View Full Version : Servo removal / deactivation.
ExpatinIstanbul
16-01-09, 09:22
So, I'm wondering if it's possible to either remove or deactivate the servo assistance on my '05 gs (ABS model). Can this be done but still keep a decent level of braking force? Is the process reversible?
Before someone asks. Why? Because last year I had a problem when the brakes locked on, which got put down to the servo. And, because I prefer more feel with braking than I get with the servo.
I'm interested to hear peoples thoughts on this as well - occasionally my bike likes to stall, which then kills power to the breaks. This can be pretty tedious if you're approaching a junction :blast
There's probably some info somewhere on here about doing this. Short answer is yes, but you will lose your ABS. There's also some other small mods needed to the plumbing to do this properly.
So, I'm wondering if it's possible to either remove or deactivate the servo assistance on my '05 gs (ABS model). Can this be done but still keep a decent level of braking force? .
... Simple answer NO!
... Complex answer, sure, but only if you want to install an entire new braking system.
... On the early ABS machines the entire circuit is set-up to have the added assist of the servo. There have been complaints about the ineffective level of residual braking ...
... occasionally my bike likes to stall, which then kills power to the breaks. This can be pretty tedious if you're approaching a junction
... If you want to find out how bad, push your bike down hill with the ignition off and try braking :D
... FWIW - I never had a problem with servos on my first 1200GS and was disappointed when they were taken off the spec.
I can't speak for the 1200 system but understand why you want the non servo feel of your brakes.
This week I've just removed a perfectly working servo/abs unit from my 1150 and plumbed it direct. The brakes are just as effective but of course there's now no abs, I can live with that.
Servos are for the limp wristed, abs for the non sensitive:D
It's a bit of a fiddle with the wiring since both brake light switches have to be changed and rewired, I couldn't say if it's the same process with the canbus system though.
... Simple answer NO!
... Complex answer, sure, but only if you want to install an entire new braking system.
... On the early ABS machines the entire circuit is set-up to have the added assist of the servo. There have been complaints about the ineffective level of residual braking ...
... If you want to find out how bad, push your bike down hill with the ignition off and try braking :D
... FWIW - I never had a problem with servos on my first 1200GS and was disappointed when they were taken off the spec.
Hey Bede :aidan
TBH - Like you, I have no problem with the brakes themselves - they're fine. But we're gonna be doing a trip 2-up on the GSA in April, and I'm wondering just how interesting braking on residual brakes (due to a stall) is gonna be 2-up and fully loaded :eek
davidgibson999
16-01-09, 10:03
Check in with Brian (Mototech) - I think a recall a recent post from him where he'd done this to at least one 12.
JohnnyBoxer
16-01-09, 11:05
Hey Bede :aidan
TBH - Like you, I have no problem with the brakes themselves - they're fine. But we're gonna be doing a trip 2-up on the GSA in April, and I'm wondering just how interesting braking on residual brakes (due to a stall) is gonna be 2-up and fully loaded :eek
I believe no 12GSA's were ever fitted with Servo ABS Brakes, Mav
So yours shouldn't even have it?
Only post early 2003 1150's and 2004 to 2006/7 1200GS's had Servo ABS brakes IIRC
I believe no 12GSA's were ever fitted with Servo ABS Brakes, Mav
So yours shouldn't even have it?
Only post early 2003 1150's and 2004 to 2006/7 1200GS's had Servo ABS brakes IIRC
then I think I might have one of those 12GSA's that doesnt exist - that'll explain all the other problems I've had!
06 12GSA with a label on the tank stating the engine needs to be running for the servo assist brakes to work or something... I'll go and check
I believe no 12GSA's were ever fitted with Servo ABS Brakes, Mav
So yours shouldn't even have it?
Only post early 2003 1150's and 2004 to 2006/7 1200GS's had Servo ABS brakes IIRC
I can't speak to what was supposed to be available.... but mine def has Servo ABS (can hear the whine and have to disengage the ABS when playing in the dirt)
I can't speak for the 1200 system but understand why you want the non servo feel of your brakes.
This week I've just removed a perfectly working servo/abs unit from my 1150 and plumbed it direct. The brakes are just as effective but of course there's now no abs, I can live with that.
Servos are for the limp wristed, abs for the non sensitive:D
It's a bit of a fiddle with the wiring since both brake light switches have to be changed and rewired, I couldn't say if it's the same process with the canbus system though.
