ABS failure

[spike_PL]

Hi to all.

I am new to this forum. I come from Poland and ride BMW R1200R 2007 for about two weeks.

I have problem with ABS or generally brakes.

After riding for 5-10 km ABS light switched constantly on and ABS is no working (I checked it on gravel) - brakes are still present and have the same braking power with ABS light switched off.

When I shut off the engine and start it again the ABS light is off again and ABS is working until again 5-10km when light comes on again resulting no ABS.

Do you have idea what is going on and what to check? My local motorcycle service shop which have service computer for all bikes checked for errors and found one which could not be recognized. They will investigate further. Finally I can go to BMW authorised shop but you know their prices...

Where is liquid reservoir for ABS? I checked under the gas tank and there isn't any. I have brake liquid at max level for both front and rear brakes.

Best regards
Spike_PL

[Bob Ain't Stoppin']

Spike, Welcome to our forum. I think you are somewhat limited to what you can do with the computer controlled abs system from home. Of course, the dealer with full service tools can fix this for you. But I would suggest you check the wheel sensors as the first point. At each wheel, there is a slotted circle to allow the abs to monitor wheel rotation. The pick up requires a specific gap to assure reliable signal. Have a look at these sensors to assure good wiring and position. I don't know the required gap, but perhaps someone else will respond with that info.

There is no separate reservoir for the abs.

If this isn't the problem, ask more questions here.

Good luck.

[spike_PL]

I think is more serious problem as today ABS is constantly lit just from the moment I turn on ignition. It is no flashing any more.

Can battery be connected to the problem? Mine is from 2010-05.

It is strange, as bike has only 6000 km on the clock.

[hjsbmw]

Can battery be connected to the problem? Mine is from 2010-05.

I don't know first-hand, maybe someone else can chime in, but I have read about the ABS light coming on due to a weak battery. If you have a charger this would be a good thing to try.

[spike_PL]

Could it be weak battery even if engine starts without any problems?
May the battery be somewhat defective so the bike computer disables ABS by error?

[hjsbmw]

Could it be weak battery even if engine starts without any problems?
May the battery be somewhat defective so the bike computer disables ABS by error?

The bike may start although the battery is not 100% full, especially during the warmer months. The battery still delivers the juice, but can't hold it up for as long. I don't think there is a battery defect besides a low charge that can cause the ABS light specifically to come on.

[spike_PL]

Can I just remove the battery (minus first, plus second) or is there anything I should do before and after I put the battery into the bike again?

[r12gecko]

You could have something like a piece of plastic bag picked up on the road that's blocking the sensor from reading the ring at the wheel. Inspect it closely. If the sensor is blocked, the light won't go off. Normally, that'd be the case from the start of your ride, but there's a chance you have some hanging stuff blowing in there after a few miles. A long shot, but maybe.

[spike_PL]

Today the ABS light was lit from the start. I removed the battery and put the other one - almost new. ABS was normal again for first 10 minutes then the ABS lit on again. I have an apointment at the dealer next wednesday. I really don't want to leave money there if it is something stupid and easy to fix.

[deilenberger]

Without having a dealer computer - or the GS-911 - it's mostly guesswork. A plastic bag will not cause trouble with the sensor, and only one sensor is external - the front one. The rear one is also the speedometer sensor and goes into the final drive (reads the teeth on the big gear) - if the speedo is working that sensor is OK.

It sounds like a heating up problem.. what is heating up - dunno, but since it seems it went constant before the battery change - if it goes constant again, a diagnostics computer should give a clue what the problem is. It could be something as simple as a pinched wire (too tight a tie-wrap - a common BMW problem..) or as bad as the ABS comptuer itself. Dunno without looking at it with some diagnostics tools. It will get very expensive very fast throwing parts at it..

[spike_PL]

Damn, should have bought again anything Japanese...

[deilenberger]

Damn, should have bought again anything Japanese...

Well - since most of the Japanese bikes don't have ABS - how would that be different?

[spike_PL]

I made ride today and noticed that ABS light comes up when I ride faster then 75-80 km/h (it stays on until engine is stopped). Below that speed everything is ok. ABS is working all the time when light is off. Brakes are sharp and are working perfect with light switch on or off. Still waiting for my appointment at the dealer on wednesday.

[bimmerguy]

My 01 RTP1100 also has abs failure lights coming on.
The brakes are ok to ride with abs off , ,,,,right?
I knew abs didn't work when i bought it after reading posts of riders just ignoring the abs light and ride it like non abs bike.
There were instructions on how to reset it in the owner's manual packet.
So far it rides fine and stops great.
Am i living on the edge?

[spike_PL]

I had previously bike with ABS and it is great feature so it is not acceptable for me that mine is not working.

[spike_PL]

ABS pump is dead. Cost: about 2100 USD.

This is my first and last "adventure" with BMW. I go back to new Burgman 650, which I should do in the first place. Damn.

[sweatmark]

ABS pump is dead. Cost: about 2100 USD.

Ouch. For a 2007 R1200R and most hexheads, I was under impression that the "PRESSURE MODULATOR I-ABS GENERATION 2" part was less expensive (and much more robust) than I-ABS1... but the online fiche info states $1886.37 unit replacement cost, before labor. While that is cheaper than $2468.59 for I-ABS1 modulator, a $2k bill is crazy high for an important electromechanical vehicle safety system that should not fail.

[deilenberger]

ABS pump is dead. Cost: about 2100 USD.

I'd be contacting Mike Figuelski at BeemerBoneyard (he's a member here..)

Did the bike receive the required every two year brake fluid flush (the clock on that starts on the data of manufacturing - not on the in-service date..)?

This is my first and last "adventure" with BMW. I go back to new Burgman 650, which I should do in the first place. Damn.

Well - AFAIK - the Burgman doesn't have ABS, so that puts you where you are with the R12R..

[spike_PL]

The bike had brake fluid exchange every two years.

Burgman 650 has ABS, at least here in Europe.

[Jaguar]

I had the same issue with my 2007 R1200R. The ABS light was on and off at different times until it came on for good and would not turn off. So I took it to my local BMW dealer. He said, if it was the ABS pump, it would cost around $2400 parts and labor. So I told him to check it out. If it was something minor, to repair it. If it was the ABS pump, DO NOT REPAIR IT. I refuse to pay $2400 for a new pump. Just disconect the warning light on the dash, I'll pay whatever shop fees and I'll ride my bike as a non ABS bike. So the dealer called a couple days later and said that the ABS pump was dead. I said, do not fix it, I'll pick it up tomorrow. He said that he just spoke with BMW of North America and that they said they would pay for 75% of the bill. They would get me out the door for $600 parts and labor. So, needless to say, I got a new ABS pump installed.
Could BMWNA be thinking "liability"?