BMW R1150R ABS Removal Ride Report | Wheel Stories

Wheel Stories takes the 2004 BMW R1150R for a test ride after removing the ABS pressure module and converting the bike to a standard, non-ABS braking system. The newly configured brakes will be scrutinized as Wheel Stories climbs and descends 3,500 feet in elevation on a winding mountain road (Bogus Basin Road) north of Boise, Idaho.
Wheel Stories Camera Gear:
Action Cameras - GoPro Hero 7 Black
Point & Shoot Camera - Canon G7X
DSLR Camera - Nikon D5300
DSLR Lenses - Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm Zoom
External Microphone - Rode Video Micro
Bike Mount - Pedco Ultra Clamp
Helmet Mount - GoPro
Tripod - Joby GorillaPod
Music from KZbin Audio Library:
Whatdafunk by Audionautix (audionautix.com) is part of the KZbin Audio Library (kzbin.info...) and it's licensed under a Creative Commons license (creativecommons.org/licenses/....
The 126ers - Not Impossible
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#BMWR1150R #WheelStories #GoPro

[@trevorhamilton763]

Thanks for your excellent videos on this. My IABS died on my R1150R and no dealer would touch it. I found your video, grabbed the few parts needed and went for the removal. I’m really happy with the outcome. I have brakes again and I can keep riding the bike. Your video gave me the confidence I needed, thanks!

[@user-rf5tq5el9h]

Thanks so much for the previous video explaining how to remove the ABS. I followed your instructions explicitly, especially compared to 2 other youtube videos that show it, and holy cow... it worked. About the only thing you didn't mention or show is covering the sides of the ABS electronic module. I used sheet metal and a 2-part epoxy. I could have sealed the whole box like that because I don't think I will ever have to go in there again, but I used the silicon and screws and nuts method you showed. I also had the rear brakes too soft on my first test drive. I also bled them again (not a full flush) and now they're tight. I took the opportunity to replace every part of the brake lines with high quality stainless braided. My 2004 R1150GS has 107K miles and I figured with age and miles, this was a great opportunity and I will probably never have to change them again. Plus, they look great. In the future, I will move all my extra electronics into the hole created by removing the ABS pumps. I added a small fuse box for all my extra driving and fog lights, Garmin GPS, Gerbing heated jacket, etc. Almost each one has a relay so it's kind of tight under the tank right now, but soon it will be clean and neat. Another bonus is I no longer have that annoying pump noise whenever I apply the brakes. A minor nit, but I'm glad it's gone.

[@peterencobie]

This video was the last video i needed to pull me over to make the decision to remove the ABS from my R1150RT. i doubted for a while because i was'nt shure if the braking force would still be adequate without the booster pumps which were still working at my bike, be it without a proper ABS function. I spend this weekend to remove my broken ABS system and convert it to a conventional braking system and man, am i happy with it!!! the conversion went pretty smooth and i als took the time to remove al kinds of unused cable looms from an old defunct alarm and intercom system. all in all my bike is now again a safe and reliable daily commuter. Thx for sharing your thoughts and knowledge in your vids! greeting from the Netherlands.

[@thedahlins]

I just watched the video where you remove the ABS unit, this follow up video is very reassuring especially since you have an R1150R without ABS to compare it to. Thanks for taking the time to make such a quality video! They are a big help to the motorcycle community!

[@WheelStories]

Great to hear!

[@mtnair3]

Hi Wheels, Unfortunately I don't have a lifetime of riding off or on road. Instead I began riding at the ripe age of 68 in 2012. A friend (a life long rider) needed a riding partner to satisfy the wishes of his kids. After two years of his pressure, I bought his old MC a 1999 Honda Shadow. Thank goodness that I gave in! After eight years and four different bike, I appreciate all of the electronic and mechanical advances on my 2019 rt. Ride well.

[@WheelStories]

Sounds great! Thanks for watching and posting the comment.

[@grantnoble9978]

Nice update. Always look forward to the next Wheel Story. Thanks for doing them.

