K11 Owners Group

dugbrik · Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Springfield OR

I have a 93 K1100LT with 30k on it. I have always had problems with the ABS system. Even when it does work properly, I find its notchy engagement annoying. It won't allow rear wheel sliding on gravel roads, of which there are many where I live in Oregon. With over 50 years experience on non-ABS machines, I am toying with the idea of removing the system entirely. Should I have my head examined or have others done this and what are the pitfalls. Or, can I learn to live with the ABS once I understand how to keep it functioning.

BTW, the threads on intermittent fuel pumps were invaluable; my only dump on this machine was a topple into a blackberry thicket after having to cross a freeway lane in a pouring rain with a dead engine! Put my foot down off the pavement edge and over I went! No real harm other than a knocked-off mirror and some paint scratches.

dugbrik in OR

simonlap · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 6:05 pm Post subject:

Having just rebuilt my complete braking system on my RS it seems to me an easy alteration. If you remove the ABS modules and replace the front master cylinder brake pipe with a flexi and join it at the 3 way under the front mudguard, the rear ABS module remove and then get another flexi from the slave to the master under the right brake hanger bracket. Job done.
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K1100rs 1992 model
F650 ST 1996 model
ride it like you stole it, fix it like it's your first girlfriend

Ernie-NH · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 8:04 pm Post subject:

Welcome "dugbrik"...

Your comment "" Put my foot down off the pavement edge and over I went! No real harm other than a knocked-off mirror and some paint scratches. ""... I have never dumped a bike in almost 50 years of riding until got my "K" and then last year at the HMSP-III I did the same as you... foot down... nothing there... over we went ! Only I dont have bad weather or anything else to blame it on, just plain lack of attention ! Also, am considering doing the same with my ABS-II... ie: OUT !! Just dont know the consequences of doing so, as it pertains to the Motronic since it always looks for the ABS.

Good luck......// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

dugbrik · Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Springfield OR

Thanks for the input, guys. It looked fairly simple to me, I was more concerned with the electronic consequences. I'd like to leave this open and hear from a few others...
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dugbrik
93 K1100LT
82 Honda Elite Scooter
Too many bicycles to count

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:18 am Post subject:

From what I understand, the ABS brain is stand alone and does not interact with the other electronics on a K bike (doesn't talk to the Motronic).

Others will hopefully add their input.

Good luck- I understand how frustrating the ABS system on these bikes can be. I had used the black tape "fix" on my previous K-RS for a couple months then noticed one day that the system had righted itself and was no longer in failure mode. Go figure.
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

dave n · Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 12:02 pm Post subject: ABS removal

I removed ABS from my 1996 K1100RS after lots of time spent bleeding

system and numerous flashing light drills.

Removing ABS relay along with pressure modulator/brain takes care of the

electrical side. Get new lines made up and enjoy much eaiser bleeding. Old

hard lines can stay on bike - thou they will seem to keep dripping brake fluid

forever. I finally used rags on one end and blew air thru other end - then

crimped ends shut with vise grips. Crude but effective.

If you have a good functional system I say leave it alone - once

problems start however it's decision time.

Some previous chatter here on ABS woes too - search away.
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Dave Norris KOG 248
1999 Cagiva Gran Canyon
1993 K1100LT w/Hannigan sidecar
2008 Suzuki DR650

dugbrik · Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Springfield OR

Thanks for all the input. I replaced my battery, and on a whim, removed the ABS brain just to see what would happen. (I'm either stoopid or brave that way) Voila! It started right up and now I have no ABS working. I'm going ahead with the ABSectomy and I will post the results. I have noticed just today a slight brake fluid leak from the front lever. It seems like the top of the reservoir is not the issue. Any experience out there with leaky front brake masters?

Doug
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dugbrik
93 K1100LT
82 Honda Elite Scooter
Too many bicycles to count

Inge K. · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:07 pm Post subject:

Not unusual with corrosion starting in the outer end of the cylinder bore and working it`s way inwards, and the outermost gasket on the piston lays rather shallow in the bore.

Inge K.

whyoldbill · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:50 pm Post subject:

carp · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:51 am Post subject:

I was thinking about removing abs on my 93 k1100lt. I called either chicago motor werks or chicago bmw - can/t remember which. They seemed to know where I could buy a kit with precut lines to fit an LT. Does anyone else know about this? Or perhaps they just knew the lengths to cut the lines???
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93 K1100LT
07 Bandit 1250S

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 11:12 am Post subject:

http://spieglerusa.com/brakes/cycle-brake-line-kits.html
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John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Ernie-NH · Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 2:37 pm Post subject:

Hi John...

Well.... $143 USD is way better than $3000 for a new unit or even $1200 for a rebuild in Germany. Looks like the way to go, THANKS for the link !!

Best regards.........// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

OldJerry · Joined: 22 May 2010 Posts: 21 Location: West Michigan

I have a 97 KLT and I completely removed the ABS. Check your local area for a shop that makes brake lines. I found one 25 miles away ... they made up all my "flex" lines. I ran a new "flex" line directly from the front Master Cylinder to the "T" at the front wheel. For the rear, I re-bent one of the original short (about 1 foot) steel lines to follow the bikes contour from the rear brake master cylinder to the junction at the battery holder. Then replaced the rear "flex" line with a new one of the same length.

Definitely replace all the original brake lines while you are at it ...one of my front lines had deteriorated and a "guey" black rubbery piece was partially blocking the "T" and my left caliper wasn't releasing properly. This caused the left brake to drag.

It is simple to remove the tank and pull the 2 lines that run under the tank along the frame. There is a clamp near the front that holds the 2 lines. Remove it .. cut the 2 lines where the exit at the rear and slide them out the front.

I pulled the ABS relay, ABS controller and the pump unit ... everything works beautifully. And you have a nice storage spot where the ABS unit sat.

Take care ... Jerry
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1997 K1100-LT
Special Edition

dugbrik · Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Posts: 5 Location: Springfield OR

Thanks for all the great input from every one! I have removed part of the system and am getting new braided lines made up by a local hot rod shop. Then I will take all the plastic off and complete my ABSectomy. Also, mysteriously, my leak in the front brake master vanished by itself! Maybe it's okay to have a little gunk in the lines after all; sorta works like tire sealant . Laughing

Seriously, I will flush and replace all when I get the new lines and then the mystery leak will probably show up again. BTW, does anyone know where to get touch up paint in the '93 blue? I went to the local auto paint supplier who used to do computer matching and now they won't do it for less than a gallon of paint. I don't want to spray mt house, just fix the blackberry scratches !

Doug
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dugbrik
93 K1100LT
82 Honda Elite Scooter
Too many bicycles to count

Ernie-NH · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 1:42 pm Post subject:

Hi Doug....

I found out that the paint is manufactured by Glasurit and neither the paint nor the "touch up" kits are imported any longer... My "K" has the 704 paint ( Graphit ) and I did find a GM color that is nearly identical... perhaps you can do the same (?)..

Good luck......// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Jim · Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 9:28 pm Post subject:

Glasurit is still available in the US - there is some problem with importing it, I think. TSA probably thinks it's going to blow up or something.

Holt BMW in OH are the go to people for paint jobs. As far as I know, Holt is still selling Glasurit - or someone has been lying to me...

You can also try The Wark Shop (Bob Wark) in Ohio or Ray Atwood in Vermont - one of them might have enough paint left over from another job to take care of what you need done.
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Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."