ABS Idiot Light

[lazygoodan]

Most times I start up my '95 R1100RS, the ABS lights flash out of synch (indicating that the ABS is not working). If I shut if off and roll backward slightly, then restart, the lights will flash in synch (indicating ABS is working). This doesn't seem to matter if the battery has been charging or not. I seem to get this issue more when I put the bike up on the centerstand. If I just leave it on the side stand, it doesn't happen.

Anybody out there have a method that is repeatable for avoiding the ABS fault?

Thanks,
Jim

[Jeff]

sounds like you need a new battery, have your battery load tested, the ABS system need full voltage at start up to function.
the short start has the engine ready to go with a short charge so the restart takes less power and the ABS is ready to go.

[sparky]

Count yourself lucky that it is resetting. A friend of mine with the same year RS finally gave up and went in to the dealer. Jeff's advice is good and an excellent place to start. I also am in the habit of trickle charging every night. I know it's probably not needed but it's super quick to do and gives me piece of mind on those especially chilly mornings. If she don't go, I don't go.

[macman320]

My 94 RS did something similiar most of last year, I used to drive it and turn the key off and back on at low speed to reset it. I repalced the battery this spring and voila! no more flashing lights.

[oldcarkook]

If the starting system drops below 11.4 volts at ANY point in the starting process, the ABS system can not intialize. Don't ask me why I know this.

Your symptoms are weak battery, weak being a relative term.

I went to Gel and I'll never go back.

[jbgabel]

I had the same problem on my 96 R1100R. I got the bike about a year ago, the seller had installed a brand new BMW battery then. My local BMW shop told me that the ABS system is sensitive to low battery voltage (which sounds like a design flaw to me), and recomended a trickle charger. I got one and have had my bike plugged in whenever it is home, I have never had the flashing ABS lights problem since.

-- Jonathan Gabel

[mcholt212]

I can relate to the ABS system being intolerant of sub-standard voltages, I posted in another thread how the LED cluster I installed in the tailight was making the general warning light come on because it drew less voltage than the bulb it replaced. The whole electrical system may be very sensitive to voltage changes since it uses voltage drops to alert you of potential problems-i.e. burnt out bulbs.