[@WheelStories]

Glad you like the videos. Thanks for watching. I hope to present more soon.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Awesome videos! Thank you for taking the time. I am about to do the same job on my 2006 R1200GSA.

[@kevinfaulkner1095]

Great instructional video buddy and fantastic scenery too.

[@WheelStories]

Thanks 👍

[@elisewilliams5900]

Great video and fantastic to get a follow up video on how they perform. I am looking at doing the same on my 2005 gs1200 but was afraid of the handling after your videos have put my mind at rest. Thank you so much. Gavin from Ireland.

[@WheelStories]

Thanks. Glad you liked the video.

[@andyroyphotography800]

Thank you for the update, great video

[@WheelStories]

You bet. Thanks for watching.

[@davidstevens8417]

Great honest review

[@WheelStories]

Thanks.

[@JohnG11000]

Great to see you back lout on the road again WS

[@WheelStories]

Thanks 👍

[@Jonnyb1925]

Glad to hear you got it resolved! The countryside up there is beautiful, it's just a bummer that it's so far away from me. haha

[@WheelStories]

Yes. Nice to be back on the bike with working brakes. Thanks for watching.

[@grantnoble9978]

We don’t get tired of it either! Beautiful.

[@WheelStories]

Indeed.

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

I too started out riding in dirt. Started riding in 1969. So have had lots of experience riding bikes without ABS over the years. We have only had one bike with ABS. I cannot say I have felt a time that I needed abs. I have nothing against ABS, but I don't think it hurts to have learn proper braking skills to be able to ride with out it. Enjoyed your video.

[@WheelStories]

I've had a few experiences on the road where I had to slow down super fast to avoid a potential collision but managed to stay in control of the bike without ABS. Riding in the dirt is excellent training on many levels. ABS is a good thing but it wasn't designed and engineered appropriately on my BMW model. Later models by BMW were configured with a better solution.

[@egalitarianvegan8806]

@@WheelStories Last BMW I had was an Airhead 1974 R 750/6. It was very basic, and easy to work on. Today we have a 04 GL1800 with ABS. Big, and heavy but pulls trailer like a dream. For that reason I am happy it has the ABS with the added weight behind us. Just never know when it might save the day.

[@manumoto9720]

A good information and big help your video. Thanks

[@WheelStories]

You are welcome

[@andrehoensbroek1]

i am happy to find this video...all is clear for me. Thanks

[@WheelStories]

Glad to hear. Thanks.

[@touiederosas2013]

I really love your video style! Its like an "older" generation of Fortnine's quality. Stumbled upon your video after ordering the RH second life kit. Im only 34 but i grew up with a CB750 and a K1200RS which ABS never worked when I got it. So now that my K1200S ABS pump failed(constant buzzing sound, rear not working), Im excited to ride my roots, without the ABS.

[@WheelStories]

Welcome aboard to the Wheel Stories channel.

[@Flowsalvador]

Como usted bien dice el Servo freno ABS es muy bien cuando funciona bien...pero cuando no funciona bien es muy peligroso. Thanks a lot.!!!

[@WheelStories]

Muy cierto. Gracias por ver el video.

[@kevinriley5847]

Thank you for your videos and the hard work that goes into making them. You have a consistently high-quality presentation. Very well done. Would you mind commenting on what the little flyscreen is that is mounted on your silver bike? Make & model...? And, do you find it to be useful at highway speeds? Thanks, and have a great day.

[@WheelStories]

My pleasure! The make is Givi. I'm not certain about the model. It was on the bike when I purchased it. It does a decent job of keeping the wind off my chest but I do get a bit of buffeting around the helmet. I like it. I take it off for short rides but always have it on the bike for trips. Thanks for watching.

[@mollyfilms]

I have a 2005 GSA 1150 which I have owned from new which is now 16 years. I love this bike, I really do. However last year the rear wheel locked as the servo and abs pump failed at 55 MPH throwing me off and damaging the bike greatly. I wasn’t damaged to much but let’s just say it was pretty sore and took a fair amount of months to recover. I’m about to get her back on the road after everything that was damaged replaced/repaired. But needed to know if I removed the servo pump just how will the brakes feel. I just loved the servo, for me it was the best. So watching your video has reassured me that it’s the right thing to do. I also went through the same, do I buy new or a used pump, but I just can’t justify the cost snd I wouldn’t trust a used one. (I did find two in Germany). So many thanks for your video, and to say I’m jealous of where you ride would be an understatement, but being in the U.K. the European continent is only a short ride away these days.

