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It was on my BMW R1200R and I have a scan tool (a GS911) for that bike so I could cycle the ABS after installing as I was bleeding. I haven't really found something like that for Harleys without getting pretty expensive and the GS911 is limited to certain brands and models. But with the two cars my wife and I have, I have never had to cycle the ABS valves while replacing fluid. Neither manual requires that unless there is air in the system. That's why I was curious. Won't be too long before I need to do brake fluid on the FLHT, so looks like I need a scan tool or need rely on the shop if that's part of the process. I really have no guarantee they'll do it anyway. I am guessing that method requires you to flush the brake from the lines and calipers, activate the switching valves on the ABS a few times, and then reflush the fluid on the lines. Do techs really go through that?
I use the GS911 on my BMW S1000R. That's a nice tool.
Thanks for that! Awhile ago I asked about the twintec on another thread as its the more affordable of the options but didn't get much of a response. It's good to hear from someone that uses it. Still a bit pricey in my mind and it irks me that I already have one for one motorcycle, one for our cars and now a third scan tool for another motorcycle. Wish the automotive industry would standardize this somehow.
Still can't believe that you need this to do a simple brake fluid change.
My 14 Touring FSM makes no mention of activating the ABS module when flushing the brake fluid. As mentioned, it does when bleeding the brake fluid. As @barneyboy stated, this all changed after the ABS recall and all FSMs since then include the new procedure.
I will continue to flush my brakes as I always have, by following my 14 FSM.
i don't think this is anything new. i remember the 2 year requirement from my 2010. they just weren't pushing it as hard back then. i also think there is a slight hangup on semantics involved. i think that it's pretty obvious that if you're flushing the brake fluid, you're gonna have to bleed the brakes. others may not think so.
Bleeding implies that your removing air from the system and then, yes one needs to deal with the ABS unit. Flushing is just pushing new liquid to replace the old when there is no air in the system. There shouldn't be air in the system to expel when flushing, renewing or replacing the fluid. The FSMs I have read say flushing the fluid to replace uses the bleeding procedure, but you're not actually removing air, your just replacing the fluid. apparently Harley specs activating the valves in the ABS unit when flushing. The other manuals I have don't require that step, that is only required when bleeding air from the system.
I'm just trying to clarify my initial question about whether it's really necessary since no other manufacturer requires then step with their abs systems.
Bleeding implies that your removing air from the system and then, yes one needs to deal with the ABS unit. Flushing is just pushing new liquid to replace the old when there is no air in the system. There shouldn't be air in the system to expel when flushing, renewing or replacing the fluid. The FSMs I have read say flushing the fluid to replace uses the bleeding procedure, but you're not actually removing air, your just replacing the fluid. apparently Harley specs activating the valves in the ABS unit when flushing. The other manuals I have don't require that step, that is only required when bleeding air from the system.
I'm just trying to clarify my initial question about whether it's really necessary since no other manufacturer requires then step with their abs systems.
There are different ABS systems that function differently... I would not lump all the ABS systems together... I would follow the specific manufacturer's recommendation.
Also, don't fool yourself into believing that the HD ABS system is on par with many of the other motorcycle ABS systems... at least prior to 2014, it clearly wasn't...
Harley was using a subpar OEM brake fluid, that amplified the issue when an ABS module was not activated.... That's why they came out with their new "Premium Label DOT 4 Brake Fluid" and no longer sell the old DOT 4 brake fluid....
HD got away with just needing to do a free flush on affected bikes, using their new "Premium Label" fluid. During that recall, they found that the damage was done in many cases, and many ABS modules wouldn't function properly during the flush. Since the ABS module itself wasn't covered in the recall, HD got to sell the customer, who came in for a Recall brake system flush, a new $900 ABS module... Sweet deal for the MoCo..
You can do whatever you want...
But I used to just do a regular flush, then take a ride making sure to activate the ABS, and then re-flush. I was content with that procedure.... Then I read of all the people needing to buy a new ABS module during the recall... That's when I decided to make sure it was flushed thoroughly, including the ABS module, and bought the Twin Tec, Twin Scan tool...
My bike was at the dealer back in November, it was a little early but I had them do the flush and they used HD platinum break fluid. They charged me $173 plus tax (almost 10% where I live). I do not have to worry about it for a while but will buy the tool and do it myself next time.
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