ABS Failure 02 R1150RT

[pmcclain]

Just wonder if anyone has had ABS module to fail?
I have a 2002 R1150RT with 66K miles (Out of Warranty)

My dealer said the module is bad. So a new one is ordered and should be here in a few days. The cost is aprox $1400 for the part plus 3.5 hrs labor.

I called BMW Customer Service in hopes to get some "help"... Was told my bike has way too many miles on it for any consideration

What is the saying...You gotta pay to play?

[BklynPete]

Just wonder if anyone has had ABS module to fail?
I have a 2002 R1150RT with 66K miles (Out of Warranty)

My dealer said the module is bad. So a new one is ordered and should be here in a few days. The cost is aprox $1400 for the part plus 3.5 hrs labor.

I called BMW Customer Service in hopes to get some "help"... Was told my bike has way too many miles on it for any consideration

What is the saying...You gotta pay to play?

my abs sensor failed, but my extended warr picked it up. when i was almost at the 36k mile point i got an ext warr for the bike. i figured i wanted to keep the bike for 100k miles, so the warr made sense because we all know how much it cost to repair a bmw. it paid for itself.

pete

[gadgetboy]

call around the motorcycle salvage yards.. also, bob's bmw keeps an inventory of used parts from wrecked bikes.. i'd try to find something used before i forked over that kind of money.. or just ride without ABS like 98% of bikes on the road...

[DDHR1150RT]

I have a 2002 RT and one of my ABS sensors failed (among other problems)barely a month after I purchased the bike. Luckily it was covered under warranty then but now I have over 50k on the thing, and I didn't elect to buy the extended warranty being that I bought a BMW, and hey, they don't break down.

I am in agreement with GadgetBoy, call around and try to save some $$$$ elsewhere. If you find one, please do the line a favour and post where you bought it.

Hope you get a good deal!

[ROLAND]

Just Been Thru Same Basic Problem W/ 2000 R1150 Gs. Was Out Of Warr.but Only 15k At That Time. Local Rep Said No,but Customer Service Finally Agreed To Pay Half Cost Of Pump And Dealer Inst Bill. Double Check Sensor Gap. I Believe Bmw Should Absorb The Cost Of A Xtra Cost Safety Option When It Just Sits There Not Experianceing Wear And Tear Unless You Are In Abs Mode More Than !% ? If Dealer Has Serviced Brake System W/ New Fluid,etc. Bmw Bikes Are Nearly As Bad As Thier Cars When They Go Out Of Warranty....................dr's And Lawyers Can't Afford To Fix Them Out Of Warranty ! Good Luck !

[screamin eagle]

Hey guys,
Is ABS failure a problem with the 1150rt? I am in the process of making a deal on a new one (2004). Of course it will be warranted for 36,000 or 3 years, but I don't like problems. I am currently riding a 2004 HD and have had zero problems. If I'm getting involved in problems I don't want the bike.

[dano]

Ah yes....the wonderfrul world of ABS and all the electronics that tag along for the ride. :D

Kinda makes you wonder what's so bad about regular ole hydraulic brakes. :dunno

[dano]

Hey guys,
Is ABS failure a problem with the 1150rt? I am in the process of making a deal on a new one (2004). Of course it will be warranted for 36,000 or 3 years, but I don't like problems. I am currently riding a 2004 HD and have had zero problems. If I'm getting involved in problems I don't want the bike.


ABS problems can be symptomatic with the RT's. Not to mention final drive issues here and there. Oh yeah.....ignition issues too.