[@WheelStories]

The servo assisted brakes are very strong. After bypassing the ABS pump, I find the front brakes work very well. The provide good stopping power. The rear brake is not as powerful as the servo assisted brake however.

[@richard8342]

Interesting vid. I have seen most of your stories and think they are very good. I have a question, why two r1150r's ? I just love the looks of that BMW model.Thank you for bringing us along.

[@WheelStories]

Good question. It wasn't planned. The second bike showed up on Craigslist at a good price. I'd been putting a lot of miles on my older R1150R. I thought it might be a good idea to purchase a second bike for touring and use the older model for day rides around my home. One of the bikes may become a parts bike for the other down the road. Brand new BMW's have become very expensive. I may never buy another new bike. I just turned 60 so I may nurse the health of these two bikes for as long as possible then hang up the helmets.

[@jivadaya6439]

@Wheel Stories: My 3 previous boxers had no abs and in fact I've never driven a bike that had abs. I recently found a SWEET '04 1150RT at the right price but abs light flashing and I am considering buying bike and removing abs altogether. Other than this issue, bike is stellar with

[@ronaldthomas9396]

I never liked the servo assisted brakes on my R1150RT and don't care for ABS on motorcycles. When my R1200R was new I was on a wet black top road covered with wet leaves, going slow into a turn I needed to slow more but when the ABS activities I had no braking effect at all and ended up in a ditch upright resting on the engine sump. No damage and a man living near by helped pull the bike backwards back on two wheels!

[@WheelStories]

Sounds scary. Glad you are here to tell the story. Thanks for sharing and watching the Wheel Stories channel.

[@dr.bonesrey]

Mi moto es un Bmw r1150r con 16 años de antigüedad. Se le retiraron los ABS y funciona y frena muy bien

[@WheelStories]

I don't have any regrets in removing the ABS module. Works fine for me.

[@1twistedcpl6575]

Been riding since I was 8 as well, now 55. After not riding for 10 yrs I decided it was time to get a bike again. I chose a '19 Honda Fury. After riding both with and without ABS I went with non ABS as well.

[@WheelStories]

In extreme braking situations, I believe ABS may help prevent a wreck. During the time I had ABS on the BMW I never had to yank on the levers to the extent that the ABS kicked in. I learned how to ride on the dirt where you're always fighting for traction and sliding around. That's good experience.

[@livingyourbestlife711]

just watched your video on the removal of the ABS. 3 questions: 1. Does the servo assist still work when the ABS system is removed? 2. Did you remove the tone/pulse ring (not sure if that's what they're called) from the front wheel too? 3. Did these models come with ABS installed as OEM?

[@WheelStories]

1. No. The servo assist is disabled. 2. I did not remove the ring. The ring would need to be replaced with shims the same thickness as the ring. 3. My 2003 model was made with standard brakes. The 2004 model that I own came from the factory with ABS.

[@donaldduck9257]

Also great 😎👍 Greetings from a German Boxer Enthusiast

[@WheelStories]

Hey, thanks!

[@juanmaldonado3281]

I. LEARNED. THIS. THE. HARD WAY. BY. 3RIBS. BROKEN IN 5 PLACES. AND A. BRUSE. PELVIS. TNKS. BMW CRAPPY ANTILOCK. ... BLESSED BE. SIR. FOR. THESE INFO...

[@WheelStories]

Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing.

[@pedrocorreia7320]

Hi mate Very good job Need to do same on my 1150 gs

[@WheelStories]

Thanks for watching.

[@dehav6]

Thank you for the video. While researching options to modify my 04 -R1150RT with failed ABS, I found that none ABS R1150R has 12mm rear brake master cylinder versus a 15.87mm for abs . This can be confirmed by using available online fiche. Another suggestion would be to fill the void in the electronic box with polyester resin for a cleaner final product.

