Servo assisted brakes

[keiko]

I owned a 2002 BMW r1150r with abs and servo assisted brakes. To tell you the truth i never got comfortable with the servo-assisted brakes as I found them to be way too touchy and grabby, almost to the point where i hated stopping. ( not a newbie rider , have owned over 20 different bikes and models the past 20years ) I sold the bike and eventually bought a 2009 R1200R with abs brakes . Bmw had discontinued servo brakes and the new version of abs is superior. I eventually sold my 1200r and am in the market for another 1150r, primarily because i like the styling more and also the cost factor....there are some deals to be had on the 1150r bikes. I was surprised to read somewhere that the 1150r bikes without abs do not come with servo-assisted brakes. If this is the case my problem is solved, i will try and buy a non abs bike. Please correct me if my information is wrong or should i give the abs servo brakes a second chance. To tell you the truth i only had the 1150r for 3 months. Thanks for your input and advice in advance.

[garr2]

I had a 2004 1150 with ABS & servo brakes for 75000 km.
The servo brakes were 'grabby' when applied at low speed or when shedding the last 10 kph of a higher speed stop.
A handful of front brake in these situations could produce a tip over, or an unwarranted appearance of urgency, or a helmet clash with the pillion, or perhaps all three.

I came to appreciate the servo feature - especially when laden with pillion and gear. I had to learn to use a deft (often one or two-fingured) grip on the front brake lever, easing off slightly as the system shed the last 10 or so kph. Using the brakes during a U-turn was also an acquired skill.
I came to be amused by the confused looks of car drivers as I held the bike at the lights on a hill and the servo whirred as it worked.
And if that wasn't enough I had to work at getting a smooth gear change.
Ahhhh ........ I miss that bike.

Ian

[AdrianS]

The servo and abs unit is one unit on the 2002 bikes.
It was an optional extra so bikes were supplied without abs/servo ( which is electric )
It is also easy to remove the unit and turn the bike into a non abs one and a lot of people do this if the unit fails ( usually due to poor maintenance).
No parts are needed to remove the abs and re plumb and re wire it to work as a non abs bike.
Do a search on the UKgser site and it is described in detail with plenty of pictures. ( Look for no-cost abs removal)

[AdrianS]

The servo and abs unit is one unit on the 2002 bikes.
It was an optional extra so bikes were supplied without abs/servo ( which is electric )
It is also easy to remove the unit and turn the bike into a non abs one and a lot of people do this if the unit fails ( usually due to poor maintenance).
No parts are needed to remove the abs and re plumb and re wire it to work as a non abs bike.
Do a search on the UKgser site and it is described in detail with plenty of pictures. ( Look for no-cost abs removal)

[cbmwgs]

I have a 2002 1150r without servo or abs. No issues bike performs great. My previous rides were r1200gs, r1150gs adv, and a r1150gs all of which had abs and servo brakes. I do not miss the abs.

[ornk]

well I have a 2002 r1150r with the servo brakes- only 10k for mileage- never dropped no scratches- new tires - needs battery and full service- in storage in a heated basement for the past 4 years- thinking of selling it- why? I am not to fond of the dealer as 2 dealers went out of bizzness where I live - the bike runs like a champ!

[ornk]

I dont know- I think I will keep my servo beemer

[towerworker]

I've a 2004 R /ABS with the servo assisted brakes. The ABS has saved my bacon at least twice. I've become accustomed to the whine of the pump.

[peels]

I've a 2004 R /ABS with the servo assisted brakes. The ABS has saved my bacon at least twice. I've become accustomed to the whine of the pump.

exactly what I was going to post.