BMW R1200GS The Great Adventure

I put 'angry' because it seems BMW sales are based on the firm's reputation for reliability, but BMW seem to have gone down the route of improving their product by making the bikes more complex and less reliable.
Raymond, you got that right. I feel BMW both cars and bikes are no more reliable than any other manufacturer. They reputation is based on older people thet owned older simpler vehicles. All moder stuff that need a computer to diagnose failures are no better that the next.
 
I put 'angry' because it seems BMW sales are based on the firm's reputation for reliability, but BMW seem to have gone down the route of improving their product by making the bikes more complex and less reliable.
And it's not a recent thing either. I was at a rally in the early 80's on my Guzzi when I saw a K100 flying brick for the first time. It was getting a tow onto the camp site by an old R75/5. Absolutely true story.
 
Sorry to hear about your ABS troubles Adam, I remember hearing a lot about failed or disconnected ABS units on older BMW’s. Seen lots of bikes for sale that say they’ve been disconnected. I always wondered why they didn’t fix them but now I see why. I would also probably disconnect it myself.

I’ve long been interested in the BMW K75S, I’m always looking for them to show up for sale near me and one just did.
They are a really sweet running machine when things are right and they will supposedly last forever. ( Fortnine did a good YouTube video on one) They do however have their known gremlins. TWO ABS systems , that usually fail, inside the tank fuel pumps that tend to disintegrate and clog up the fuel injectors.

This one isn’t running and has been stored for 14 years, and I thought……you know, I just don’t think I want the headaches. :rolleyes:

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/d/scottsdale-vintage-1991-bmw-k75s-abs/7778536614.html

IMG_7569.jpeg
 
Something for UK owners to consider. At MoT time, the general rule is that if something is fitted to a vehicle being MoT tested, it has to work or it's a fail. I presume if you disable an ABS system, but leave it in place, then the vehicle fails it's MoT test? On the other hand, if you completely remove the ABS system, then the vehicle would pass the MoT test?

Personally, I will never own a bike with a computer on board, including ABS or traction control systems. I understand the most frequent cause of ABS system issues is corrosion in the ABS unit caused by moisture in the brake fluid? In the cars I have owned I make sure the brake fluid is changed every two to three years at the latest. I haven't experienced any ABS system issues.
 
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BMW ABS WOES....Oh No!

Beautiful morning sunshine and I decide to ride to work today. Merlin (GL1000) and Taffy (XS650) are both undergoing further surgery so its The Brat only today. At the workshop space is at a premium so I move Merlin out of the way, a strenuous task, to allow me to back The Brat out of the shop. I then tog up into my riding gear. Turn on the ignition; the bike makes its usual noises as it checks systems and then I fire up; all good. Helmet and gloves on, Sena intercom connected to listen the local radio; leg over and away we go........ Or don't as it happens! As I tried to pull away it felt like the bike was dragging a brake; mabe it will loosen off after a few wheel rotations. 20 meters to the road junction and cautiously apply brakes early and.... Nothing; very little retardation and I don't feel safe. Ride around the block back to the shop. Feeling a little pi$$ed off I put The Brat back, remove riding gear and jump in the truck to get to work. Surely it can't have failed in under 8,000 miles?

In work I start investigating online what is a known failure issue with these early BMW ABS systems. I have a number of options; but as the bike is showroom fresh and low milage I really want to keep it factory original, but at what price.

The Offending Article
View attachment 334043

Option 1: Get a new ABS Unit from BMW.
Last quoted at 2000€ plus about 1000€ fitting.
No longer availible from factory / Dealers.
Cost: £ Squillions

Option 2A: Rebuild my failed unit

ECU TESTING UK offers this service if you send them your unit. It a comprehensive service too including shipping and step by step information of the progress. On reciept they check the entire unit including the electronics module. replace all servicable parts and test.
Thier website states 2008 machine or later; mine is 2005. They will look at it and if they can't fix it will charge a £49.00 inspection fee.
WEB: https://www.ecutesting.com/product-catalogue/bmw/r1200gs/abs-pump-ecumodule-combined/amc108633/
Cost: £310.00
View attachment 334045


