R1100R ABS

[zebin lu]

#2977

Hi everyone.I have a 1999 R1100r imported from Japan. Whilst the bike runs fine except for some low speed surging, I have notice that the ABS often does not activate first time on start up. Increasingly the warning lights alternate their flashing rather than go out . Restarting the bike normallly fixes it but the phenomenon is becomming more frequent. Is there some problem with the ABS self check and is there anything a layman can fix?

[Ron McFadzien]

#12205

Sounds like it is time for a new battery. It is a battery voltage problem not a current output problemRegards boGSer

[peter.trub]

#12206

The fault is caused by the battery voltage dropping too low during cranking. I had a mod done to my ABS so that the self test did not run until the alternater kicked in. Putting a new battery in may solve the problem but only if the battery is kept well charged.I also have a Jap import which no longer has ABS. This is due to a piston sticking in the unit and getting a quote of $4500 to fix it  😡 . I was told that the cause of the fault was poor servicing of the bike (in Japan). Get your brake fluid changed A.S.A.P if it hasnt already been done. Then do it every 12 months.  😀

[pdmeikle57]

#12207

have you checked out these guys?http://www.beemerboneyard.com/34517685790.html

[Anonymous]

#12208

Yep, most likely cause is a voltage drop, check levels/get a new battery.  With regards to the surging, try checking your valves and then do a carb balance.

[peter.trub]

#12209

have you checked out these guys?http://www.beemerboneyard.com/34517685790.html

I have found that when I first had no ABS I was riding like a pussy fearing for my life!!! Took a little reminder that I have only ever ridden 2 bikes with ABS to settle me down. I actually found it a plurry nusiance on metal as you could not slide the rear with it on. I dont know if it was because of the bypass for starting I had fitted but if you sitched the ABS off then rode more than 7ks. If you came to a halt then rode off again the damn things reset and turned themselves on  :-o. Its a neat feeling hurtling down a steep metal road towards a corner with the back wheel just making whizz click noise's instead of slowing ya down  😀Am I sad to see it gone? yes. Am I sad enough to spend money to fix it? na  😀

[zebin lu]

#12210

Guys,thanks so much for your suggestions.  I will check out the battery.I am quite keen on the ABS as many of the get offs I have had have been due brake lock up in panic stops. cheers

[Richard Kuysten]

#12211

Agree with all that's been said about voltage etc.  The answer may be to nip down to your friendly pharmacy and buy a $2 tube of “no panic” then you won't need ABS – much cheaper and more effective 👿Good luckMalcolm

[pdmeikle57]

#12212

Although I had ABS on the RT, buying an 850 without it wasn't going to be a deal breaker… if I'd been able to get the right bike with it then great but I have to say I don't miss it as such.I seem to remember only a couple of times with the RT that it actually "came on".I had the same issue with the RT and sure enough, a new battery sorted it out 🙂cheersTracy

[Richard Kuysten]

#12213

I've had three bikes with ABS and can honestly say I'm not aware of having it activate ever apart from when I did a track day on the GS and John Glaswell had us using it on and off the seal to get a feel for it  😥  Scary stuff first time but was good to see that it worked.  Nice to know it's there if you need it but not a good idea to to throw caution to the wind and expect it to save you.

[pdmeikle57]

#12214

Nice to know it's there if you need it but not a good idea to to throw caution to the wind and expect it to save you.

Agreed 🙂ABS shouldn't be an excuse not to develop fine brake control/emergency stopping etc.One positive spin-off I found on the 850 of NOT having it was that it left a perfect empty spot under the tank to install airhorns... now that is something I certainly WOULDN'T be without!cheersTracy

[peter.trub]

#12215

Airhorns  😀 Now theres a fine idea  👿

[pdmeikle57]

#12216

I fitted some under the fairing on my RT so you could probably find room in an RSSupercheap autos sells a set with dual horns and a nice small compressor and they are usually around $30.00Have used them on one car and three bikes now and they are great 🙂cheersTracy

[Anonymous]

#12217

The great thing about ABS is knowing you can grab alot of front brake in a corner and not wash out the front wheel. I've done this a few times coming into a corner a bit fast it works great you can also turn the bike at the same time as applying the brakes.  😉I really like using the ABS on gravel for the same reason, but don't pull the clutch in 😮

[Clive Lawrence]

#12218

I've had it a few times with the light flashing alternatively on my GS… switch the ignition off then back on and for me 99% of the time the ABS with sort itself out once started.This has also happened to me with the battery in good condition....

[Author]

Posts