BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

This might be an odd question to most, but I thought I would give it a try anyways: does anybody know (or has tried) to install a switch that can turn the ABS off when not wanted (like in off road conditions)?

I had a scary encounter with ABS off road. I know this bike is my an off road bike, but it's my "universally talented" bike and it actually handles pretty well off road for a 450# bike that is a street bike, and I will not be able to buy a second bike for many years. Anyways, I have tried the engine shot off switch while riding to see if it turned of ABS (thought that might b one way to try no ABS). But amazingly enough the ABS still kicked in. Have t tried turning of key while riding yet to see if ABS kicks in or not then. But I thought if taking the juice away from the bike turns off the ABS then I should be able to install a switch to turn ABS off by taking away the power to it.

That would likely work - but it would register a fault that you may need to clear in order to re-enable ABS.. one thing you might look at - the GS models have an ABS/Off switch. If you could track down which pins on the ABS/DSC module are used to accomplish this that might be a better way to go.. Of course you do stand the chance of invalidating the warranty coverage for the ABS unit this way if a dealer wanted to be picky.

I am sure it is possible. It is fairly common practice on bikes like the Vstrom that don't have an ABS switch but riders like to venture in the dirt.