Is it possible to install ABS on a non-ABS bike?

[qwerty725]

How tough would it be to install ABS on a non-ABS K75?

I know buying all the parts from BMW would cost about a million dollars, or a little less on ebay, etc. I don't care about the cost, I just want to try to find out what would be involved and whether or not it's feasible.

I'm injured from a recent accident and won't be able to ride for at least a year. But I can still turn a wrench and thought this might be a fun and interesting project - if it's possible.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[deilenberger]

The answer - yes. I've done it. It's not a trivial job.. your best bet is buying a donor bike - one that was crashed and had ABS.. then get the two side by side and start swapping over. Aside from all the brake hydraulics, you need to move over the wiring harness, instrument cluster, wheels (or brake rotors), calipers and a few dozen other things I've probably forgotten.

So - quick answer yes. Take photos as you do it - would make a nice FAQ..

[qwerty725]

Yes. That's all I needed to hear!

But if I buy a donor bike with abs that crashed - how do I know it didn't crash because the abs didn't work?

I guess I could have phrased that differently. Is there a way to test an abs system on a dead, crashed, bike? Obviously I would need to know that it works before taking on the task of transferring it to the other bike.

Thanks.

[98lee]

Just thinking out loud here, but wouldn't it make more sense to just buy a good ABS bike and then sell the non-ABS bike for almost as much?:dunno

:dance :dance :dance

[qwerty725]

That may make more sense financially, but I just like the challenge.

Also, if I just buy another bike that's got abs and is ready to ride i'm not going to be happy having it just sit in my garage until I can ride again. Modifying the one I have will keep me busy and keep me hands on with motorcycles even though I can't ride.

[deilenberger]

Yes. That's all I needed to hear!

But if I buy a donor bike with abs that crashed - how do I know it didn't crash because the abs didn't work?

I guess I could have phrased that differently. Is there a way to test an abs system on a dead, crashed, bike? Obviously I would need to know that it works before taking on the task of transferring it to the other bike.

Thanks.You can't. The most likely failure component is the ABS computer. If you can find someone with a K100 or K75 with ABS-I, you could ask to try the ABS computer in their bike.

That's the risk you take.. no way around it.

[qwerty725]

Just replace the computer in a friends bike and test it. That makes sense.

Thanks for the advice Don. If I get this going I will take lots of pics and post them for all to see.

Thanks.