Help with Brake Failure AND Speedometer - GS R1200

[zenbeats]

A few months ago I purchased my first GS R1200. It's a 2005 model with 37k miles (excellent condition, well looked after and stored inside with FSH) that had a new modulator in May 2013. In the last week I've been seeing the brake failure light come on and the brake server stop working. Weirdly, yesterday the brake failure light was on BUT the servo worked BUT the speedo wasn't working.

I'm in no way an expert on these bikes (yet), so would welcome any useful help and ideas as to what the problem might be and how best I can resolve it without spending a lot of money.

 

[Ted]

Possibly one of the wheel speed sensors, think the rear one dose the speedo as well, sure someone will correct me if not. Have a look see if clearance between it and hub ok, to large and wont work, details in owners hand book. If all ok would need someone with a multimeter to check it or ideally a GS911 to see what faults are showing. Try Steptoe of this parish sure to be able to sort it and wont rip your arm off either. http://gsshop.biz/

 

[Pukmeister]

The typical culprit is a build up of fine metallic wear particles on the speed sensor pickup. An easy job to remove from the rear face of the final drive housing after removing the rear wheel, simply wipe clean and replace.
A ten minute job.

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[mikeyboy]

The typical culprit is a build up of fine metallic wear particles on the speed sensor pickup. An easy job to remove from the rear face of the final drive housing after removing the rear wheel, simply wipe clean and replace.
A ten minute job.

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,
you might want to consider getting the f/d checked if there are metal particles on the sensor,the pinion bearing may be on the way out.

 

[Bendy toy]

Also check the battery because low system voltage can throw up strange errors.

 

[davegs]

Speedo

If your in London just take it to see Steppers he'll sort it out.

 

[jim123]

I had similar on my 2006GS. Speedo dead and Brake Failure light on.
Mine was due to the battery not holding charge to the optimum level, and after a few days with no use, I'd get the same issue as you describe. What happens if you take the bike for a few miles after start-up then switch off and restart?
I found that with some top up from the alternator the condition would disappear on re-start.

 

[GressRick]

Some good suggestion above which may help you but I will share my recent experience.
I have a 54 reg with the same servo brakes and showing @39K miles.

At the end of last year the ABS light started appearing during my commuted to work (12 miles). It always cleared after switching off the ignition but would reappear at some point during the ride. The speedo always stopped when the ABS light came on and the rear brake had only residual power (read that as very little unless you pressed down hard!). Only by switching the ignition off then on again would everything return to normal.
I search the net and discovered the ABS unit probably needed a good bleed. I think I was also lucky that it was the rear brake circuit failing and not the front, as some people have reported! Service history for my GS indicated the brake fluids had not been changed as per BMW recommendation.

So, during the Christmas hols I took out my tools and did a full brake service. Followed the detailed instructions posted on the web and went through a full litre of the stuff just to be sure. I also lifted the two pressure relief valves whilst I had access to the unit and checked them for foreign bodies as it was most likely the rear was over pressurizing causing my ABS issue.
I have been riding all January and not one ABS issue to report. Result!!!

Not sure why they fitted such a complex system that utilises 4 reservoirs but I do like the brakes and I am sure if they have been services more regularly then my problem would not have appeared in the first place. Having done the brake service I know it will be much easier and quicker next time. Only special tool required to do the job was a syringe to first drain, then top up the reservoirs. Hope this info helps.

 

[jim123]

Question for GressRick

Not related to the thread specifically, but approximately how long did it take to do the brake bleed?

 

[GressRick]

It was my first time with this bike, so I took my time. I also removed the ABS unit to make it easier to remove the pressure relief valves for cleaning.
There are a lot of bleed nipples to bleed on the ABS unit (control circuits) and some had to be done twice. I kept to the guide and was generous in pumping the fluid through as I have a litre to use up . The wheel circuits are really quick to bleed as the servo pumps the fluid through. I just kept topping them up using the syringe. Having now done it I would say allow a couple of hours – once the tank is off (easy to remove, just run it low first to keep weight down) you find yourself cleaning those hard to reach areas which makes the task longer .
Search the web, there are good write ups on the process and for the price of a litre of brake fluid, it will keep the ABS unit and your pocket happy!

 

[fatbaldbob]

Had the same issue on mine, it was the rear abs sensor at fault, a new one sorted it but worth giving it a good clean first as it may just be caked in crap.

 

[jamiemoodie]

speedo stopped

My r1200gs 2011 speedo stopped 3 days ago, I have cleaned sensor, checked connections, had a mechanic connect it to his computer. FAULT MESSAGE READS (CAN-Kombi H/L 37663: CAN-bus: Communication of total vehicle mileage value, between BMS-KP and KOMBI (instrument cluster) is faulty. any ideas please?

 

[jamiemoodie]

Hi Dave - Who is Steppers as I may need his assistance with a speedo failure on my 2011 gs, it dumfounding me and others to date, thanks

 

[Bendy toy]

Use the forum search to look for a member called Steptoe


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[Bendy toy]

Who knows if this would cause the electronic errors. However an issue with any older bike is sticking brake pistons. Strip and clean with pistons out will save tears later when they seize up.
I recently posted a "How To" for the back brake. I used an M10 nut and bolt to close the brake hose banjo which made caliper bleeding very simple.


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[FERRET]

Ive had the ABS light come on today on my 2010 1200 gsa, on using my rear brake a couple of times prior to the light illuminating I felt a pulsating through the rear brake pedal, abs now not working, speedo ok and still works, any ideas?