Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Aug 2007
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
Disconnecting ABS

I want to disconnect this ABS system ....

Does anyone know how to do it ?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Aug 2007
Gecko's Avatar
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
Premanently disconnect it or just switch it off when you don't need it ? Which bike ?
__________________
...on the road to nowhere...

Biking roads by bikers for bikers www.bestbikingroads.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Aug 2007
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
Hi .... permanent disconnection and 1150GS (2002) ...

thanks,
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Aug 2007
Gecko's Avatar
Slippery when wet
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 311
The same question was asked on the Uk GS site a while back (UKSER.COM) and there was no conclusive simple answer except it was suggested to remove the whole ABS unit, sensors and wiring and replace the brake hoses with new ones directly to the master cyclinders. Not exactly what you were looking for I suspect. I imagine you were hoping to take a fuse or relay out and have instant non-ABS brakes. From what I know it isn't that simple. You effectively need to replace the braking system with a non-ABS set up completely.
__________________
...on the road to nowhere...

Biking roads by bikers for bikers www.bestbikingroads.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 24 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
I think this stumped the long way round crew.
Problem seems to be it is interconnected with the engine management electronics
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Aug 2007
usl usl is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Turkey
Posts: 337
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gecko View Post
I imagine you were hoping to take a fuse or relay out and have instant non-ABS brakes.
Damn! ....thats what ı was hoping for ....


Thanks anyway,
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Somebody told me, it was someone at the HU meeting in Creel, if you take of the abs sensor from the front or rearwheel it will disconnect the abs. You should tape the sensor out of the way somewhere. I never tried this so I don't know if it will work or not. It won't cost anything to try so you've got nothing to loose. Hope that helps.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
It is not necessary to remove the entire ABS unit but you might have to disconnect the electric connector and you will have to remove all the brake hoses and replace them with hoses running direct from the master cylinders to the brake calipers. If you decide to remove the entire ABS unit with sensors and all, (recommended as this is some weight mounted high up on the bike.) you will have to cut the cable to the rear sensor and keep the sensor in place in the final drive to stop oil from leaking out and dirt getting into the final drive.
This job is not so complicated and can be done with standard tools in a basic workshop, but once you get started, know that it takes special gear to bleed the ABS unit so it is not so simple to refit. Make sure you have what you need before you start because once you have disconnected one of the hoses you can't go back except back to the dealer.
To bleed the brakes after fitting of the hoses you need a simple vacuum pump the can be found at any auto supplier or even from the adult store, the type that is used for male stimulation, but I suspect that the same pump might be less expensive to buy from the auto dealer and less embarrassing.
PS: your dealer might be able to help with info, but will surely be able to do the job for you as well.


I can supply the hoses in stainless steel braided hose with chrome fittings ready to be fitted. It will be shipped from Cape Town South Africa.
Keep watching this space as I am busy doing this on a friends bike and will give more details on what else might have to be done.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
disconnecting

Please correct if Im wrong, but I believe ABS should be built in such a way that the bike will never be totally without brakes, no matter what? I would believe that requirement would be compulsory for any manufacturer who builds such systems.

So, taking the ABS motor fuse off (or any other fuse thats related to the operation of ABS), should resume the system back to normal brakes. Im not 100% sure, because I havent tried.. Ive got an ABS bike, but its not BMW.

Please also note that if you plan to ride for an extended period of time with the system deliberately disconnected, the ABS motor could be damaged. This is because the hydraulic pistons inside will need to function every once in a while, if they remain stationary all the time, they might get stuck. For this same reason, they will function one time back&forth every time you put the ignition switch to "ON". Even when ABS is on and functioning, these pistons may not get to work, unless the user activates the brakes hard enough to activate ABS, and this might not happen very often.

Or at least thats what happens with my bike, cant be 100% sure how BMW works, but I´d guess its a similar system. So would be a good idea to reconnect it every once in a while, even if its somehow disabled most of the time.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
[QUOTE=pecha72;148743]Please correct if Im wrong, but I believe ABS should be built in such a way that the bike will never be totally without brakes, no matter what? I would believe that requirement would be compulsory for any manufacturer who builds such systems.

You would think so, but Apparently not with BMW. go watch 'Long Way Round'
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Switch it off when you don't want it?

Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
Please correct if Im wrong, but I believe ABS should be built in such a way that the bike will never be totally without brakes, no matter what? I would believe that requirement would be compulsory for any manufacturer who builds such systems.



Or at least thats what happens with my bike, cant be 100% sure how BMW works, but I´d guess its a similar system.
Excellent point Pecha72; so which bike have you got that functions like this?

Further, which bikes have switcheable ABS, so that the rider still has a choice about what is going on under him? (Personally, I have never owned a bike with ABS but I guess one day soon it will be compulsory ).
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
I have a Vstrom650A. Now that I think of it, it does work with normal brakes, when you move the bike around without turning the switch to "ON". So if a malfunction is detected, I guess it should just cut the power going to the system, which should take it back to normal, non-abs brakes. In theory!!

"Further, which bikes have switcheable ABS, so that the rider still has a choice about what is going on under him?"

I believe many BMW´s and Moto Guzzi´s do have a button to disconnect it. Suzuki does not, but so far I think its been working ok, so havent felt the need to have it taken out. Even tried it early in the spring one day, when it was snowing and the road was a fair bit icy underneath, and even then it worked surprisingly well. Without ABS, I couldnt have stopped the bike so quickly on such a slippery surface, and theres a good chance I wouldve gone down, too. These systems obviously have improved a lot from how they were in the early days, now theyre ´tuned´ better, and can respond a lot quicker.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cape Town / South Africa
Posts: 207
The ABS system is built into your brake system and cannot be bypassed by simply flicking a switch.
ABS do not control the braking but rather take over only when it detects that the brakes have locked up.
On BMW's you have a function where you can switch the ABS off but braking is still being done through the ABS unit.
ABS can save an inexperienced rider from a fatal lockup of the front brake but a more experienced rider can more easily control the amount of braking between front and rear to slow down fastest with or without the ABS in place.
In loose conditions with fairly off road oriented tires you can brake faster with the rear locked up and it is in this kind of conditions where ABS will not serve the rider, but then again only experienced riders will want to lock up the rear when braking.
The only reason why ABS should be entirely removed from the bike is when you will use it to travel in more remote parts of the globe. This is for two reasons, firstly because it can not be repaired or even be bled in a basic workshop and can leave you without front and rear brake if faulty, and secondly it does reduce the weight by a considerable amount.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mendoza BMW brennan SOUTH AMERICA 11 28 Jan 2008 12:54
wee strom abs Danquart Suzuki Tech 6 11 Jul 2007 12:03
DL1000 ABS in the wilds... DougieB Suzuki Tech 8 1 Jul 2007 20:40
tire change: does abs make any difference? endurin BMW Tech 4 15 Jun 2007 12:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:40.