[@WheelStories]

I think I watched a video where the electronic box was filled with silicone or some type of caulk. That would do the job. Thanks for watching.

[@dimitrybudarin8614]

Hi, thank you for your well explained videos, on the removal and the post removal feedback. Quick question, I have a somewhat similar issue on by R1150 Adv, however in my case, it seems that only the rear brake is not working properly. Do you think it's possible just to disconnect the ABS on the rear brake and leave the front as is? Thank you.

[@WheelStories]

That is a tough question and I honestly don't know the answer. You may not have an issue with your ABS module. The problem could be elsewhere, with a different brake component. I recommend having a BMW mechanic look at the issue before removing anything from the bike. I think you would likely run into a mess of problems in trying to disconnect just the rear brake. You have the rear brake lines going in and out of the ABS pump to contend with. That could be a mess with the pump still in place. But, again, talk with a BMW tech. It might be a simple fix. Good luck.

[@dimitrybudarin8614]

@@WheelStories thanks for your reply. I might be able to get hold of GS911 so I'm hoping it will give me some more clues on this. If that fails will ask the mechanic. thank you for your advice.

[@WheelStories]

Sure thing.

[@vinjofin1972]

Hi, I like the little "batwing" on your black r1150r. Can you tell me please wich brand that is. It looks good on the bike. Thnx in advance.

[@WheelStories]

The wind screen on the black bike is a BMW model made for the bike. BMW doesn't manufacture the model any longer, however. So the used market is where you need to shop. Ebay and some of the second hand BMW parts stores, like Beemerboneyard.com. Thanks for watching.

[@vinjofin1972]

@@WheelStories thank you!

[@cancerskryptonite]

May I ask where you got that small windscreen? I have an 04 R also, black, and I want a small deflector like that. Thanks in advance !! :-)

[@WheelStories]

It was on the bike when I purchased the motorcycle second hand. The windscreen was made by Givi. I do not believe the company makes that exact model anymore. I've looked to buy one for my other bike but haven't been able to find one. Givi is still in business and makes similar windscreens but none that look as cool as this one. You might check out Ebay for a used item. Thanks for watching.

[@cancerskryptonite]

@@WheelStories Thanks so much for the information! 😁

[@stephanpiernitzki9666]

Hi There, Thank you so much for your great videos on the ABS Removal. They are clear and concise and artful put together! I have a 2010 BMW R1150 RT with yes you guessed it, a failed ABS module, so yes I will be converting it as well. I have a couple questions. 1. I plan on selling the bike after I convert it. ( I also have a 2015 R1200 RT) As long as I explain what I have done to the next owner do you see any issues with selling a converted bike? 2. Also I live in Nelson BC Canada and I am wondering where is the best place to buy parts for this conversion and should I replace all the existing brake lines as a best practices strategy. Many Thanks, Stephan

[@WheelStories]

Caution: The RT electrics are done differently than the R1150R. I'm told the speedometer and rear brake light may stop functioning after removing the ABS module. I don't know the RT model but I have read about this problem online. The speedometer is mechanical on the R1150R. I believe the speedometer is controlled by electronic sensors on the RT. As for selling the bike, with non-working ABS or with removed ABS, selling will be a potential problem. The value of the bike will impacted is my sense. Love Nelson BC and have stopped there several times during my travels through BC and Alberta.

[@LF17031958]

Ciao, ho tolto l'ABS ma è rimasta la luce stop accesa, come posso risolvere?

[@alexmur5751]

nice voise

[@joewilson3742]

I have a 2004 r1150r without the abs. I've ridden motorcycles for 50 years without abs abs and I'm fine with that. Have you had any problems with the final drive or the input shaft splines? Do you keep them greased up?

[@WheelStories]

No problems yet. I have not done the grease job. I'm not confident enough in my wrenching skills to do any serious work on the final drive.

