CONVERT SERVO ABS TO NON ABS

[R]

:shock:
HAS ANYONE HEARD OF A REPLACEMENT/ REMOVAL OF OUR SERVO ABS SYSTEM SO WE HAVE NORMAL BRAKE SYSTEM.....NON ABS?
SOMEONE TOLD MED ABOUT IT TODAY BUT COULD'NT REMEMBER WHO MAKES THE REPLACEMENT??

[HiOSilver]

I guess if you intend to keep the bike and drive it forever it doesn't matter, but I can't help but believe that bastardizing your brake system would reduce the value of the bike 30-40%. I wouldn't buy the bike on a bet (no offense). You might be better off trading for a bike that came equiped the way you want.

You didn't identify the year/model/miles of your bike which I would assume would make a difference on the process to modify your bike.

Good luck!

[boxermania]

Your best bet is to sell yours and get a non-ABS one.......

[sweatmark]

Removal of servo ABS appears to be possible, as referenced in the following:

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t ... hlight=abs

[edit] here's full thread from ADV:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92241

I'm considering performing the same sacrilege to my Edition 80 Rockster when its warranty expires. Reasons?

(1) Simplification of brake system maintenance and troubleshooting;

(2) [possible] Enhanced reliability;

(3) Better brake "feel" from the front end;

(4) Electrical system economy;

(5) To stop that servo whine;

(*) And unfortunately, to live dangerously. Yes, I'd love to have a simple, lightweight, non-intrusive ABS system on my bike, even if only applied to the front wheel. But there's no such aftermarket solution that I'm aware of, so the risks of non-ABS motorcycling will have to be accounted for.

The image of the Long Way Round folks attempting a road trip fix of the R1150 servo brake sytem - without success - still bothers me. Last thing I'd want during a week-long journey... stuck in Timbuktu with a dead brake system caused by a single wire break.

I'm only contemplating this procedure for a bike destined for long-term ownership... say 10+ years.

[R]

[quote="HiOSilver"]I guess if you intend to keep the bike and drive it forever it doesn't matter, but I can't help but believe that bastardizing your brake system would reduce the value of the bike 30-40%. I wouldn't buy the bike on a bet (no offense). You might be better off trading for a bike that came equiped the way you want.

You didn't identify the year/model/miles of your bike which I would assume would make a difference on the process to modify your bike.

Good luck![/quote

It's a 2004 rockster and I HATE the rip off $400 just to bleed the bike. I ride old Brits as well, do all my maintanance. I tune the Rock and can do all but that brake bleed. Yes I plan to keep it. ABS doesnt mean much to me. I've been up for 42 years and learned to brake on the slick round about all over the UK. Alot of small drum brakes as well.
The value part doesnt matter either, I love the bike.
The replacement ABS servo itself is almost $2000. It is a very weak system. When yours goes out what will you do. If they make an R1150R sans ABS whats the differance.
Thanks though.

[sweatmark]

Hey R-

I'm with you on all counts. Looking again at the ADV link I posted, the switch to non-ABS is pretty simple. When first investigating ABS-ectomy, seems there was another good online resource somewhere too... will post if I can find it.

Our R1150R Roadster (1st mine, now ridden by my wife) is non-ABS, with great brakes... better progressive feel from the front end when compared with my EVO ABS Rockster.

[maduko]

I didn't read that entire thread on ADV, but I assure you it's more involved that simply bypassing the ABS unit if you intend to "convert" the bike. My guess is you'd need pretty strong fingers to stop it.

I'm not going to research all the numbers, but the cylinders are different bores for the two bikes. Since the calipers are not (as correctly stated on that link) you will not be making a "non ABS" bike so much as a hybrid between the two.

If the patron saint of hydraulics is smiling on you, it might be a desirable result.

[sweatmark]

Digging deeper. OK - I've scanned the online parts fiches (RealOEM and MAX BMW) with a quick check at the Beemer Boneyard, looking for conflicting/confirming information.

For my bike's production month/year, single part numbers are listed for both ABS and non-ABS bikes for the following parts (eg. what's NOT different):

brake disc (using left side as reference);
brake caliper (EVO system, Tokico);
front brake master cylinder piston rebuild kit (16mm diameter);
front brake pads;
front brake caliper repair kit (pistons and seals);
front brake "Stahlflex" hose (master cylinder to distribution piece);
front brake "Stahlflex" hose assembly (distribution piece to calipers);
rear brake disc;
rear brake caliper repair kit;
rear brake caliper;
rear brake pads.

What's different (ABS versus non-ABS):

front brake switches;
front brake distribution pieces;
the obvious ABS module, plumbing and electrical connections;
rear brake cylinders (12 vs. 15mm diameter);
rear brake hoses (possibly different, but fiche info is vague);
ABS indicator lamps and associated electrics.

I spoke to some "informed"* folks today regarding this project, unofficially of course. Highlights: $2200 for ABS module replacement (just the servo/computer box), high mileage bikes have experienced ABS module failure, and conversion to non-ABS is considered quite possible.

I have ordered the BMW Motorrad wiring schematics CD-rom for review of the electrical side of this project... and I'm guessing there will be a few electrical circuit hurdles compared to relatively simple plumbing changes.

[maduko]

I see the front cylinder is 16mm on both bikes. My bad!

The rear cylinder diameter must have been what I was thinking of.

[Arbee]

I have recently converted my R1100R ABS to a Non ABS braking system
i did it all myself and can explain any details you require.

My ABS was applying pressure at all times to the calipers, things were
getting hot at $3200 for a replacement (parts only) i thought why spend
another $3000 odd on something which makes your bike unreliable, as
the ABS fluid eventually pierced both brakes hoses giving total brake
failure but not at the same time.

The front brake hose was pierced in the driveway of my home and i wasnt
moving the fluid hit the exhaust pipes and it looked like the bike was on
fire there was so much smoke... this i thought has to end!!

SO

You will need to remove the tank!

Undo all brake lines and remove them connected to the ABS modulator

Remove electrical connectors on the LHS and the wiring on the RHS of the
modulator, on the RHS you need to pierce the cover with a small philips
driver to slide it off (A BMW warranty trick)

For the rear you buy a small connecting pipe around $60 which connects
to the rear rubber flexible hose and joins into the master cylinder at your
foot.

For the front you will need a new hose which connects directly from the
master cylinder to the front calipers... T piece goes to other side LHS
of front wheel around $260

Remove all other pipes in toto.

Remove relay from position 9 in the fuse board ABS relay and place it into
the spare cavity position Relay 10 this stops the flashing lights, no globes
to remove.

The hardest part is NOW... bleeding the brakes with empty brake lines.

I did it the hard way Pump handle, release bleed screw, Pump handle,
release bleed screw ad infinitum this process took at least four hours
aint i a dill?

The next time i will pump the brake fluid up from the bottom to push the
air up & out, see technically we pump the fluid down but the air bubbles
rise and we try & beat it. (Not a good approach)

All up around $300-400 dollars for the conversion.

It has been the best decision i have made trouble free forever!!

I also made some panic stops on the front brakes only from 60km to stop
and was surprised at its ability almost to a point that the rear wheel lifts.

NOTE : I would not convert my bike if the ABS modulator was functioning
normally as it will affect resale.

Caution: Brake Fluid is a good paint stripper...Gloves & care required.