ABS thoughts on new to me 2004 R1100S

[Jeff Heyerman]

I am looking at a 2004 R1100S Mandarin/Gray that is for sale near me. I just learned that is not equipped with ABS. This is a deal breaker for me based on an article I read about stopping distance especially in poor weather. Then I stumbled on information about "high" incidence of ABS failure on BMW leading to loss of braking power/expensive repair. So basic question is for opinions on ABS: highly desirable or not, any issues from members on this board?

As a side note seller told me he purposely searched for one w/o ABS due to high maintenance costs ($700 every year and half or so).

Cheers,
Jeff

[LeftCoast Peter]

All BS as far I'm concerned. BS that ABS should be a deal killer if you are a reasonably good rider. And my fairly extensive experience with BMW ABS has been that its been reliable and essentially no cost to have.

Cheers!

[R1100S2000]

Welcome to the forum, you will find lots of info here.

I agree with LeftCoast Peter. I have abs and have had no problems, i have experienced it a few times and it has worked very well.

Personally, if i was looking for a new bike i wouldn't care if did or didn't have abs.

If the bike is in good shape at a good price i wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

If my abs ever goes out i'll just take the system out, unless i find a good deal on another one.

[nathanmargolis]

ABS on a bike is a wonderful feature on a street bike.

Would you purchase a car today without ABS? Think not because you know how much better cars stop without locking the brakes up and skidding.

Personally, I would not purchase a bike without ABS. Racers will tell you something different but for street riding, ABS all the way.

Yes, BMW will tell you to flush the system on a regular basis and it probably will coast you between $200-250 for dealership to do. If you are mechanically, you will learn to do yourself.

I have two BMWs with ABS and will flush every two years.

Nathan

[Meeni]

Even in the case of failure, residual braking is safe enough to stop the bike in any case. Failures happen, but are not endemic (although expensive when they happen).

Not as desirable as in a car (due to the variety of lean angles that may confuse the abs or don't leave it time to save your arse, unlike a car where the situation is pretty well settled). Still good to have, but not a deal breaker in my opinion.

[PFFOG]

NOT having ABS would be a deal killer for me on a street bike, and I practice threshold braking on a regular basis. Most of the poor wet weather stopping I have seen is OLD slow cycling technology, and on controlled pavement with a pro rider, not having to stop before they hit the minivan that pulled out in front of them. .

Look, when the $hip hits the fan, no matter how much you practice or how good your spiderman senses, the chances of having perfect instantaneous threshold braking throughout a panic stop, are about the same as getting struck by lightning WHILE excepting your powerball lottery check, especially if wet.................That is unless you have ABS.

As far as maintenance, any half-a$$ed mechanic that can change the plugs and oil can bleed the system.

[AZ-Twin]

How did you people ride before ABS? Did you really spend that much time picking your bikes up?

[PFFOG]

Originally Posted by AZ-Twin

How did you people ride before ABS? Did you really spend that much time picking your bikes up?

No and in the last 10 years of riding with it, the only time i recall engaging it, not on purpose, was at the track, and it saved me from tucking the front end.

But that is the point, ABS is, IMHO, a huge safety net, yes I still practice threshold braking on frequent basis, and as frequently practice the mash and hang on skill, because I know in that O'$hip moment, that is what will happen regardless on my skill. Don't believe me, watch ANY pro race, with the most skilled and highly practiced humans on the planet, and you will see them LOCK UP the brakes, when that adrenaline spikes, and you see your life flashing before your eyes.

I am just wiser, and no I am not immortal.

[chewie]

if your preference is to ride a bike that is abs equipped then keep looking

[Jeff Heyerman]

Thanks for all your opinions. I have decided to pass on that bike.

Cheers.
Jeff

[Steve Carlton]

"You have chosen wisely..."

[SeabeckS]

Originally Posted by Jeff Heyerman

Thanks for all your opinions. I have decided to pass on that bike.

Cheers.
Jeff

Good luck with your search Jeff, perhaps it will work out as well as mine did a couple of years ago. I looked for MONTHS to find an '04 Mandarin/Gray S, and nearly pulled the trigger on one in the local area. But that machine was a bit rough around the edges, a little higher mileage than I wanted...so ultimately backed away. Three weeks later I found a smokin' hot deal, low miles, pristine condition, for a MUCH lower price. Bonus was getting to fly to Louisville, KY and ride that sweet machine home...

Cheers, Bill J

PS. This is my first bike (in 45 years of riding) that has ABS...don't leave home without it!

[tom964]

Did they use that crazy servo-operated ABS on the 2004 R1100S? I have a '99 with plain, old ordinary ABS.

[PFFOG]

yes, '04 is servo