Option 3A: ABS delete.
Its is possible to remove the entire ABS system and reset the braking to a 'normal' hydraulic operation. This involes removal of the ABS pump and associated pipework saving quite a few Kg of wieght. There are a couple of ways of doing this, both reversible and non-reversible. A front brake 'loop' pipe would be required to the front brake lines to bypass the ABS pump circuit. The electronics module must be retained for bike systems to function. Some brake lines may be required depending on model.
Cost around £250.00
BMW MOTORWORKS UK Provide the following: https://www.motorworks.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=+Abs+bypass+kit
View attachment 334046

Option 3B: ABS delete.
RH ELECTRONICS Germany: https://rhelectronics.de/en
This company offers a pump replacement kit with a new electronics module for bike systems. You still loose the whole ABS function.
Cost: 799€ + Shipping and import duties.
View attachment 334047View attachment 334048

Option 4: Ebay replacement unit
This is last resort for me as any secondhand part is prone to faliure at some time, if not already faulty.
Price £150.00 - £300.00

YouTube has a number of videos about the removal of the ABS system, and it looks straightforward enough; It would be the most economical soloution for what is to many a low cost old bike. As my machine is mint I would like to keep it in factory specification. So I am drawn towards the ECU Testing Rebuild.

Before that however some forums suggest checking the brake light lever switches which can fail or go out of specification. Possibly a sticking caliper or pad could trigger this failure. It amazing BMW put this under developed system in place with no failsafe backup in the event of the faliure. You loose up to 80% of brakes when this happens, to which I can attest.

Sadly all three of my bikes are now out of action.

Best,
Ads.
IMG_4625.jpeg
 
Sorry to hear about your ABS troubles Adam, I remember hearing a lot about failed or disconnected ABS units on older BMW’s. Seen lots of bikes for sale that say they’ve been disconnected. I always wondered why they didn’t fix them but now I see why. I would also probably disconnect it myself.

I’ve long been interested in the BMW K75S, I’m always looking for them to show up for sale near me and one just did.
They are a really sweet running machine when things are right and they will supposedly last forever. ( Fortnine did a good YouTube video on one) They do however have their known gremlins. TWO ABS systems , that usually fail, inside the tank fuel pumps that tend to disintegrate and clog up the fuel injectors.

This one isn’t running and has been stored for 14 years, and I thought……you know, I just don’t think I want the headaches. :rolleyes:

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/d/scottsdale-vintage-1991-bmw-k75s-abs/7778536614.html

View attachment 334058
Hi Bob
I watched that F9 video too. The K75 seems like a last forever bike; but like any bike that has been stored troubles are just down the road. All machines are better used and serviced regularly if issues are to be avoided. The Brat is just an example of headaches due to lack of use. Onwards and upwards with a stiff British upper lip, even though it’s a German machine.
 
Hi Bob
I watched that F9 video too. The K75 seems like a last forever bike; but like any bike that has been stored troubles are just down the road. All machines are better used and serviced regularly if issues are to be avoided. The Brat is just an example of headaches due to lack of use. Onwards and upwards with a stiff British upper lip, even though it’s a German machine.
Adam, sorry to hear about your troubles with that beautiful BMW. I used to think I wanted a K75S, and then I rode a K75. The handlebar was way too narrow for me, and overall I didn't care for it. My TX650A is way more fun. Bob, have you ridden one? They do look great.
 
The worst part about that ride was that I traded the owner (who also has an XS650) my TX650A for his K75. He beat on my bike and I wasn't too happy...
He kept saying "yours doesn't shift well just like mine"
I wanted to say maybe you just don't know how to ride these bikes, but he is a friend of a friend so I just kept quiet. He won't be riding any of my bikes again...
 