I could go on.....but I'm depressed enough already. :cry

[DDHR1150RT]

Hey guys,
Is ABS failure a problem with the 1150rt? I am in the process of making a deal on a new one (2004). Of course it will be warranted for 36,000 or 3 years, but I don't like problems. I am currently riding a 2004 HD and have had zero problems. If I'm getting involved in problems I don't want the bike
I could go on.....but I'm depressed enough already. :cry

[QUOTE=dano]ABS problems can be symptomatic with the RT's. Not to mention final drive issues here and there. Oh yeah.....ignition issues too.

dano, I hear you and I agree 100%!

screamin eagle, to be honest, my first BMW was a 1996 R1100RT and it was the BEST motorcycle I ever owned! The ONLY reason I traded it for the NEW model RT was for the updated features (six-speed, more HP, BETTER LIGHTS, power linked ABS brakes, etc). Now, I truly wish I could say good things about the newer RT but I won't lie on this forum to save face, this bike has been a constant money pit, and I harbor NO BLAME to my dealer since they have lost time, and money trying to help me with varying quality isuues. BMW dealers are the best, in my opinion! BMW corporate falls way short for the money spent.

[screamin eagle]

DANO and DDHR150RT,

I appreciate your candor. I really do. You probably saved my bacon. I was seriously thinking about buying the RT and keeping my HD. My wife is not a biker and can't understand why anyone needs (wants) two motorcycles.

I explained to her that the BMW is so reliable that I could ride all over the USA and Canada trouble free and she would'nt have to worry about me. But, that I wanted to keep my Harley for riding around locally.

She finally agreed and I told the dealer that I was going to buy it. But no money has changed hands yet.

I am retired and I don't need to support a maintenance beast. My Harley only needs fluid changed every 5,000 miles and I do that myself.

Thanks again guys,

Bill

[dano]

screamin eagle......don't get me wrong. I'm not flaming the RT....well maybe just a little.

I do enjoy riding it, and the more I do, the more I enjoy it. But....there have been issues with it, and some of the other owner's stories I have heard, makes me wonder.

Unless BMW makes a giant leap forward in reliability, design, convenience issues, etc., my RT will be my 1st.....and last BMW.

For the $$ you pay for an RT......you should expect....and get more than you do.

[pmdave]

I don't wish anyone any bad luck, but I'm all the more happy about getting my 1150GS Sport--the one with standard independend, non ABS, unlinked, unpowered brakes, just like in the good old days.

When I tested one of the first RTs with power brakes, I decided I would not own one, in spite of it's other great attributes. I didn't like the power brakes then, and one big reason was the cost of maintenance. Every machine breaks, and then what do you have to do to fix it? Of course BMW provides a good warrantee, because just about any device will last for three years. It's six, or sixteen years down the road when some poor dude has to fork over a huge pile of greenbacks to get his bike operational again. The more "high zoot" the systems, the more that's a problem.

So, SE, one solution is to buy a new BMW, and figure on trading it in for a new one a couple of days before the warrantee expires.

Or, take a closer look at those few BMW models that still come "naked" with independent brakes. Save money on the high-zoot brakes, and use the cash to buy some nice saddlebags and a small fairing.

For those of you who thought integrated power ABS brakes were a good idea, think about trading up every three years, or keep some repair money in the bank.

pmdave :thumb

[Ironhorsecowboy]

This is not a rare occurance. My ABS system completely failed on an 03 K1200 LTC. Cost $2200! Glad warranty covered the repair. I sold the bike and will not buy another BMW late model because of numerous other problems also with the K bike. I wanted to rid myself of the bike before warranty expired. BMWNA knows they have a problem but they don't care to help others with out of warranty issues.

Hey Screamin Eagle---Don't sell the Harley! I had way better service out of my 5 Harleys the last 25 years than This 1 BMW which had more trouble than all 5 HD's combined.

[screamin eagle]

IRONHORSECOWBOY,

no way am I going to sell my Harley. I have been riding HD for more than forty years. I got an 04 screamin eagle and I wanted to keep it pristine. I already have 14,000 miles on it and I want to do some bigger riding this year. Intend on going to Canada twice and western US once, in addition to regular riding. That is where the BMW was to come in. 15,000 or 20,000 on the BMW and then only a few thousand on the Harley.

