BMW R1150R ABS Removal | How I Convert My Bike to Non-ABS 

Did this today. Would never have tried this of it wasn’t for your step by step vid. Brilliant completed it in 3 hours saved a fortune Thanks

Super objaśnienie .Wielkie dzięki. Te złodzieje z serwisu bmw już więcej nie zarobią na mnie.

i just completed my removal of my ABS system. I am super happy with the results. I did mine exactly as yours. Thanks so much.

Thanks for that video - a clear and simple solution for removing the infamous BMW integral ABS system. My 2004 R850R has just started to show signs of ABS module problems, so I now feel confident in removing it.

Awesome and I don't even own a BMW. The perfect video. Clear instructions and NO music! Top marks.

Amazing video, this is by far the clearest one on the Tube going through this process. I like the way you use the original ABS electronics to control the brake lights instead of changing the switches. Ride safe brother.

Thank you so much! My husband was so disappointed when our ABS died... After seeing your video, the bike is alive again :) and everything is going great. Thank you again for the good explanation!

Excellent video! Very well done! Your calm detailed approach is confidence inspiring. Much appreciated!

Watched your video along with one more for comparison. Converting the ABS to standard braking. You did a very good job, it works well, and feels much better, not as sensitive and grabby. Thank you again.

ingenious modification. I don't have ABS on my "05 R1150R. I bought it that way, but since I learned without ABS, I don't miss it, nor ever got used to it. Great vlog and thanks for sharing!

This is by far the best instructional video for this procedure, with your tips and all! thank you!

My good friend and I completed the job yesterday on our R1150 GSA's after watching your video, we are sending our blessings to you, clear and concise video, thank you

Really glad I found your channel. I’ve been eyeing the R1150R for my next bike. Thanks for the videos!

Well done video! Clearly it was a lot of work and well edited! Gonna do that ABS removal on my ‘04 K1200GT

Thank you so much, fixed 100% my ABS problems on a BMW R 1150 GS

excellent video. this work was done to my 2004 bmw r1150r. I am very happy with its performance

Very nicely done! I had worked out the plumbing issues in my head already, but did not know where to go with the electrical. Again, very nicely done! Thank you so much !!

Extremely well done, Sir.

I just completed this 2002 R1150R following your steps. The only thing I had trouble with was having to replace my brake lines in the process as, lets face it, they were old. Replaced them with Galfer brake lines and am riding again. Thank you Wheel Stories

Clear, precise and done with patience. Thanks a lot, very helpful.

Sir, you are a Godsend!! This is THEE definitive video as to how to deal the nightmare dreaded BMW brake servo unit. Now, if you could just do a video on the dreaded BMW fuel gauge failure!!

Great video, clearly illustrated and explained. Thank you for taking the trouble

Perfect video, well explained and quality of work faultless

Great video! Very well explained. Thank you so much!!

2004 adventure ABS went kaput. Thanks so much! Finished rear, waiting on parts for front. Can't wait to ride again!

Now you have a better machine, I don't mis my ABS at all! Great video and voice over.

Started this process today, thanks to your video, and hope to be riding again this week after the front brake line connector comes in! Side note / tip for others to consider: I have a 2002 R1150R and it turns out that a large screw-top square plastic tub (from a package of mixed nuts, of all things) fits almost perfectly in the void left by the ABS module. With a little flexing of the screw-top opening, the brake light circuit board also fit perfectly inside (diagonally). I cut a hole in the bottom of the tub for the 'male' end of the brake light circuit board to stick through, sealed around all the edges with silicone, and screwed the bottom of the tub back on (with another plastic spacer inside to support the bottom of the circuit board when the connector is being pushed on and attached). It's airy, waterproof, and sits right where the ABS module used to be. It's zip-tied upside down to some neighboring brackets, with the connector sticking out on top and the screw top opening facing down. It was the right height and doesn't interfere with tank fitment. I was concerned about heat, but there are lots of other plastic parts in that same area. Time will tell... For now, I think this was simpler, quicker (for me), and will be 'serviceable' if I need to access to that board in the future. I also didn't have to cut any wires to disconnect it from the ABS module - there were little white connectors for all of the wires that simply came undone. Thank you so much for this video!