[@joewilson3742]

@@WheelStories I'm not confident at that either, and I'm not wealthy (can't afford the shop prices), so I'm going to start with my final drive first. If it works then I might give the input shaft a try. I've spoken to a number of people who said it looks a little spooky and it takes a little time, but its not that bad. If I screw it up I'm getting a pair of walking shoes!

[@EvendimataE]

i checked a r1100r and pass on it because its doesnt abs....as a new rider, the abs would be a big help for my safety....but now that you said it would cost $3k to fix an abs, i think i will check the non abs bike again LOL....seller is asking $2.5k for a 55k miles 1150r ...engine sounds smooth

[@paulkirch4028]

I have a R1200rt 2005 will your removal process be the same for that bike. All the parts look the same

[@WheelStories]

I don't know much about the R1200RT so I can't offer any advice. I believe the ABS units changed between the R1150 and R1200 models but I could be wrong. Again, I'm not familiar with the R1200RT. If the ABS is still working on your motorcycle, you might be wise to leave it alone and don't mess with it. Or take it to the shop for some expert advice.

[@Vjekoslav-vf3hr]

3000 usd ? Here in Croatia the cost of repair is 500 usd. I dont know the price for new one. Have u contacted Chris Harris about repair advice?

[@WheelStories]

A new ABS pump is around $2500 here plus installation fee. I couldn't find someone I trusted to rebuild the old pump. I watched several of Chris's videos.

[@Vjekoslav-vf3hr]

@@WheelStories have you contacted him for repair?

[@tomservo5347]

I'm eyeballing a 2002 1150RT for sale locally. The entire ABS debacle had me intimidated as they do seem to fail more often than not. I grew up on dirt bikes also as well as living on a gravel road in which the first lesson you learn is how to brake without locking up. Quite honestly the ABS on vehicles is taking control away from me as panic braking is something I've learned to avoid since childhood lessons painfully learned. Anyway it's reassuring that if I decide to buy that 1150RT there is a great BMW community out there with fixes for about everything for DIYers like myself. I consider myself more of a 'PUB'-Poor Urban Biker since I unfortunately work for a living. My fear is if and when I do have to buy parts it'll break the bank since I've ridden nothing but Japanese metrics with reasonable parts prices.

[@WheelStories]

Be sure to research the electrics on the 1150RT if you make the decision to bypass the ABS unit. I've heard that the RTs have a different type of configuration on the electrics that may result losing functionality at the speedometer, taillight and dashboard. I'm not familiar with the bike but the question of electrics is worth studying for diving into the project.

[@tomservo5347]

@@WheelStories I think I'll pass and roll with a simple KLR.

[@malcolmmathers2690]

in aus bmw want 5k for abs unit as a result the older r1100 /1150 s get parted out what a shame as other wise lovely bikes with lots off life in them i own a r 1150r non abs model and glad off it

[@WheelStories]

I really like the BMW R1150R. Just wish the ABS system was more reliable. Or at least not so expensive to fix. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your BMW.

[@djverhulst]

I let rebuild the ABS unit for a € 800 and get 3 years warranty ,, and they modify the ABS unit also , the problem is people fush the breakfluid not of not on the proper way to flush also on the unit self, and replace the flexible brake line,s some time , small parts of the rubbe inside let loss and float in the fluid3 and jammed up the pumps on the unit and broke it down

[@WheelStories]

Good to hear that your ABS unit is repaired and working. Thanks for watching. Ride safe.

[@davidstevens8417]

I intend to keep my 1150RT long term ,and enjoyed the linked braking and ABS potential ,so BMW are installing a new total system Cost £2000 ,after all you can’t take your money with you 🤣

[@WheelStories]

I like ABS but the failure on my bike left me frustrated. Thanks for watching.

[@alexlin157]

After removing the ABS, I placed a second battery in the original space.

[@WheelStories]

Wow. Hadn't thought of that. Let us know how it works.

[@alexlin157]

It works very well, I highly recommend this.

[@juanmaldonado3281]

A.B.S..STANDS. FOR (ACCIDENT).(BETTER).(STOP)...NOW😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮. IS. A BMW...NIGHTMARE😮😮😮😮