I am retired and just owning two bikes would be costly but I felt that the Beemer wouldn't cost much and would save on the Harley. Guess I was wrong. Better to put the miles on the Harley and take my losses on that.

Thanks alot for all the help and advice.

Bill

[RT Pilot]

I'm new to BMW--bought an 04 RT in September and I'm enjoying it. I previously had an 03 Harley Sportster 1200 that I put some long days on (2 Ironbutts-1000+1500) and I really enjoyed it, but that bike had issues too. I bought the bike new and put 12000+ miles on it in a little over two years. Just after the year warrantee was up, the bike started leaking oil from: where the crankcase halves meet, push rod tubes, cylinder bases (both). I took it to the dealer and asked if they'd help get HD to pay to fix the leaks. Was told they'd get back to me.

After two months went by (I'm patient), I went back and talked to the service manager--I told him I'd already talked to a mechanic who never got back to me--he was absolutely livid that nobody got back to me. He assured me that he'd make some calls and get back to me personally within a week. I'm still waiting for his call (the bike has been sold since September and I love the RT). I was ready to plunk down 21000 for an E-Glide Classic while this fiasco was going on and my decision to go or not go with HD hinged on my treatment on this issue.

My point? I love the Harleys, but for what we pay for them, they just ain't worth it--BMWs may have problems, but from what I've read and learned, the dealers and the company treat you better than HD, which ain't braggin much. Just my opinion. . .

[Ironhorsecowboy]

RT Pilot
I can understand your reasoning about HD. The Sporster 1200 is a bike that I would only purchase used as well as the 883 which is also trouble prone. You were not riding the big Twin Cam which came out in 1999. I put 17000 miles on an 01 Electra Glide Classic in 14 months without even a hiccup. I only sold it due to job reasons. When purchasing my next bike I to decided to try something different and went with an 03 K1200LTC at a cost of around $17300 cash. I sold the K bike Dec 26th for $13500 and was lucky to get that, it had 12106 miles on it. The Harley I paid $18565 for and sold it for $18000 14 months later, plus I didn't have 5 trips to a dealer 225 miles away and lose nearly 4 grand on a nearly new bike. I liked the Bmw, don't get me wrong but if you buy bmw just keep in your mind you will lose money, for resale is not good especially here in the south. I thought that when I switched to the BMW brand that I had bought the best but my bike did not prove to be a good one. My next bike will be a cheap bike, maybe an old airhead with a sidecar for me and the dog! Enjoy your R bike!

[RT Pilot]

Ironhorse. . .thanks for your reply. Hope you didn't get me wrong--I still love the Harley motorcycles, and I hope to own another some day, but it will definately be a twin-cam or bigger. As for resale value, I think that days of getting that kind of resale are nearly over--practically everyone that wants a Harley has one by now, and I predict you'll see a lot of nice used ones on the market in about 3-5 years after people get tired of their payment books. BMW's resale value don't really bother me, because I didn't buy it to sell--I'll keep this bike forever if it turns out to be a good bike and ride it till it, or I give out!

Like most people, I vote for best brand / dealer with my money. This is my first BMW and I realize I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase of ownership, but I have to admit that BMW's 3 yr./36000 warranty was a big selling point for me--that's something that Harley has yet to offer as standard. For what you pay for a Harley, they should be warranteed for 10 yrs./100000 :brow !!

I know from hanging out at Harley forums, that people that post are the ones having problems--they really represent the minority. Most people (Harley and BMW owners) have pretty good experiences with their bikes overall and you never hear from them. That being said, after hanging out in both camps, I'd have to say that BMW shops probably care a little more about their customers than Harley does right now.

Rob

[Mudbug]

I love the Harleys, but for what we pay for them, they just ain't worth it--BMWs may have problems, but from what I've read and learned, the dealers and the company treat you better than HD, which ain't braggin much. Just my opinion. . .

Well said. I have the same opinion.

[dano]

HD's and BMW's have something in common.

