2007 vs 2009 r1200r ABS problems

[beetee]

I'm considering an r1200r to replace my g650gs. I've read about the ABS problems on the early year models but have been told BMW got the problem sorted out by the 2009 model year. Does the ABS failure problem happen enough to stay away from the first 2 model years and buy no older than a 2009? Obviously there's a price difference in that approach and I'd like some input before deciding.

I've also been told modulemasters can't repair the 2007 ABS module. Anyone know if that's accurate?

Thanks !

[1964Hall]

96,000 miles on my 2007 RT12.
No problems with the ABS equipment.
hth
Oh btw, I've also just bought a 2007 12r, fantastic little bike, mucho fun.
\v/

[dbrick]

I've been hanging around this board since 2010 (when I bought my '07 R12R), and the BMWMOA boards since the planet cooled. I haven't seen any significant failure rate in the non-whizzy ABS except for the ABS electric motor brush problem. This mechanical issue is fixable by Module Masters or can be undertaken by a reasonably savvy shadetree mechanic. Any part can break, but if my bike vaporized tomorrow, I'd buy the same model as a replacement without hesitation.

[deilenberger]

I'm at 79,500 miles on my 07 and no ABS problems to date. Module Masters have repaired numerous 07 units that I know of, so I'd stop listening to the Cassandra who says they can't.

[BigEasy]

My '07 unit is on it's way to module masters this week

My bike only has about 15,000 miles vs Dons 79k so obviously dbrick is correct, anything can break, at any time.

[Bill Stevenson]

The first one for me was a 1989 K100-RS ABS Special. A gorgeous blue and white beast that I rode for just over 50K trouble free miles. This was the most trouble free bike I have ever owned. Next came a 1994 K1100-RS ABS. It was a magnificent motorcycle too, no issues with ABS in 57K miles. Then I drifted to the darkside and bought a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST, nice, nice bike, but no ABS and I only put about 10K miles on it before selling it. I just could not get used to not having ABS. My next bike was a 2002 R1150R ABS that I rode for 37K miles with no ABS problems, although it sure chewed up rear brake pads like crazy. The 2002 R1150R was an early model with integrated brakes actuated by servo motors, and I think there were issues with these brakes that might be where people got the idea that Beemers with ABS had problems, Again, I never had any problems with the ABS on that bike. In 2008 I bought my current R1200R with ABS, 37K and counting and no problems with ABS.

My son has a GS with ABS, my daughter had her own R1200R with ABS (recently sold). None of us ever had an issue with ABS whatsoever. My dealer, 441 Cycles, says ABS problems have occurred only very rarely over the years.

My 1989 had first generation ABS, the 1994 had second generation ABS, the 2002 had third generation, and the 2008 has fourth generation. Each successive generation has performed noticeably better than the prior one. Every one of them has saved me from lockup, usually at a moment when I least expected a problem. Frankly, I would not buy another bike that did not have ABS.

[beetee]

Thanks to all for your replies. Seems like there's no trend to the problems and it's not something to use as a deciding factor. Best approach seems to be look for the best combination of cost and condition. If I find a good one I'll be in here with more questions for all of you!

Bill

[celticus]

I'm considering an r1200r to replace my g650gs. I've read about the ABS problems on the early year models but have been told BMW got the problem sorted out by the 2009 model year. Does the ABS failure problem happen enough to stay away from the first 2 model years and buy no older than a 2009? Obviously there's a price difference in that approach and I'd like some input before deciding.

I've also been told modulemasters can't repair the 2007 ABS module. Anyone know if that's accurate?

Thanks !

That is completely false. Module Masters repaired the ABS unit on my 07 R1200R. Who told you otherwise? Look at page five in the Failed ABS Unit Subject Line to see all of my info on Module Masters.

[SDMAX]

My 2007 R1200R sat for about 8 mos near Seattle, friend's garage, battery tender got unplugged; new battery; brake failure flashing intermittently; rode to Denver; BMW there said intermittent low voltage to ABS unit....Know about module masters; haven't got the time to have bike laid up in Denver; riding it back to San Diego with son who has his bike in Denver now as well; so I've got to fix the unit. Fix once in San Diego.

Question, if I don't bend over at the dealer and send the unit to Module Masters; how huge a job is it for a decent independent to pull the unit?

I mean 2k plus at the dealer and the bike is spitting range to a newer R1200R but I like mine the way it's set up.

What to do? I'm pretty much set on keeping the bike and getting it fixed.

[celticus]

I managed the pull and reinstall mine so a competent mechanic should be able to do it. I don't want to come off like I am suggesting I am competent.

[SDMAX2]

Thanks for the info; I"ll let you know how it goes