R1200C ABS Failure

[bkreason]

I didn't find any threads on this topic; forgive me if this is a repeat topic (it's my first post). I have a 2001 R1200C, and I have replaced the ABS unit on the machine once (BMW Motorcycles of Ft. Myers, did, actually), about two years ago. This was a $1500 part. When I first bought the bike, it sometimes did this. It got gradually worse until I replaced the ABS unit.

Now again, the ABS lights either never come on at startup, or they alternate right and left - either way, the ABS doesn't work.

Anyone have similar issues? I'm scheduled to bring the machine into the dealer this week for a checkout, but at $1500 a pop, this is getting expensive.

[bikerfish1100]

how's your battery?
a weak battery is the most common cause of ABS (temporary) failure.
try restarting your bike after about 5 minutes of riding (using key, not just kill switch). if it's a low battery issue, ABS should be back up & running by then.

[bkreason]

how's your battery?
a weak battery is the most common cause of ABS (temporary) failure.
try restarting your bike after about 5 minutes of riding (using key, not just kill switch). if it's a low battery issue, ABS should be back up & running by then.

Even after riding for an hour, the lights either don't come on or they alternate. And a quick test confirms ABS is inoperative. And I keep the bike on a trickle charger. I suspect the problem is electrical, but the battery seems fine. It is nearing the end of its lifecycle, though. I'll just see what the mechanics say. Thanks.

[Andy VH]

Did you replace the ABS modulator yourself or have the shop do it? I assume it was a brand new ABS modulator and not a salvage part? Either way, the ABS modulator has to be initialized to the bike (even if it is the right part number) by the dealer before it will work properly.

Beyond that, if the battery is good, and since you get it responding some times, then things like speed sensor mounts, harness connections, wiring damage, etc, need to be checked to resolve an intermittent fault.

[119507]

I'd guess that ABS problems are the most common issue on the Chromeheads site dedicated to C's. Yes a weak battery can be a cause, but not the only one. I have had problems that will go away for a while with a reset, but I am convinced it was a feature that was not fully developed at the time mine (2000 model) went to market. My diagnostic is the piston is stuck. I have heard that from others and I think it is more likely to happen in cold weather. I wish there was a way to reset it myself. Eventually I will remove the fuse so I don' t have to see the blinking lights.

[cruisin]

My '99 R12C had an ABS fault that would not go away. I took it to the OKC shop for an annual service and they found a corroded connector to be the problem. Sorry but I do not recall exactly where that connector was. I was also beginning to see intermittent ABS faults on my '00 R12 and replaced the 4-year old battery with an Odessy PC680 two years ago and have not had a fault since then. I'd say check all the connectors in the system, (maybe use a touch of dielectric grease on them), check the clearance of the front and rear sensors & make sure they are clean, and be sure your battery is holding a sufficient charge to make the ABS start-up diagnostic happy. Beyond that, I would have to say get it checked out by a reputable dealer, but if you got a new ABS unit, don't let them screw you out of the cost of another.

[brianhinton]

When I got my '02, I had an ABS fault. My dealer replaced the ABS motor relay (about $165.00 with labor) and I have not had a problem since.

[OfficerImpersonator]

My RT seems to have a microscopic leak somewhere within the ABS circuit plumbing. About every 8000 miles I get the dreaded alternately flashing lights telling my my ABS is inoperative. For $250 my wrench removes the front crash bars, plastic side panels and gas tank to top off the ABS circuit fluid eliminating the fault.

My problem may not be your problem, but then again it might be similar enough to suggest you investigate a potential low fluid level in your ABS circuit.

[kgadley01]

when your lights alternate flashes, my book says check your brake fluid level...

[OfficerImpersonator]

when your lights alternate flashes, my book says check your brake fluid level...

Working under the assumption that a C brake system is similar to an RT brake system, there are four separate fluid circuits: Front, rear, front ABS, rear ABS.

Any one (or more) of the four circuits might be low. I have no idea where the ABS fluid circuits are on a "C", but on my RT they are under the gas tank.:banghead