Both cost too much.............. :nod

[ROLAND]

This Is My Second Post About Your Problem. I Plan On Taking Bmwna To Small Claims Court Regarding This Saftey Issue They Will Not Address. It Was Done Several Years Ago Regarding Driv-shaft Spline Failure On A 100k K-bike. And The Plaintiff Won !
I Hate To Resort To This But This Problem Is Close To A 'class Action" Situation And That Could Be Next If All The Victims Of This Unreasonable Failure And Cost Line Up Together.

[Bullfrog]

I find the ABS problems to be thought provoking to say the least. I have an '04RT and of course haven't had any ABS problems. I do think that the integrated power assist is a bit much but the motorcycle world does move on. I'm sorry that Screamineagle won't be riding a BMW in addition to his HD but it is his money and most of you were very convincing in arguments against BMW's.
So to my question: Why do you all keep the one's that YOU have?

Puzzled in Austin :dunno

[pmdave]

I bought another BMW because I wanted to remain a part of the MOA "family" and because the 2003 1150GS Sport was available without the high-zoot brakes.

The idea of "family" is that I enjoy the cameraderie of fellow riders who have a like mindset, and BMW riders tend to be more experienced, better traveled, better educated, and with a more mature mindset. ON and BMW rallies are always full of interesting ideas, maintenance and skills information, articles about machines or travel that are potentially do-able by the members, and (unlike some others) open to all models of BMWs, not just Ks or Os.

The BMW factory may believe that I wanted what they are currently offering, but more and more of the new models don't meet my requirements. After testing an oilhead RT, I had decided I didn't want power or fully integrated brakes. I was concerned that I would need to maintain my older BMWs forever if BMW didn't offer something I would be willing to buy new. Very fortunately, someone had the brilliant idea to offer the GS with standard brakes, but then someone else pulled the plug and discontinued that model.

I have three older BMWs which can be maintained because BMW and aftermarket suppliers continue to offer parts. The availability of parts for older motorcycles is directly related to parts redundancy, i.e. not creating a new part if an older trusted part will do the job. For instance, there is no need to design a new clutch lever if an existing proven lever will do the job. What that means is that BMW--unlike the oriental manufacturers--has a much smaller number of parts to deal with. And that relates to the practicality of keeping an older bike running. It's a similar situation with HD and Moto Guzzi, but Triumph has followed the Japanese trend, with the result that parts are difficult to obtain.

So, the short answer is that BMW has been the best compromise for me, and the BMW infrastructure one of the few in today's motorcycling in which I am interested.

pmdave :thumb

[Bullfrog]

pmdave,

Thanks for your comments. They make a good deal of sense. I based my purchase of the 04RT on a short test ride and my memories of the R100S that I owned many years ago. I do wish that I still had or could find one to ride but funds, time, etc. .... I'll grant that the complexities of the modern motorcycle do seem unnecessary but how does one convince a factory like BMW, Honda, et al to simplifiy. They certainly take the world market into account before they look at the US rider, don't they?

The cost of the ABS system that started this thread certainly is excessive considering that aviation and automotive engineers have been using the technology for decades now. And, of course, they shouldn't fail, ever! So aside from not buying the motorcycle how can we, MOA members, affect a change. Somehow I don't think that a process improvement request will work.

Thankfully, I have a pretty darn good dealership and service department to work with if I ever do have problems out of the ordinary.

Bullrog or puzzeled in austin :dunno

[DDHR1150RT]

So to my question: Why do you all keep the one's that YOU have?

Puzzled in Austin :dunno

Bullrog,
You have a good question so I shall give you my honest answer of why I have kept my BMW.

