Biggest problem I have found with not switching ABS off is that locking the back to set for a corner cant be done.  😮 However do I really want to get an R11oo sideways?  😕It would be good if someone knew a way of turning off the ABS on the rear wheel only as I quite like the front wheel to keep turning  😀

Ever wondered why ABS has a minimum speed below which it doesn't trigger? I did, then realised that if it didn't, you'd never be able to come to a stop! 🙂  Wonder if that was discovered in the workshop or on a field test!

Generally, the ABS light comes up when you turn the ignition key on, the EMS runs through its check cycle to make sure everything is kosher and light goes out after the first complete revolution of your wheels. Depending on the model, if you deactive the ABS the light will flash on and off to remind you the ABS system is deactivated. To deactive ABS you'd normally swith the bike on, wait for the check cycle to complete, hold the ABS button for a couple of seconds until the light starts flashing and release the button. All pretty simple really. What you might not realise it that the new Integral ABS also has full diagnostic control: all functions and sensors are permanently monitored by the system’s electronic “brain”.  Compared to former systems, the duration of the initialization phase after switching on the ignition is now much shorter. Any malfunction (if there is one) is saved in a non-volatile memory and can be accessed in the workshop later.  Should the electrical or any electronic components break down the control valves are moved mechanically (by springs) to their basic setting, so there's always a direct hydraulic connection between the brake controls and the brake calipers, just like a normal brake system without ABS. The brakes then operate as usual in terms of brake power and application, only the ABS control and, if you've got it, the integral function are no longer available.On the latest R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure, you've the option to deactivate the ABS for off-road use but even when it is deactivated the system maintains its integral function, which can prove quite helpful when riding off-road. For example, to hold position on a slope with loose ground beneath you, all you have to do with Integral ABS (even if it's off) is pull the hand brake lever. This applies the brake on the rear wheel, keeping the bike safely in position and preventing it from slipping backwards. Setting off in such a situation is also easier with this system, since you no longer need a foot to apply the rear brake and you can use both feet for extra support on the ground - useful in situations some people manage to get themselves in on last week's CCA  😀I don't know about your 'grating' sound. Maybe you've got some crap on the brake discs or a wheel bearing out of sorts. I can't imagine it's something up with the ABS.Personally, I don't miss the ABS (my Dakar had it) and don't care that I don't have it on the HP.

Ah yes the grating sound  😀 sort of a crunch crunch noise? This is suspect may be what you are experiencing. When you switch the key on you must give the ABS time to go through its test cycle. When both red ABS lights are flashing simel semila... 😡 at the same time  🙄 You can fire up ya beast!!! If they flash alternately (either before or after starting you have a fault) Once the engine is running and the lights are flashing correctly, engage a go forward cog and go forward  😀 You will notice that as you pass the soon to be new open road speed limit of 5 km/hr a strange clunk clunk or grating noise and as a bonus the red lights have stopped flashing and both have gone out. ABS sensors have picked up the bikes movement and the system should now be fully functional  You may now proceed to second gear  👿

Ahhhh, ABS, that gizmo that makes enemies from friends and friends from enemies, neither whom may have tried it at length. If I was an off-road man I may or may not opt for the system, new one yes, old one no! That said, I'm not, I'm a tarmac teaser. 99% of my rides take place on the macadam, much of it in built up places. I no longer panic about white painted lines, man hole covers, road works or the bloody big squares of steel the Auckland City Council contractors are allowed to put about the place lately! As long as the bike is vertical I'm fine. I know it takes longer to stop but stopping upright is preferred to stopping lying down... ABS works for me  😎

Dick you were on some of the BMW training days we had. ABS bikes stop a lot quicker than non ABS bikes.