I'm thinking I'm gonna go the same way as you Timothy - I would never want someone to think of me as a limp wristed, insensitive, 1200 rider! It's bad enough being a 1200 rider :blast :D
The servo brakes were replaced with the '07 model year. The '06 GSA did have servos ............. this was a good enough reason for a change of bike (doesn't take much :blush).
I'm thinking I'm gonna go the same way as you Timothy - I would never want someone to think of me as a limp wristed, insensitive, 1200 rider! It's bad enough being a 1200 rider :blast :D
I was only kidding, a few years ago we were in the BMW factory being given the corporate bullshit by their spokesman.
I asked why couldn't we have abs and no servo, like it used to be:nenau since it ceased to be an option. He replied that customer feedback suggested owners wanted the servo and abs...what bollocks. still I think they saw the light in the end and did give an option.
I was only kidding, a few years ago we were in the BMW factory being given the corporate bullshit by their spokesman.
I asked why couldn't we have abs and no servo, like it used to be:nenau since it ceased to be an option. He replied that customer feedback suggested owners wanted the servo and abs...what bollocks. still I think they saw the light in the end and did give an option.
And it was taken in jest too :thumb2
I managed 20k on the HP without either and the servo seems like more of a liability than the benefit of having ABS so I think I'm gonna lose them both :thumb I've just gotta find someone to help me do it without screwing up the brakes AND the canbus :blast
Pukmeister
16-01-09, 11:35
Mav, I've asked this on the forum too and found no answer. I would ask a dealer but chances are it would mean them trawling through books/microfiche to find a possible solution.
If you do find out, please be sure to post how its done.:thumb
JohnnyBoxer
16-01-09, 11:40
I stand corrected on 2006 12GSA's
Point noted
Note to self - don't buy a 2006 12GSA with ABS:augie
I'm thinking I'm gonna go the same way as you Timothy - I would never want someone to think of me as a limp wristed, insensitive, 1200 rider! It's bad enough being a 1200 rider :blast :D
I wouldnt if I where you, you can find out what it would be like, as someone has suggested, by trying the ignition off rolling down a hill...
I'd guess it would be possible to do safely if you upgraded the brakes?
luckylucian
16-01-09, 11:50
Over on Gspot its been done, micro switches need changing, rear brake pipe from caliper is re-used to run to rear brake pedal, non-abs front hoses required.
sell ABS unit etc for a fortune on e-bay! :blast
Pukmeister
16-01-09, 11:59
It's been done on the 1150, not seen it yet on a 1200 due to the CANBUS and sofware interface with the ZFE controller.
a pedant would point out that the post 07 ABS GSs do have a servo, but on the rear brake only.
if anyone works out how to bin that, let me know. it's rubbish.
My 54 12 had a recall a couple of years ago to replace the banjo bolt on the front brake lever. That made a big difference to residual braking as it was a different design, smaller hole in it I think to up the pressure.
... Simple answer NO!
... Complex answer, sure, but only if you want to install an entire new braking system.
Nope, you're wrong. Brian of Mototech has replumbed several servo'd GS machines. As said in another post, it requires some switches and other minor mods, but leaves you with a bike which basically has 'normal' brakes. You do lose the ABS function, but I'd happily do without ABS compared to the rediculous cost of buying a new servo unit. Brian told me that it costs no more than £200 for the complete conversion, but it is no way an entire new braking system.
Nope, you're wrong. Brian of Mototech has replumbed several servo'd GS machines. As said in another post, it requires some switches and other minor mods, but leaves you with a bike which basically has 'normal' brakes. You do lose the ABS function, but I'd happily do without ABS compared to the rediculous cost of buying a new servo unit. Brian told me that it costs no more than £200 for the complete conversion, but it is no way an entire new braking system.
Sounds like a good deal - but Northern Ireland is long way to go for me, although I'd love to go back!
Anyone know of someone on the mainland?
a pedant would point out that the post 07 ABS GSs do have a servo, but on the rear brake only.
if anyone works out how to bin that, let me know. it's rubbish.
What's the problem with the '07 and onwards ABS Cookie ?
Brian told me that it costs no more than £200 for the complete conversion, but it is no way an entire new braking system.
£80 in parts for the 1150.
thats: F&R micro switches and a non abs hydraulic distributor, so can't imagine it would be much more for a 1200 but the wiring changes would be different.
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