2002 BMW R1150GS brakes complaints

Filed Aug 24, 2002 · Brakes · CA

While going over a series of bumps, the ABS system is causing the brakes to release. This causes an extremely unsafe situation. Bmw has issued a service bulletin regarding this braking system, but refused to replace the ABS components until they fail. By then I could be killed. Please help force the manufacturer to replace these faulty brake components for all affected r1150rt owners.

Filed Aug 24, 2002 · Brakes · CA

Two problems related to the integral ABS system: 1) the rear pedal is too sensitive and grabs the front brakes hard, causing unexpected stops and caused me to drop my bike once on the left side. Since then, I have had to refrain from using the rear pedal completely. 2) when braking hard, especially on downhill bumpy roads, the weight is transferred off the rear wheel, causing the rear ABS to cycle. Occasionally, when braking very hard, when the rear ABS cycles, the front ABS also cycles causing a completely unexpected out-of-control condition. This has happened about ten times to me. I have not yet crashed the bike because of this, but I feel it's just a matter of time. I have run wide off onto the shoulder of the road a couple of times, and once ran wide over the centerline into the oncoming lane and was within a foot of colliding head-on into an SUV. Bmw has published a tsb (34-001-02 (012)) that implements a revised rear ABS modulator and caliper and all new production bikes get this fix. However bmw has refused to upgrade any older bikes for some reason. I feel this should be a recall, as it's a very dangerous design defect. It should also be noted that bmwna treats this tsb as a secret and has threatened to sue someone for posting a copy on his website. I am currently aware of at least eleven other owners who have complained to their dealer about this problem and have been told "sorry, but we will not fix the problem unless the part fails". I have a copy of the tsb if you would like it.