To begin, I too love the people who ride BMWs but, I have also found most people (minus the morons on squids) who ride any motorcycles to be honest, helpful, and intelligent; this is not the reason I keep my problem BMW though. I love the MOA forums, BMW clubs and rallys but, this too is not the reason I keep my problem BMW. I love the handling of the RT and the safety features (yes, I like the linked power brakes) cannot be beaten by any other manufacturer but, this is not the reason I keep my problem BMW. The reason I keep my 02 model R1150RT is because of its poor resale value and the fact that my RT spends the better part of a year within the care of my local dealer, or some other dealer it was towed to in order to address quality issues. Truthfully, the amount of money I have spent on this motorcycle (repairs included) cannot be offset by its resale value. As an example, I purchased this RT new in May of 2001 and it cost me over $17,500. In less than one year its trade-in value plumeted to below $11,000; my local BMW dealers offered me "near" $10,800 for a trade. This amount of lost money makes it hard to resell! Further speaking, my dealer is always backed up with many BMW motorcycles needing repairs so despite their best efforts, they try to be accomodating, most repairs take some months to resolve. My last repair for a leaking pinion seal in the final drive along with continued electrical glitch diagnosis took my dealer 4 months to get to; this is despite my having an appointment.
In conclusion, I keep my 02 model R1150RT due to its lousy resale value, and its poor reliability history with my local BMW dealers of which negotiating a fair trade on a new BMW is next to impossible for me to do. I have one of the lemons in BMWs lineup and I am stuck with it for the time being.

All is not lost though as I will admit that I am awaiting the arrival of Triumphs new Sprint next month, and if that bike runs like I have read, and my Triumph dealer can work out a "decent deal" for my RT, I will more-than-likely be riding the Sprint in the near future. Oh, and in addition, the new model Triumph Sprint with hardbags and heated grips is supposed to be priced below $12,000. That's a lot of money saved over the next R1200RT or a current R1150RT.

[Bullfrog]

DDHR1150RT,
Thank you for the answer. I am sorry that you got such a disappointing motorcycle that I'm sure you purchased in good faith. I hope that my experiences with my RT don't parallel yours. I chose my RT based on previous BMW experience and the fact that I couldn't find the Yamaha and the Harley's are way out of line price-wise. Here in Austin the dealers don't have enough room for all the HD's that they have and the bikes now can be had for MSRP. Used don't have the value of just 2 years ago, either.
My dealer also carries Triumphs and that Sprint sure looks to be a beauty! I sincerely hope that you have good luck with your next one.

Bullrog. :wave

[pmcclain]

OK- I started this thread and thought I would show you what a $1962.41 brake job looked like...Anyone wanna buy a slightly used ABS module? :)

[MarkF]

HD's and BMW's have something in common.

Both cost too much.............. :nod

Honda GL1800 and ST1300 are also over $15,000. If you want all the extras it's gonna cost you. Or you can buy cheaper and spend a bunch on aftermarket.

[28796]

All is not lost though as I will admit that I am awaiting the arrival of Triumphs new Sprint next month, and if that bike runs like I have read, and my Triumph dealer can work out a "decent deal" for my RT, I will more-than-likely be riding the Sprint in the near future. Oh, and in addition, the new model Triumph Sprint with hardbags and heated grips is supposed to be priced below $12,000. That's a lot of money saved over the next R1200RT or a current R1150RT.

You might want to remove the art work before you show up for the trade in. The 05 Sprint has a great motor & almost looks like a Futura so it will be sort of like having an Aprilia.

[MarkF]

Does the 02 R1150RT have the integrated/power-assist brakes? I don't think the 02 R1150GS does.

[nrpetersen]

Maybe it is getting to be time for a sub group to chip together, buy this turkey, and reverse engineer it to find out what goes wrong with these hideously expen$ive part$.

Any mad organizers out there? I am a mech engr with 40 years of of electronic, hydraulic, and control experience, but couldn't organize myself out of a paper bag.......

Niel Petersen

[DDHR1150RT]

Does the 02 R1150RT have the integrated/power-assist brakes? I don't think the 02 R1150GS does.

Hey Mark, the 02 R1150RT has the integrated/power-assist brakes. I'm not sure about the R1150GS though.

