BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

You didn't happen to buy the bike from a man named Sweatmark did you?

Now hold on a second! I would never pass along my personal motoproblems to an unsuspecting new R1150R owner. No, this new member of the elite Edition 80 fraternity has a unique Rockster speedo problem, since he's most likely not ripped out his ABS like me.

Rockster speedo signal originates with rear wheel ABS sensor. Wires from sensor lead up the subframe to connector behind fuse box. You might start with look at the wiring, then check the sensor's function via ohm meter and piece of steel to cycle Hall sensor open and closed.

If all that's in order, then the question is fault in ABS controller or speedo itself.

Let us know what you find.

Kookie,

Another question. Does odometer work while riding?

Also, where are you located?

Check fuse 2 status.

Evidence of full ABS function? Tail and brake lamps correctly actuated?

Kookie wrote:Hi people,
Just picked up my 2003 Rockster 80th and the speedo is not working. tachometers works fine and the lights work too.
I was wondering if there is an inherent problem or a quick fix before i start dismantling?

Love the bike

what are the exact symptoms?


I had a "wavering" speedo needle for a short while - until I realised that I had something under the seat pushing on the lead that runs into the fusebox on the right side - took the offending object (a disclock IIRC) away and all was fine again. (non-ABS bike)

Thanks for all your replies,
The previous owner told me that the fault is intermittent.
The tacho works fine all the time, its just the speedo needle does not move at all, and neither does the milometer.
I'm going to check under the seat as advised cause i was told the battery had gone flat and there could have been some tampering down there.

Thanks will keep you posted

Don't open up the speedometer yet. In my ABS removal thread I show how the speedometer reacts to input signal, using a square wave audio file playing on my iPod. Suggest you try something similar before fiddling with the speedo itself.

I'd check all of the fuses while you're at it.

I'll be home this weekend working on my post-ABS fix in case you want to compare notes.

Hi SM,
Checked rear ABS sensor visually.. and no obvious problems as well as all the fuses.
I'm putting off the speedo dismantle and will try to send it a signal as you recommended.
Want to exhaust all options before i give BMW $95/Hour just to plug into a computer and diagnose.

Update on Speedometer issue,

Did everything I think I can with no success. Just before my trip to my local Motorrad outlet, I noticed the speedo was working! couldn't believe my luck... knew it wasn't going to last, just the same great to see the needle move.
By the time i got there, surprise surprise it had stopped again. A cup of dealer grade coffee and non stop oogling at the mighty 1200GS the verdict was in.
Fault coming from the ABS control unit, will need to be replaced. Have to leave the bike for five days and come back with $2 -2500.
Decided that further investigation is needed now that i know the origin of the problem.
Wondering if it is possible to change components of the ABS C/Unit as apposed to the entire system?

kookie,

Before you plunk down two grand, call me to discuss some options if you'd like.

Never asked: does the iABS work, providing power braking and anti-lock?

PM me if you want to chat on the phone.