J2.JPG

OH IF WE WERE ALL SO TALENTED

Anyhow after much deliberation and mind bending I have decided to go down the ABS delete route; the cheapest way.
BMW MOTORWORKS UK have all the parts I need and it works out at:
123.JPG

Not including my time; of course we do it for love. :heart::heart::heart:
Closer look at some of the bits required below:
456.JPG

First item is a link loop for the front brake lines before the splitter; this takes out the ABS pipe circuit.
Second item is a non-ABS hard rear brake line; to replace the existing line.
Third item is a replacement milled ally cover for the back of the ECU which is open to the elements when removed from the ABS unit.
A bit of sealant pop on this cover and I will have a neat waterproof module.
In addition A few other bits and bobs and the DOT4 fluid. About £120 and a days work all in I think.
Also it saves about 5Kg of wieght that is located high up on the bike under the petrol tank; thats a bonus.

I need to look into removing the brake warning LED lights from the dash as the delete process leaves them contiuously flashing.

After extensive reading up on rebuilt ABS units, and second hand ones, it seems they will all eventually fail again; I think the safety risk is too high to go that way.
So ABS delete it will be.

Ads.
 
View attachment 334199
OH IF WE WERE ALL SO TALENTED

Anyhow after much deliberation and mind bending I have decided to go down the ABS delete route; the cheapest way.
BMW MOTORWORKS UK have all the parts I need and it works out at:
View attachment 334200
Not including my time; of course we do it for love. :heart::heart::heart:
Closer look at some of the bits required below:
View attachment 334201
First item is a link loop for the front brake lines before the splitter; this takes out the ABS pipe circuit.
Second item is a non-ABS hard rear brake line; to replace the existing line.
Third item is a replacement milled ally cover for the back of the ECU which is open to the elements when removed from the ABS unit.
A bit of sealant pop on this cover and I will have a neat waterproof module.
In addition A few other bits and bobs and the DOT4 fluid. About £120 and a days work all in I think.
Also it saves about 5Kg of wieght that is located high up on the bike under the petrol tank; thats a bonus.

I need to look into removing the brake warning LED lights from the dash as the delete process leaves them contiuously flashing.

After extensive reading up on rebuilt ABS units, and second hand ones, it seems they will all eventually fail again; I think the safety risk is too high to go that way.
So ABS delete it will be.

Ads.
I presume once you find your way around the ECU firmware, there's an option to disable ABS system checking. I am sure there's loads of people done it. I don't believe it would pass MoT without switching the ABS warning light off? Good luck with it. Hope to read about a successful ABS delete soon.
 
I presume once you find your way around the ECU firmware, there's an option to disable ABS system checking. I am sure there's loads of people done it. I don't believe it would pass MoT without switching the ABS warning light off? Good luck with it. Hope to read about a successful ABS delete soon.
I can just about find my way around Amazon website let alone ECU firmware!
:umm::laugh2:
 
ABS WARNING LIGHT

Just found this video which will do for me.
Only I will fit black foam into the light ports.
OMG. :eek: That's just SO 1970's Arthur Daly*. I would be far too embarrassed to film myself doing that.

*Apologies to our colonial cousins, a 1970's TV series involving a very dodgy used car dealer called Arthur Daly.
 
OMG. :eek: That's just SO 1970's Arthur Daly*. I would be far too embarrassed to film myself doing that.

*Apologies to our colonial cousins, a 1970's TV series involving a very dodgy used car dealer called Arthur Daly.
Terry Fuckwitt here,
I agree with your opinion, but I cannot find any easy (for me) firmware method of deleting the flashing lights. I could spend £300+ on a CanBus reader which will flash up any faults; but as the ABS unit is absent will not offer solutions to extinguish the warning flashers. All the ‘Delete ABS’ companies I have contacted have no soloution for the warning lights.
Maybe Arthur Daly has the answer?
 
Terry Fuckwitt here,
I agree with your opinion, but I cannot find any easy (for me) firmware method of deleting the flashing lights. I could spend £300+ on a CanBus reader which will flash up any faults; but as the ABS unit is absent will not offer solutions to extinguish the warning flashers. All the ‘Delete ABS’ companies I have contacted have no soloution for the warning lights.
Maybe Arthur Daly has the answer?
Perhaps Mr Daly has the answer indeed :thumbsup:
 
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