Disabling ABS

[WindyChuffer]

I want to find a way of disabling the ABS such that it doesn't come back on until I tell it to. Sure you can disable it using a switch sequence, but it comes back on when you switch the ignition off and then on. Bit of a pain if doing a lot of off road.

Method 1 - If the ABS sensor rings on both wheels are removed, then surely the ABS won't work. Bit too "permanent". Haven't tried it (yet).

Method 2 - Each wheel has an ABS sensor that works in conjunction with the sensor rings. How about chopping this wire and putting a switch on it, and mounting on the handlebars?

Or is there an easier way....some secret firmware update that makes the switching more user friendly.

Thoughts?

 

[MattW]

I want to find a way of disabling the ABS such that it doesn't come back on until I tell it to. Sure you can disable it using a switch sequence, but it comes back on when you switch the ignition off and then on. Bit of a pain if doing a lot of off road.

Method 1 - If the ABS sensor rings on both wheels are removed, then surely the ABS won't work. Bit too "permanent". Haven't tried it (yet).

Method 2 - Each wheel has an ABS sensor that works in conjunction with the sensor rings. How about chopping this wire and putting a switch on it, and mounting on the handlebars?

Or is there an easier way....some secret firmware update that makes the switching more user friendly.

Thoughts?

My initial thought is that I wouldn't be chopping wires and fitting switches - I'd be certain that much grief lies in that direction. In fact I wouldn't do any of the horrid bodges which you are talking about any where near my brakes (even more so if they're servo brakes - if yours are?)

However if you're determined to risk your life to save pressing a couple of buttons before you start up.... Why not find one of the abs sensor connectors (wherever they live) and disconnect? Is there a fuse for the abs unit which you could pull?

Not my fault if you kill yourself though

 

[sockpuppet]

I certainly wouldn't mess with the operation of the ABS unless you are suitible qualified to do so in which case you wouldn't be asking.

This is probably a very quick way in which to invalidate your insurance.

 

[billy52]

Haaaa! Don't do it! - u crazy dude

 

[Mr K]

How hard is pressing the ABS button until the red triangle comes on?

 

[WindyChuffer]

How hard is pressing the ABS button until the red triangle comes on?

Its not hard at all....just a pain in the butt if doing a fair old chunk of off road and it comes back on after cycling the ignition....just exploring options....

And don't forget that your ABS can fail at any time. The ABS sensor on the front left fork is quite vulnerable - take a look. If ABS does fail, your brakes will still work, so I can't see how this could be "life threatening".

 

[GSmonkey]

Assuming you don't mess with any of the hydraulics, the worst your electrical mods could do is to set the ABS off incorrectly, thus removing your ability to brake. With this in mind if I was going to put a switch in somewhere, it would be the power supply to the ABS pump. Quite what error messages and flashing lights you'd get I don't know, as CANBUS may detect the break in circuit.

Good luck!!!

PS your fault if you die whilst frigging with your brakes

 

[Wapping]

How hard is pressing the ABS button until the red triangle comes on?

Obviously harder than cutting wires, putting in switches and wondering, silly.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Right - I found out how to do this:

Disconnect the ABS front wheel sensor. There is a connector on the RHS of the bike between you and the handlebars. Separate the two ends. Good idea to tape up the ends to keep the crap out. Will post some pix soon.

When you ride off, the bike determines there is a fault with the sensor as not getting any wheel motion pulses and disables the ABS for the both wheels, but does not affect regular braking. All ABS systems manage "faults" this way - obvious when you think about it.

Ride off and test you have the right connector by doing a rear wheel skid.

And before any naysayers flame me and tell me how dangerous this is and how I'm going to die please note this is how the Si Pavey's BMW Off Road school does it. I got this solution from Si himself this week !

Now I'll be taking this a stage further on mine and making it switchable. Can't be fagged with the official BMW way.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

All ABS systems manage "faults" this way - .

Except on a SAAB 9000 Auto. No ABS = NO BRAKES. Auto = NO ENGINE BRAKING

 

[WindyChuffer]

Except on a SAAB 9000 Auto. No ABS = NO BRAKES. Auto = NO ENGINE BRAKING

- I struggle with this comment.
- ABS is an electrical system designed to complement conventional mechanical braking.
- Electrical systems fail routinely, fuses blow etc.,
- So I struggle with the fact that if the ABS fails, you have no brakes on your Saab.
- Oh and you do have some engine braking - just override the auto with the gear lever. Admittedly not as good as a manual.

But what do I know...

Now back on topic - Disabling the ABS works on the GS without affecting the brakes and thats all I care about right now.

 

[itchywheels]

Don't listen to that lot, Most Chelsea tractors don't go off road. When your ready post pics

 

[Pukmeister]

Personally once I have disabled my ABS off-road, I stop the bike using the KILLSWITCH. Sod poncing about with breaking wires etc.

This switch can be reset to the run position and the ignition restarted without cycling through the CANBUS start sequence, thus the ABS stays disengaged.

The only potential downside is the headlamp stays on whilst the engine is stopped using the killswitch, so if you didn't restart the bike quickly enough your battery may get drained after a while. Never had a problem restarting the bike myself though.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Don't listen to that lot, Most Chelsea tractors don't go off road. When your ready post pics

At last, a sensible post on the matter...

Pix will indeed follow soon.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Pix of ABS Connector

Heres a couple of pix. Stand at the front of the bike looking to the back of the bike with your right hip against the beak.

Look at the fuel thingy thats on the right hand side of the bike, and the pipe that goes vertically down. Just near that pipe, towards the back of the bike is a two-wire connector.

This is the front wheel ABS sensor.

Disconnect the connector.

Go for a rear wheel skid to test.

And FFS, don't forget to plug it back in.

Take it a stage further and wire up a switch in a "secure" but accessible position...

Pix below. First pic shows the right hand winglet and the right hand hand-guard. Connector is just about visible just above the rear winglet bolt.

Second pic shows the connector in better clarity.

By the way, the pipe shown is a fuel-return pipe. Disconnect this with the engine off, point it in an empty bottle. Start the engine and you get fuel pumped into the bottle. Who needs a Touratwat fuel syphon. Cool eh?

 

[billy52]

ok I see what ur trying to do now, just watch out you don't disconnect the airbags

 

[WindyChuffer]

ok I see what ur trying to do now, just watch out you don't disconnect the airbags

LOL.