Perfect, clear, proffesional. Thanks a lot

Great job no whinging didn't look over complicated safe driving peace of mind ahead well done.

Thank you for your reply. I still have brakes. I'm following your advise and I will change the fluid and bleed to see if that works. Thanks again, one of the better channels I've subscribed to.

This is one of the best well explained step by step videos ever, you sir need to be a teacher

Excellent video!

Excellent video. Could not be better. Keep up the great content. Liked and subscribed.

Great job and high quality explanation!!

Excellent information

I have the same situation with my 2002 1150 RT I've been trying to figure out how to remove the ABS system and I happened upon your video what good luck for me thank you for your hard work I'm going to get going on it in the garage right now thanks

Hi from the uk i have been putting doing this off for a couple of years (Very noisy pump) as all the video's instructions have over complicated on how to do it and then i came across your way and i have watched it a couple of times and i am going to do it in a couple of weeks same as you except i have ordered the motoworks link pipe for the front brakes many many thanks for a superbly clear and precise video and commentary cheers wayne.

What a great video! Much appreciated 👏🏻

Right and clean job Thanks It’s what I will do when my abs fail .. 👍👍

Well explained! Excellent video! I really appreciate, thanks.

Love the way you explain, thanks

Top job wheels,this problem that the 1150 has pushed me toward the R1200R mainly because my wife rides pillion and i think the ABS system is a must for that reason. looking forward to the follow up video,take care with all that's going on in the world at the moment.

Great video, I have an 04 GS my abs system with servos works great but I know they don’t last forever and it’s costs an arm and a leg to replace, your tail light solution was outstanding!

Best Video ever!!!! Thanks a lot for sharing!!!

This video is awesome thank you for sharing

Super program.Właśnie to mam zamiar zrobić

Greetings from Germany! Very good Video, very good explanation!!

Excellent presentation. I will likely need this one day. The electronic module modification is a great potential application for 3D printing.

THANKS for this excelent description how to get my brakes working again. Have the same problem with my R1100s 2003 and will consider the same modifycation as you did.

An amazing video. I’ve learned so much, thank you for posting it. I’ve obviously subscribed too.

Excellent presentation.

Thanks for the video. Took me a couple of hours and everything works. If anything the brakes are better.

This is a great video. Thanks! I'm not sure if I'm ready for this yet, wiring a test light to see what turns up. Anything too expensive and out it comes!

Nice job!

Great man! Thank you very much.

Brilliant video, I like the technique used for the switches.

Excelent tutorial!👍🏼

fantastic

Nicely done!

nice job, great video, might help a lot of people, thank you very much for it!!. My horror story so far was rotted plastic quick disconnects (another Achilles heel for this model at least) pouring gasoline all over my garage. Replaced them with metallic ones. Great bike when it works, simple bike otherwise, is just that sometimes the germans take very unusual decisions to over complicate things (battery under tank, really?) or cheap out on parts...especially plastic parts...reminds me a bit of some of the bmw cars, haha. The power brakes are great though (when they work) I never had a bike with such ridiculous stopping power.

very useful. I will be removing my failed abs pump on my 1150rt

Thanks for the very interesting video! Although here are companies that specialize in the repair of defective ABS modules, so that it would not be as extremely expensive as yours, I hope that my R1150R will last a few more years. Keep on having fun with the two ABS-free bikes in the future.

Excellent thanks

really good video......

I just deleted my ABS , some fluid got in on my circuit board and fried it. The battery cracked and I believe that’s what fried my circuit board. I upgraded to SS brake lines , the front brakes are fabulous but the rear is weak, I’ll be looking to upgrade the rear. Would have loved to keeping the abs system but not worth spending more than what the bikes worth. Thanks for the video, safe travels

Had my abs removed from my 05 r1200rt by a bmw mechanic I know he done a great job of it and I don't miss it at all. But even he said to be honest your better off without it . Great video though buddy very interesting to watch.

