Strange brakes.

[Phil Reynolds]

There I was riding along the motorway yesterday, having ridden around 150 trouble free miles when suddenly both red lights start flashing on the dash. I tried the brakes and they still worked.

As I was only ten minutes from home I thought I would ride very 'gently' and see if I could see anything untoward. I tried the brakes once again and they were almost non existant. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

Anyway, I got home safely, switched the bike off and went and opened the garage to put the 'bike away. When I fired it up the brakes were back working again

Having trawled through various threads here, it seems I should be looking at the possibility of: A duff battery - this was a new Odyssey jobbie two years ago, a duff starter motor - although it still works, rear stoplight bulb, it still works though, or I need an ABS modulator by-pass.

Any other clues what to look for?
I prefer it when something goes wrong and stays wrong. That way you can deal with it. My problem is that the brakes now work fine. I don;t want to go out on it again and have the same problem come back again.

Help - answers please.

Very ta,

Phil

 

[oblertone]

I've had ...

... a similar experience, just after fitting extensions to the hand-guards; which with the extra wind resistance then rotated just enough to foul the brake lever

Two minutes with a spannery screwey thing and all was well again

 

[Slipperyeel]

Which model/version GS are you riding? Lots of posts about the infamous servo brakes just recently...

 

[Phil Reynolds]

Which model/version GS are you riding? Lots of posts about the infamous servo brakes just recently...

It's an '03 GSA.

 

[mandon]

mines a 03 1150 sevo abs...same thing...the two red lights started blinking....ask for help from the other site...some body recommended changing the tail light bulb....i did and it seemed to cure the problem...but after several weeks....the same thing happened...turned off the engine...when i switched on, its normal again and then while driving suddenly the warning lamps started again....but still with brakes...but later on....i lost the brakes...turned off the engine again...but this time the lights remained on....kept driving, later on lost the brakes....sent the bike to bmw shop and diagnosed with fecked abs module....cost me $3k++ for the repair....

goodluck...

 

[roddy]

When was the last time you changed the bluish fluid in both brake systems ?
I've found in the past the servo units respond well to fresh fluid

 

[roddy]

bluish ??? meant brake Doh!

 

[Madmountainman]

Phil, looks like early signs of the ABS module failing. get your servoectomy ready...

 

[scrumager]

I've had exactlythe same problems as"Mandon" only i did the "no cost servo removal" as on "font of all wisdom" on this site .....cost me feck all and if I can do it (being a farmer) anyone can !!!! honestly it's that easy.

 

[The Grey One]

I've had exactlythe same problems as"Mandon" only i did the "no cost servo removal" as on "font of all wisdom" on this site .....cost me feck all and if I can do it (being a farmer) anyone can !!!! honestly it's that easy.

Well it would, and if that suits you that's fine but I can't help thinking it solves the problem in the same way that buying a new car solves the problem of the radio not working. I don't doubt that in many cases removing the lot was the best option. Maybe it's just me but I like to know what has gone wrong and why.

When I started in the motor trade (1972!)I was given some sound advice-always start with the simple things-it was amazing how many times this proved true.

I also have a 2003 GS with servo ABS. The brakes have given no problems to date. I change the fluid every two years and following a tip from Steptoe I check and clean the filters while I am at it. If and when my brakes give concern I will check the entire system as best I can before resorting to removal.

And I have never understood the argument about not having full braking when pushing the bike about. How fast do you people push this great heavy beast?

John

 

[frostie72]

Hi
Start by looking at the wiring loom that comes from the abs/brake module under the tank, I had it and found the loom was shorting out and it was only the slightest mark on the wire and tank paint through too metal, I moved the loom under the brake breather pipe and 15k mls later still okay