2007 R1200R Can ABS be switched off

[SDMAX]

Riding in Alaska in June; on loose surfaces, highly recommended that ABS be switched off. Is there a work around for switching off ABS.

[Lost Rider]

You could take the front sensor off the mount and zip-tie it to the fork, that will disable the ABS and is easily reversed.

With that said, I know some folks say it better to not have ABS, BUT with the linked brakes on the R the braking will be quite different that with the ABS system operating. BTDT when mine failed from all the gravel roads/dust and the sensor needed to be cleaned.
Personally I would never disable the ABS on the R in any condition, ever, while the stopping distances will be increased on loose surfaces it will undoubtably save you from locking up the front wheel and crashing because you A) don't have any or very limited experience riding the bike without ABS on wet gravel and B) few riders will do a better job modulating the brakes in an emergency situation than the computer. There's only very limited traction to stop no matter if you or the computer controls it, and I'd bet the computer is better at knowing when the wheel is locked than you or me or just about anyone.
In other words you're not going to stop faster without ABS than with, given available traction but it's my opinion you greatly increase your chances of washing out the front wheel without it on.

Turning off ABS is recommended on GS's when off road so you CAN lock up and slide the wheels, if you have the talent and control to do so in the proper way. The R is not a GS with it's little 17" front wheel and most people riding the R are not dirt bike riders who know when and where letting the wheels lock up is appropriate. Folks giving that advice of turning the ABS off are wrong when talking about the R IMHO, my extensive experience riding both the R and a GS off tarmac tells me otherwise.

I would highly recommend taking a Jimmy Lewis class if you can before you go, there you will learn techniques that will undoubtably transfer over to your ride on your R to Alaska. My Nancy took his class last week, I watched and photographed the whole thing, the principles of riding and learning balance and control will help you have a safe ride far more than ABS on or off, tires, etc.
He even offers rental bikes for the class since you couldn't do it on the R.

http://jimmylewisoffroad.com


good luck either way, should be a great ride!

[SDMAX]

I have separately thanked Finn for his comments; having thought it through, I'm leaving the ABS alone. Thanks....John

[Lost Rider]

John, thanks, but mine like anyones internet opinion is just that even if I have experience in the matter.

But, for example, you're riding down a beautiful Alaska gravel road, a moose runs out in front of you, not so close that contact is inevitable, but close enough to startle you. you grab the brakes, as you have done many times in the past on your bike in thoughtless reaction, but now with no ABS you crash because your front wheel locks up...

On the flip side the ABS could kick in when it feels the wheel slipping but not locked up and instead of taking 100' to stop it takes far more and you rear end a truck who slammed on the brakes because of a moose...

Lots of moose up there, almost hit one myself, his nose hit my helmet in a close encounter at high speeds.... no poo. Photos of a moose snot covered face shield in my RR on ADV.


Just saying that poo happens, while I stand by my comments that I wouldn't disable the ABS on the R since it's no dirt or even DS bike (nobody told me that!), and am trying to give reasons and examples for my opinion, we all have to weigh the pro's and con's of any decision like this.

At the very least, no matter what you choose, it's much safer to allow more stopping distance when on loose surfaces, follow at a greater distance, etc etc, and let the ABS keep you from doing your own self in. Maybe other folks around here who rode their R to Alaska can share their experience, I never turned my ABS off while there on my GS and I was running basically street tires, but that's just me.

[Sander Abernathy]

That's the problem with moose. Their faces are always covered with moose snot and they simply refuse to wipe their big noses.

[nastynick]

Personally I would never disable the ABS on the R in any condition, ever [...]

Hi

I was looking for a way to disable ABS in case I have to go down a steep gravel road and read your comment.

Actually, as I already read many of your Internet contributions (BTW, thanks for all the information you provide), I was kinda surprised.
When you did your adventurous – and outlaw – trip to Mexico, there was one place where you disabled it.
How did you do it back then? In that special situation, was it safer to do so?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Nick