[CJM]

Ironhorse. . .thanks for your reply. Hope you didn't get me wrong--I still love the Harley motorcycles, and I hope to own another some day, but it will definately be a twin-cam or bigger. As for resale value, I think that days of getting that kind of resale are nearly over--practically everyone that wants a Harley has one by now, and I predict you'll see a lot of nice used ones on the market in about 3-5 years after people get tired of their payment books. BMW's resale value don't really bother me, because I didn't buy it to sell--I'll keep this bike forever if it turns out to be a good bike and ride it till it, or I give out!

Like most people, I vote for best brand / dealer with my money. This is my first BMW and I realize I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase of ownership, but I have to admit that BMW's 3 yr./36000 warranty was a big selling point for me--that's something that Harley has yet to offer as standard. For what you pay for a Harley, they should be warranteed for 10 yrs./100000 :brow !!

I know from hanging out at Harley forums, that people that post are the ones having problems--they really represent the minority. Most people (Harley and BMW owners) have pretty good experiences with their bikes overall and you never hear from them. That being said, after hanging out in both camps, I'd have to say that BMW shops probably care a little more about their customers than Harley does right now.

Rob

To start, I purchased a new 2004 R1150RT in August 04. The first brake trouble was the rear master cylinder (recall), the second was on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Pisgah Inn during an inpromptu blast from Greenville SC. After enjoying one of their wonderful country ham breakfasts I was starting for home and the "ABS FAILURE" light would not exstinguish. I read the manual and preformed all suggested steps to reset the light...nothing worked...while the bike DID HAVE BRAKES.....they weren't good enough to attempt riding back down the parkway and hwy 276 to Greenville in fog with only 30 feet visibility. My next step was to call the BMW roadside assistance number and have the bike towed back to Touring Sport BMW. The PRINCESS had to drive from her job (on the opposite side of Greenville!! 90 miles?) to bring me home.

I want to emphasize the point that TOURING SPORT BMW has been one of the best dealerships for motorcycles or automobiles I have ever been involved with. They repaired the bike and as of yet there have been no more problems. But, having said that, I know how BMW (The corperation) can be about warrenty work if thy think the proper service has not been done. Therefor I intend to have ALL required service work to bo preformed at the dealer. And their parts prices DO SUCK!

My problem turned out to be the switch that activates the servo. I didn't ask how much it would have cost.

What really upset me about the whole deal was the fact that for the past 40 years I have ridden nothing but cast iron motored XLCH SPORTSTERS and 1 1975 NORTON 850 CAMMANDO, and never, not once had I been left on the roadside DITW (dead-in-the-water for all you non-sailors). And the last XLCH I bought in 1977 now has over 125,000 miles on it (I still own it). When I look at the repair receipts for this old kicker they total less than $1500.00 and that includes 2 top-end jobs, 1 kick start rachet, 4 batteries,12 chains and 4 sprocket sets, clutch pack (at 124,000 mi), two primary drive chains and 1 ignition switch. Not bad, huh?

But the bike is totally worthless for putting 2 people on and going somewhere. Strictly a 1-up bike, and 10 tons of fun to ride up the mountain with sparkes flying off the foot pegs around the corners. But when it came time to buy a bike to pack up and go...I chose the R1150RT. Why...ANTI-LOCK, POWER ASSISTED, LINKED BRAkES, anti-dive front suspension, anti-squat rear suspension and the ability to run down I-95 at 100 mph until I hit reserve. No other bike on the planet has the all around capabilities of this bike. Period.

The Harley riders I know all talk about the better resale value of the H-D and they are correct in that asessment of the bikes. H-D bikes also are relativly
maintainance free(hydralic lifters, fuel injected, electronic ignition advance, belt drive). But I don't plan to sell it. And the additional maintainance is just something I will have to live with.

And I pray the servo NEVER goes out after the warrenty expires.

Keep it vertical.

MIKE THE BIKE AND THE PRINCESS SIGNING OFF