R1150 GSA ABS or no ABS?
- Thread starter LHutchin
- Start date
luke scott
Registered user
If the bike you are looking at has abs and it works then just buy it. It's the abs that gives a problem occasionally. My servo was replaced in 2007 and was replaced by BMW, it's never given any problems since. If the servo goes and is taken off then the abs is lost as well.
Definitely get a non abs 2005 one
Unless you fancy a £1500 bill for a new servo or having to remove it anyway
If you get a non abs bike already it's one less thing to fret about
So if your having an ABS 1150 are you better with the early 02/03 model ?
Is that pre servo or is it the ABS unit that's shit on the later bikes ?
If the ABS breaks can't you just turn the fecker off and forget about it ?
Is that pre servo or is it the ABS unit that's shit on the later bikes ?
If the ABS breaks can't you just turn the fecker off and forget about it ?
I'm with Luke....
If it fails, (unlikely) then you can remove it for zero cost, and there are threads which show EXACTLY how to do that.
If it doesn't fail, there's no problem.
Don't let it affect the buying decision either way, unless you feel strongly that you want it or don't
So if your having an ABS 1150 are you better with the early 02/03 model ?
Is that pre servo or is it the ABS unit that's shit on the later bikes ?
If the ABS breaks can't you just turn the fecker off and forget about it ?
Nope
You want a Pre servo GSA which was up to about early 2002
The ABS on the 03 onwards 1150's was a bit crude, you knew it was working because the bike felt like it was running away with you. It did work though. The real issue was the servo system that was abrupt in operation, completely unnecessary and almost certain to fail at some time leaving you with marginal or as BMW called it "residual braking". It was the thought of barrelling up to a corner hard on the brakes when the servo failed that prompted me to remove the kit from my bike. On the servo bikes you can't have ABS without the servo which for some is a downside. If you've never had it before it probably won't worry you and some skilled riders really don't want it anyway. As an aside they soon won't have any choice on new bikes due to the meddling of EU civil servants in things that should not be within their remit.
Don't let it put you off because you can easily remove the servo abs system at no cost, there is a how to thread on this forum
P.S. I started typing when there was only the OP, you buggers are quick.
Don't let it put you off because you can easily remove the servo abs system at no cost, there is a how to thread on this forum
P.S. I started typing when there was only the OP, you buggers are quick.
I'm with Luke....
If it fails, (unlikely) then you can remove it for zero cost, and there are threads which show EXACTLY how to do that.
If it doesn't fail, there's no problem.
Don't let it affect the buying decision either way, unless you feel strongly that you want it or don't
All when & done, unless it stops working @ 60mph & you go into residual braking mode
So how do you know if your 02 is a pre servo ? Noise ? Chassis numbers ? Braking charactistics ?
Thanks for the replies
I was looking at a bike with it but that has now sold so on the look out again.
Ideally I'd like ABS but if it's likely to be an expensive PITA I'll find one without
Ideally I'd like ABS but if it's likely to be an expensive PITA I'll find one without
If it's a PITA remove it for free in less than a day. A few standard hand tools and preferably some soldering skills for two wires. See the link in my post above. Saves about 5kgs in weight as well though in the greater scheme of things......
Front abs ring is easiest way
Spot on reply
If you find a non abs GSA that you like - buy it
Removing a broken abs is another hassle that will cost you if you can't do it yourself
I have had servo /abs brakes on my BMWs since 2001, no problems yet and great one finger brakes. Yoiu hear about the odd one failing but remember ther are hundreds out there working as designed with no problems. As to brakes failing you are mote likely to experience this from dodgy brake hoses but few people check them
ahutcheon
Registered user
I wouldn't stress about servo ABS if you want the bike it's fitted to. 52,000 miles and 10 years on and mine's still working. OK, it only really saved me once, but if it craps out tomorrow I'll take it off for nothing. Residual braking is mediocre (think single-disk seventies Honda 550/4...) which will be unfunny if the servo fail;s at the wrong time, but lots of things can go wrong riding a motorbike.
Yeti
Registered user
Correct. They switched to the servos in mid-2003.
The Grey One
Registered user
Mine (standard 1150 not a puffed up one)was registered 1st March 2003 and has servo brakes- no problems so far.
John
Yeti
Registered user
I was referring to the model year, not the registered year. Sorry for the confusion. I should also clarify, by "mid 2003" I meant "at some point during the 2003 model year, seemingly near the middle."
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