Excellent Video over all! Excellent explanations and step by step...Thank you very much. It seems easy enough...but I am still nervous to attempt on my just died 2003 R1150RT Integral ABS control module...however after looking into the ModuleMaster in Idaho, that is still not working on this series of control module, the only possibility is either replace with a previously used module...which may or may not last and work for a decent period of time ...or...follow your example ... its a major repair either way.. thanks again will look for the follow up and report on success of the test.

I love my Servoectomy on my R1150RT. Did it myself!

Video molto bello e ben spiegato ottimo lavoro

I have 2005 BMW K1200S with similar Integrated ABS. I dread the day i run into ABS issues. I change the fluid every 2yrs or so, its a pain. Most mechanics in my area not interested in doing it. BMW wants nearly 400 dollars for this service. Nice video thanks again.

Jest Pan wspaniały pokazując jak to zrobić bo hieny z bmw chcą za taką przeróbkę wartość motocykla.

Just an idea. Mount ABS electronic unit somewhere aside, rework the tray, and install bigger battery in place of abs metal chunk. Maybe worth thinking about.

THANK YOU

K1200 owners: do this instead. All you have to do is block off the ABS lines WITH fluid in them. Then connect the master cylinder lines to the calipers. Keep fluid in the ABS system and don’t touch the electrical connectors at all. The speedo and cruise control is driven by the ABS unit. Now remove or tape over the flashing bulb on the dash. You’ll have to find the right bolts and connectors, I believe they’re 10mm x 1.0. Then flush the brakes. That’s it.

Thanks I’m in process of eliminating the ABS on mine…. Price being main deterrent to rebuilding it.

Thanks I just do it and is working OK....

A good informative video. I agree with your thinking about the decision to delete the ABS or not. It looks to be prohibitively expensive to repair in the case of this motorcycle. Here in the UK it is not permitted to disable a warning light in the manner which you have done (removing the bulb or taping over the lamp). At the annual roadworthiness test, known as the MOT, the tester will check that all warning lamps light up when the ignition is turned on, and then go out when the engine is started and the motorcycle is ridden.

Just did mine. 2002 r1150rt. It works. My brake lights work both front and rear. It was very easy. Just like he did. I used small zip ties on the 4 holes on fabricated cover. Waiting for brake lines in mail. And that junction delivered by royal mail from the UK. For the front brake lines, connecting them. I will update when it's all together.

Finished mine. 2002 US r1150rt. With abs. Obviously. Put new brake lines on. When tank off my fuel disconnects broke. Double barbed brass connector worked for me. With new fuel line and screw clamps. 15$ not $120. Everything works. Brake lights, speedometer, and tachometer all work. Brakes feel good.

great vid! If you hate bleeding brakes, grab a compressor assisted vacuum bleeder. Theyre a little over $100 but make life much easier for any brake/clutch bleeding scenario, motorcycle or car.

Gracias... gracias... gracias...!!!

Good afternoon from Spain. First of all, thank you for your time and knowledge for the work that you have done so correctly and professionally. Would you please be so kind as to tell me what material is necessary since I have to repair the one on my motorcycle. In the video you can see some cables but I can't see them to be able to locate them. Excuse me but I'm using a translator. thank you for your time and good work thank you very much 🎉

Hello Wheel Stories, the film shows that you also have very good technical talents. I wish that this would also be allowed with us in Germany where such a change would invalidate the operating license. We have to do a technical inspection with a short ride test on motorcycles every two years. I wish you a safe journey Best wishes

On my RT I to removed my ABS system. How ever I did not do it your way. I replaced it with 2 relays I got from NAPA. Be carefull here, make sure their are no other equipment in the relays, like resistors or anything else. NAPA part number AR201SB. Also there seems to be a time thing on the stock rubber hoses. 8 years. Mine failed 2 times. Now I have replaced them hoses with stainless. Problem solved. BTW Cris Harris has a good video on this, including the wiring. My recommendation is do it to your bike. It is very painful when it fails. 🙂

I used an RH Electronics 2nd Life Kit to restore my R1200CLC. Only current issue is odometer and speedometer are incorrect and may be reading KPH. However, I do have brake lights, cruise control, brakes, no warning lights.

