Removing ABS on K1200S: Seeking Advice?

[Pirate]

About a year ago my K1200S tipped over in the garage... It didn't hit the floor but got so low that about 1/3 cup of brake fluid leaked out of the main ABS reservoir which is located deep deep down in the bike's innards.. Due to the now low fluid level, I get a ABS dash warning light..

Dealer says to get rid of the ABS warning light would mean putting the 1/3 cup fluid back in.. Cost.. 900-$1000.. Since that day I've just had a piece of electrical tape over the flashing light and the ABS function is no longer working.

I'm now considering removing the ABS completely or at least enough of it to stop the flashing light.. Has anyone here done it? I'm wondering about the level of difficulty? What it entails?

Any advice appreciated...

[McFly]

Wouldn't it be easier to use that funky funnel required to add DOT 4 brake fluid to the ABS module? You can do that in your garage & the gas tank removal is easy to do to get to the ABS module.

As for the dealer's quote... $800-$1K!?!?!? Holy crap! WTF? No way adding 1/3 cup of brake fluid to the ABS module would cost that much, unless their labor rate is $250/hr. Okay, I guess they'd have to use their diagnostic tool to get rid of the ABS fault, but still.

[aviator]

If you have a GS911, you can cycle and bleed the ABS master with it, just like flushing, then add the new fluid.

[Captain Howdy]

[Lee]

Jerry can you go to another dealer?
The Kansas City shop would charge 1.5 hours to change the fluid in the ABS control circuit if I brought the K1200RS in without the tupperware.
Our bikes had servo brakes and I'm guessing yours also has servo brakes.
Is it a 2006?

[Pirate]

McFly... No idea what funky funnel you are talking about.. and no idea where the ABS module is.. the dealer said it's waaaaay deep down under virtually everything towards the bottom of the engine next to the Treasure of Oak Island. Labor time was 6 hours give or take.. Got a picture of where this little bastard lies and what it looks like? I really don't care if the ABS works.. I just want the warning light to stop flashing..

Aviator: No GS911 and flushing is beyond this Luddite's ability..

Lee...Yes.. mines a 2006.. Next nearest dealer is 1.75 hours away in Greenville... I hadn't even thought of checking with them, but I will... Not a problem to strip mine down and tow there if it'll save me enough to fly to Cancun..

[McFly]

McFly... No idea what funky funnel you are talking about.. and no idea where the ABS module is.. the dealer said it's waaaaay deep down under virtually everything towards the bottom of the engine next to the Treasure of Oak Island. Labor time was 6 hours give or take.. Got a picture of where this little bastard lies and what it looks like? I really don't care if the ABS works.. I just want the warning light to stop flashing..

Here's the version Beemer Boneyard sells, cheap compared to the OEM funnel. https://www.beemerboneyard.com/abs3funnel.html

To get to the ABS module, you do have to remove the plastic in order... belly pan, side panels, battery cover & tank side panels (uber easy). Then remove the gas tank... remove those two big screws under the seat at the back end of the tank (# 2 in the 2nd diagram), then lift up the back end of the tank & pull toward you so you can disconnect the vent hose (# 1), fuel line quick disconnect (# 3) & the 2 fuel pump connectors (#"s 4 & 5). That's it. Once done, lift the tank off the bike.


Tank side panel removal image... the tabs circled are the guides that help secure the tank side panels.


Tank removal image... # 2 are the 2 big screws that secure the tank to the frame.


ABS module image... the module sits right under the tail end of the tank.


The OEM funnel image... used to add DOT 4 brake fluid to the ABS module

I know it sounds a bit much but it is something you can do if you have the time... it's easy, just a little time consuming. And even if you didn't want to do it, there's no way the procedure described should cost 800-1000 doubloons. In fact, you could remove the plastic & the tank, then take your bike to the dealer & have them add the fluid. Then bring the bike home & put it all back together. At a minimum, that would save a little time on the labor charge I'd think.

[justjoe]

http://www.powersports-pro.com/

[aviator]

I know the PAndoras folks in Chattanooga, if you want to bring it this way. I am friends with the GM and all the mechanics.

[Pirate]

I think I can do this, McFly... Looks time consuming but not a brain drainer.. May make this an early winter project.. The ONLY thing that would give me pause is... Once I get her panties off and Im down to adding the fluid... how much do i add?. How would I know how much is too little or too much? I'm sure I can jury rig a funnel, but other than putting it all back together and starting it up to see if the light is off... I'm pretty much shooting in the dark..

That question alone might be incentive to strip her all the way down then tow her to a dealer to finish the job then re-assemble when I get back home... Your thoughts?

[Lee]

I'm sure I can jury rig a funnel,?

The funnel Curt shows in his beemerboneyard link is nice because it's threaded and has a rubber seal so it does not leak.
The nice thing with the servo you just turn on the key and press the brake lever.
The servo motor pumps the fluid through for you.

I used the funnel when I bled the wheel circuit on our K1200RSs.

[Pirate]

Great shots, Lee.. Thanks...
I can handle a little leaking rather than pay $40 for a funnel I'll use once...I have 1/2 a dozen here I can modify with tubing... but Ill still have the same problem.. I'll have no idea how much fluid to add... My guess is.. there is no "fill to here" mark on the main ABS reservoir..

[McFly]

Great shots, Lee.. Thanks...
I can handle a little leaking rather than pay $40 for a funnel I'll use once...I have 1/2 a dozen here I can modify with tubing... but Ill still have the same problem.. I'll have no idea how much fluid to add... My guess is.. there is no "fill to here" mark on the main ABS reservoir..

It's not a normal funnel which is what I thought when I did my brake fluid change. My buddy Gary (TexasTwister) lent me his, which is the BBY version. He has an '06 K12S and the funnel threads into the front & rear ABS module ports on the module. I bet he'd let you borrow his... it's not a "once & done" effort but he won't be using it for a while since he just changed the brake fluid on his K12S & R12S. I'll ask him if you want, I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

[McFly]

The ONLY thing that would give me pause is... Once I get her panties off and Im down to adding the fluid... how much do i add?.

That question alone might be incentive to strip her all the way down then tow her to a dealer to finish the job then re-assemble when I get back home... Your thoughts?

How much to add & how much is too much, I'm not sure exactly. My KS is an '07 model and that year model, BMW changed the ABS module & that funnel is not required. But like Lee mentioned, the servo motor pumps the fluid through for you & I bet you wouldn't have to add much at all depending on how much ran out. Since the funnel screws into the module creating a "seal", my guess is it would be hard to mess it up. I think at some point, the ABS module wouldn't accept any more fluid & any remaining fluid in the funnel could be removed with a syringe or paper towel, then remove the funnel & be done with it. Just be sure to put some shop rags everywhere around any plastic or painted surface that brake fluid spillage may contact... brake fluid bad.

[Pirate]

Thanks all... Plan made... this winter I'm gonna strip her down to the ABS module then tow it to the dealer and let them to the rest. I may have them remove my shocks for a rebuild at the same time while there... and I still have the original spark plugs.. Guess I'll have them replace those, too...

Understood about the funnel.. didn't realize it was threaded to form a vacuum.. That makes sense.. All good here..

[ZATO]