'02-'03 Compard to '04 ABS Systems

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:15 pm

I have heard a lot of talk about old ABS and new ABS. Some of the dividing lines were 90's but is there a substantive difference between the '02, '03, and '04 ABS Systems? Did the EVO set-up start in '02 or '03? I've seen both mentioned. This post should decided which bike I'm going to buy. Thanks in advance for ALL the help and counsel. You're a terrific group of guys and gals.....Once I buy my bike, I'll be a lifer.

Brett

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:28 pm

I'm not sure about the linked brakes, but I know the ABS systems differed between the 2004 models and all others. Starting in 2004 the ABS brakes were partially linked, meaning hitting the front brake also partially activated the rear, but activating the rear brake only works the rear brake (make sense?). The biggest difference is probably the servo assist - it's like power brakes for motorcycles. The servos make a noticeable whine when activated and speed up brake activation. Some don't like it, feeling like the brakes are grabby. It takes a little to get used to and are great brakes once the learning curve is overcome. One drawback of the servo powered brakes is lack of braking pressure when the servos fail - it takes CONSIDERABLE braking force to slow/stop the bike without servo assist. Any number of things can cause the servos to not work, but for the most part they are reliable. That leads to higher maintenance costs, especially if they fail out of warranty.

I have a 2004 model with ABS and if I had to do it again I would look for an '02 or '03 model with ABS, or an '04 model without. I had the servo's fail once on me (had to take it to the dealer and they resolved it). I put a lot of miles on my bike in all weather conditions so the ABS is kind of justified, but that high miles also means more frequent maintenance, which the dealer pretty much has to do.

I'm sure others will chime in with more details on the pre-2004 ABS. I hope that helps.

Ryck · Post by **Ryck** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:59 pm

I have a 2002 R1150RA and the brakes have servo assist. Application of the front brake also activates the rear (at partial pressure). Application of the rear brake does not activate the front. The entire system has always worked perfectly - get on the brakes as hard as you want and trust all to the anti-lock gods.

Post by **MikeCam** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 1:57 am

John,

I am sorry to differ with you.

For the R1150R and Rockster, all brake systems beginning in June 2001 were either totally manual EVO brakes (refers to the rotor size, calipers/pistons, and main brake plumbing system) or EVO with servo-assisted, partially linked front to rear and ABS (generation III).

For R1150RT the same except the fully linked brakes worked front to back and rear to front.

I was never clear which version the RS had. The GS of early 2002 contnued to have the older ABS, non-servo, non linked brakes and morphed into something slightly different.

To recap:

EVO is the brake rotor, caliper/piston and main plumbing system.
Servo is power assisted
Partially linked is front to back linkage
Fully linked is front to back and rear to front.
ABS (gen III) is on all June 2001 and beyond Oilheads except GS. For GS it starts later in 2002 or early 2003.

The changes between '02-'03 and 2004 with the braking system were for the fully linked RT versions and had to do with changing the valving response on the fully linked brakes (not the ABS itself).

To answer the original question, there are no differences in the brake systems of the R1150R models with ABS systems.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:29 am

I don't have ABS and mine stop me just fine, as good as any sportbike I ever owned, it's just the lack of dive at the front that feels odd at first. I'll admit they don't seem as powerful as the servo assisted setup but I like the feel better and they don't grab when low speed manouvreing. Mine's an 03 twin spark by the way and no surging either!

Lean Angle · Post by **Lean Angle** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 3:42 am

I think the only difference in brake systems was the early ones had rubber lines, while the latter ones had stainless lines.

Post by **MikeCam** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:14 am

L.A.,

Good call. All Rocksters and 2004 Roadsters had ss brake lines.

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 6:17 am

OK, I'm wrong, I'll shut up now.

I wasn't too sure about previous years and the servo assist. That's what I get for opening my mouth (or typing) too soon.

I'll go to my corner now.

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:36 am

That's OK John.

I had to replace the rear brake pads last service, even though I don't use the rear too much. From my puzzled expresssion, the service tech guessed my next question and reminded me of the partially linked brakes! Front brake usage engages the rear also.

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 9:27 am

Well, gentlemen...that settles it. I'm buying an '02-'03 ABS bike. I'm a couple months off because of finances but, when I'm ready, I'll be rattling cages. Black is the only color for me and there aren't that many out there. Plus, winter is the buyer's market.

All of you have provided knowledgeable advice that should prove to get me the right bike for me the first time (and so save me a pile of cash and disappointment). Thanks a ton for your time and attention.

Brett
Future R1150R owner

Post by **wncbmw** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:17 pm

Black is the only color for me

Fine choice! Machine and color! (Check my sig line!)

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 1:51 pm

MikeCam wrote:L.A.,

Good call. All Rocksters and 2004 Roadsters had ss brake lines.

Mine has ss lines but it's 03...nice little touch that lots of people comment on. Think I fitted aftermarket lines and are surprised that they are standard. See the quality you get when you invest in a Beemer!

Black was the colour for me as well...till I saw the silver one with the black motor...

Post by **MikeCam** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 2:39 pm

The UK guys get everything first!

Yeah, the June 03 production was badged 04 in the US whilst Europe kept counting via Gregory.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:49 pm

MikeCam wrote:The UK guys get everything first!

Yeah, the June 03 production was badged 04 in the US whilst Europe kept counting via Gregory.

I didn't realise the time difference was so great..

R4R&R · Post by **R4R&R** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:45 pm

For whatever it's worth, my 2004 U.S. Model was purchased new by me, in June 2003. I think the date on the frame is like 04/03.

bcbit01 · Post by **bcbit01** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:26 pm

Chris, you almost sound as if yours is for sale.......LOL

Brett

chris · Post by **chris** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:20 am

Nooo way!!
When I had the fuel tank leak fixed it stood in the dealers showroom for the afternoon till I collected it and they had 3 offers on it. Damn it's a good lookin bike!

1150929 · Post by **1150929** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:09 pm

Mine is a '03 model, built in 03/03, and has the partially linked ABS with the SS lines and twin spark heads. Guess 04/03 was the cut-off.