ABS

[Graeme]

This is almost embarrasing to mention at this stage but I'm thinking about the possibility of fitting ABS Brakes to the front of the R65 LS. I can't see wether it's been done because there's probably no practical reason to do it, but for me, I don't think I'm going to buy another bike (maybe one for spares) because I, frankly, like this one.

I understand that there's a comonality between the R65LS & K75 in terms of front discs. Then there's the callipers? From then on it's electrical.

Anybody comment on the possibility other than I'm  

I have spent my life in the practice & application of Mechanical Engineering so I'm not exactly starting from scratch but maybe "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing..."

Thanks

[steve hawkins]

In the uk many view the first generation ABS, as fitted to the K75/100, in not a very positive light.  It weighed a great deal was complicated and was not as reliable as it could have been.  I am told when it it worked it worked.  But there were many people who removed it partly or completely, when it broke.

I was looking for a K75, I would be looking for one without ABS.

As for value - a bike with working ABS would be worth the same as a bike without it.  But a bike with broken ABS is worth far less that one that never had it fitted in the first place.

Rev. Light

[darrylri]

I haven't investigated it, but it is reported that the reason no Airhead bike ever came with ABS is the electrical load necessary to run the ABS pump at any time the ABS could be called on.  Our 280W alternators don't begin to compare to the 700W automotive units that went into the K bikes, and K bike owners don't have discussions about when the charge light on the dash should go out.

[Bob_Roller]

I've got an oilhead bike, it doesn't have ABS, the place where the electronic control module and hydraulic valves are supposed to be, is as large, or larger than the battery box, I don't know anything about the K series bikes, something to check into before you start accumulating parts .

So,you may have a problem just trying to find a place to mount all of the parts to the system .

The K75 also has a disc rear brake, the sensor used the disc as the sensor, I think it used the rivets holding the rotor to the carrier hub for speed information, no disc rear on an R65 .

You've got your work ahead of for sure, if you go this route .

[Graeme]

Thanks fellows:- If the sensor is attached to the rear to guage the speed, well, that's it then.

I had also heard about the unreliability factor of the early ABS.

I think this project may need to remain in dreamtime.  :-/

[Bob_Roller]

There is a sensor on the front wheel, for front wheel speed and one on the rear wheel for rear wheel speed .

I neglected to think of the fact that the R65 has a mechanical rear brake, so no possible way to retrofit ABS to the rear .

With enough money and effort you can make anything work, but this is going to get complicated, unless you find someone else that done all of the 'leg work' for this application .

[Justin B.]

It weighs a ton and the parts are horrendously expensive!  You then have to find room for the pumps, brain, etc.  My 1150 RT-P has the partially linked ABS and although I like it (now that I've gotten used to it) I could probably live without it and if it ever breaks (no pun intended) it will likely be bypassed...

[tvrla]

Just run the stickiest tires available and ride with eyes wide open! That's about as close as you'll get without dropping your engine and transmission into a newer model bike. And adapting a car style alternator (something I've wanted to do for a while...)

[Bob_Roller]

BMW finally did adapt an automotive style alternator to the oilhead bikes at least .

It's run by a multi ribbed belt .