Thank

ABS and any other stability control system is nothing but a crutch for any rider. I stated riding when there were no such things and I find myself blessed by that. Relying on such electronics is like sitting on the missile and tapping on the end of it with a hammer hoping it won’t go off. Anyways, thank you so much for the video and I foresee doing this procedure in the future when I have a privilege to purchase my own BMW.

Great video. My 2019 Triumph Bobber abs has been malfunctioning and dealer says it's my problem cause I put a cartridge kit in forks and changed my shock .He keeps going on ,even calls me about letting him do mods. I want to remove abs module ,like you did. I am 66 and used to race bikes, so I like no ABS too.

Thanks. my garage did not fix my front light..

Great video and the instruction is spot on. Finally did the conversion/extraction on my 2004 Rockster but the only thing that I am having as issue with is that my speedometer no longer works. I'm guessing it might be the speed sensors. Is there a good way to test the sensor(s) while it is on the bike? FYI, Motorworks out of the UK sells a custom fit cover for the back of the ECU. No need to cut sheetmetal if you don't want to.

I did everything you did with the exception of bending a lip on the bottom edge of the module cover. Two holes were drilled in this lip aligned with two existing mounting holes and then bolted it to the bike. One tywrap was used for additional support. Unfortunately, this did not work for my brakes. When the key was turned on the brake light came on, got hot and burned out. The normally closed switches closed the circuit. It’s not clear how the module controls a normally closed switch to complete a circuit to the brake light when the brake lever is pulled to creat a normally open position. It appears that in my case obtaining the normally open switches will be required.

a really good review and "how to do" video ...my question is, is this setup up on a R1150 the same as on the R1100s ?

Really good and well made video 👍 … is it the same process on a 2001 r1100s ? If so, that will be my next step. I have enough of the ABS with it’s own will.

Love the video, provides a great alternative. Also saw the Ride Report. Question, when yours fails, did you loose power to both front and back brakes? My front seems to be fine, just the back has no power. Trying to confirm it's the ABS module. Thanks in advance.

SIR. GOD. BLESS YOU I GOT. 3BROKEN RIBS. BECOSE OF. THE. ABS FALLING. ON A TRIP. THOSE BMW. BIKES. WORK BETTER. WHITOUT THE. ABS. THAT IS PRONE TO GO. BAD ANYTIME. IS A HIGH RISK. TO BUY A USED BMW. ...TNKS. FOR. THESE. SAVING LIVES VIDEO. AND. BLESS YOU. SIR MY NAME IS JOHN FROM PUERTO RICO...👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

Not sure why the ABS hydro pump failed, you didn't mention, but a common issue is that home mechanics bleed the brakes but don't bleed the ABS pump. The pump has six bleed nipples and you should bleed the pump every time you do the brakes. My bike is 23 years old and the brakes are still unbelievable good since I always bled the ABS pump. The pump also can be serviced for a very low cost. In Europe is between 100-150 euros. Anyway great video and tip.

Very thorough and simple. I have a 1997 R1100R. I really want to do this, but have a question. Is the brake and tail light wiring fix the same for my bike as it was for yours? The shoe-box trick is now permanently a part of my disassembly routine. Thank you.

Excellant video sir. Can I ask what kind of seat you have on the bike. I have a 2002 r1150r also. Its a great bike. Im happy to be back in biking. Thanks again.

Thank you very much for the very detailed video. I have a 2002 R1150R with the ABS failed after replacing the brake lines which started leaking. However, when I opened the circuitboard I realized theis had melted. Consequently the brake lights no longer work even with well performing brakes after the conversion. You mention a kit, replacing switches etc. from a non ABS model. Any advice going forward with that? Again many thanks for the video and info.

Lol I must be crazy - I just made a video doing the exact opposite - installing an ABS kit onto my non-ABS bike (the traffic is crazy and erratic in the S E Asian country I moved to).... The steps involved were pretty much the reversal of yours :)