ABS crappy system
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
When mine fails, I'll strip out all the ABS plumbing and install non ABS lines. Then I'll put a piece of black tape over the light
It'll save me some money on ABS wheel bearings as well.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Apr 10, 2017 at 02:23 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,833
Likes: 8,739
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Unless the bike is a Road King Special ABS is/was an expensive option. My 2012 RG Special was the first Harley I had with ABS, then my 15 RG Special was the first with linked ABS. I am absolutely certain you need the fluid changed every two years, and you need the dealer to do it. I may have been wrong before, but since I am a Marine, I seriously F'n doubt it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
You didn't know because no one with your experience would ever dream someone would manufacture a system like that.
There is another tool that will do it, I can't think of the name off the top of my head. It's pricey. I just got back from strafing the local roads on my 2002 FXD-X. Great suspension, no ABS and a carb that makes the throttle smooth as silk thru the curves. A motor, two wheels, place to sit and a pair of handlebars. I've bought my last new HD.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Apr 10, 2017 at 03:31 PM.
There is another tool that will do it, I can't think of the name off the top of my head. It's pricey. I just got back from strafing the local roads on my 2002 FXD-X. Great suspension, no ABS and a carb that makes the throttle smooth as silk thru the curves. A motor, two wheels, place to sit and a pair of handlebars. I've bought my last new HD.
But that aside, I'm with you. I don't like this stuff where a guy can't maintain his own motorcycle.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 716
From: Pennsyleffinvania
ABS on motorcycles was first developed by BMW in 1985, it can be a life saver but must be maintained properly. Not saying it wasn't OP, but you're in the best position to speak on that. It does need not only a brake fluid reservoir flush, but in most systems the ABS "module" needs to be flushed as well. Two years is the outside limit. Generally it does have to be done with a manufactures system. In the case of BMW they are owned by BMW corporate and leased to dealers. The HD dealers may own them, or lease them, don't know. So I have to reserve judgement as to fault on this failure. Could be HD, could be a dealer screw up, or could be pilot error in maintenance. If it's gone 5 yrs without proper maintenance ........?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
If he does his own maintenance, then he needs to do ALL of the maintenance. You can't just do some things and let other things go.
If he isn't competent to do maintenance, he needs to bite the bullet and take the bike to the Dealer to have the maintenance done properly.
If he isn't competent to do maintenance, he needs to bite the bullet and take the bike to the Dealer to have the maintenance done properly.
If he does his own maintenance, then he needs to do ALL of the maintenance. You can't just do some things and let other things go.
If he isn't competent to do maintenance, he needs to bite the bullet and take the bike to the Dealer to have the maintenance done properly.
If he isn't competent to do maintenance, he needs to bite the bullet and take the bike to the Dealer to have the maintenance done properly.
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From what I understand, if you're not bleeding the ABS bit (which is what requires the computer) you didn't do a complete job.