Servo ABS vs Non-servo ABS

[pint6x]

Hi Peeps,

I'm looking at getting another 1150 of some flavour.

I would like ABS brakes, so picking a servo-ABS braked bike is probably not a good idea, unless someone has found a permanent fix to stop them breaking.

I seem to remember that the servo ABS systems used ABS rings with holes in them (see RH of enclosed pic), whereas the previous version of ABS, the non-servo version, had an ABS ring which just had grooves/cut-outs (see LH of enclosed pic. Is this correct?

Also, does the non-servo ABS keep going without expensive failure?

Thanks - Philip

 

[Paul Young]

Both systems can use both abs rings so the easiest way to identify the abs version is by age of the bike or by the calipers that are fitted. BMW branded calipers are on the servo models and Brembo are on the older abs2 models. This means that both the images in your post are from servo abs models.

They all fail eventually, because they’re mechanical. The abs2 versions fail ‘safe’ though, unlike when the servos go south… See some of the recent abs threads below.

 

[NeilDD]

Both systems can use both abs rings so the easiest way to identify the abs version is by age of the bike or by the calipers that are fitted. BMW branded calipers are on the servo models and Brembo are on the older abs2 models. This means that both the images in your post are from servo abs models.

They all fail eventually, because they’re mechanical. The abs2 versions fail ‘safe’ though, unlike when the servos go south… See some of the recent abs threads below.

Hi Paul,
Not totally correct.
2002 was the transition year from ABS2 to Servo ABS.
My old GS had BMW branded callipers but was non servo

 

[fatnfast]

As per Neil my 1150 is non servo ABS with the BMW Branded calipers. Never had an issue with them and I've had the bike from new. Brake fluid changed every year regardless of mileage, and every second year bled from the abs unit under the tank to make sure no old fluid remains.
Didn't the arrival of the twin spark engine also see the change to servo brakes? Pretty sure it did, so an easy way to tell would be the different spark plugs covers. Only applies to the GS model for identification I believe.

 

[Paul Young]

Thanks gents. I knew there were several parts to it…

 

[pint6x]

Thanks for the input folks - seems like it's a bit of a lottery!

There must be a fool proof way of identifying the ABS-2 system from the Servo system.

 

[theoneandonly]

elec servo brakes spin the pump when you pull the lever with ign on.

non-elec brakes go klunc-klunc , as you pull away .

if you have a choice go non electric , cos you can feather them round a bend . elec brakes you have to active them before you need them .

it make a big difference on a track . klunc-klunc is my preferred choice .

 

[Paul Young]

non-elec brakes go klunc-klunc , as you pull away .

it make a big difference on a track . klunc-klunc is my preferred choice .

Hahaha…!! That’s the same way I’ve always described it…

 

[Steptoe]

Thanks for the input folks - seems like it's a bit of a lottery!

There must be a fool proof way of identifying the ABS-2 system from the Servo system.

Here’s an idea that’s always worked for me …. Ask the dealer/person selling the bike.

 

[ELIMINATOR]