else, but naturally I'm reluctant to do that!

Paul

 

[John Armstrong]

The easiest option (possibly) sell it, and buy an 07 GS / GSA.

 

[DoctorZippy]

The easiest option (possibly) sell it, and buy an 07 GS / GSA.

They didn't sell the 1150 in 07 and I don't want a 12 'cos they're rubbish

Now, anyone care to tell me how to bypass the servo/ABS on my 1150 or have I you all off too much

 

[John Armstrong]

They didn't sell the 1150 in 07 and I don't want a 12 'cos they're rubbish

Now, anyone care to tell me how to bypass the servo/ABS on my 1150 or have I you all off too much

In the spirit of this post, ride your bike with the ignition off

 

[Paul Young]

I'll start by saying that I don't know the answers, but I can brainstorm with the best...

I think that your problem's going to be the fact that the system's designed to work as a whole, so the master cylinder will not have been set up to operate the pads directly. You could end up by-passing the servo & being left with nothing but "residual" braking efficiency. It should be safe to say, therefore, that the master cylinder is going to need to be replaced if you're going to by-pass the servo.

It would probably be easier to strip the braking system from a "pre-servo" scrapper - ABS unit (if you want it) & master cylinder - & slot it into the gap left by stripping out your servo unit. They come up on eBay every now & again.

Someone'll be along to say all this is tosh, in a while... Steptoe?

 

[Steptoe]

Your master cylinders will still work the brakes as a normal non-servo bike.

You'll also need to alter the brake light wiring, so you have normal brake lights.

And there's more . But it is do"able"

 

[ianboydsnr]

you could swap me for my non servo 2003 gs1150, hell ill even allow you to swap shocks and seat

 

[DoctorZippy]

Thanks guys, sounds like there'll be an immaculate '05 1150GS Adventure in silver up for sale pretty soon...

Off away with work for a week (no biking involved )... watch this space!

 

[delpel]

I did it and it's a piece of piss.

Firstly - take all the servo crap of the bike and sell it on ebay.

Secondly - purchase a distribution piece bmw part number 34327650965 and connect the line coming from the master cylinder to the line going to the front brake calipers. Leave the flexible lines in place just connect them together.

Thirdly - connect the rear brake line to the rear master cylinder. It fits straight on.

Thats the the brake hydraulics sorted now for the brake light electrics. Believe it or not this is the complicated bit.

On the Servo/ABS model the brake light switches are arse about face. They are normally closed and the switch contacts open when you pull/press the lever. The servo senses this and does it's stuff.

You need to replace both switches with Non-Servo/ABS ones. These switch contacts are normally open. You pull/press the lever and they close and apply 12volts to the brakes.

So you need to hack into the wiring and find the 12v wire coming from Fuse 1, route this to the switches and on to the brake light bulb.

I have posted on this topic before on the US adventure and here on this site.

Drop me a line if you need any help or more info.