ASC retrofit

[walker]

I received an email from Max BMW promoting their new improved online parts catalog so I looked at
the accessory section for the R1200R searching for new farkles. The retrofit for ASC caught my
attention as I was not aware this was possible. Is this something new from BMW? Does anyone have
experience with it that they could share? Looks like it consists of a new switch and and software.
Does the extra button on the new switch mean the ASC is defeatable? Not that I would want to
as I have no desire for burnouts or wheelies.
Thank for any information or insight.
Barry

[websterize]

Does the extra button on the new switch mean the ASC is defeatable? Not that I would want to as I have no desire for burnouts or wheelies. . . .
Barry

Yes, you hold in the ASC button to deactivate electronic stability control. The manual addresses why you might do that:

BMW Motorrad ASC is designed as an assistant system for the rider and for use on public roads. The extent to which the rider affects ASC control can be considerable (weight shifts when cornering, items of luggage loose on the motorcycle), especially when style of riding takes rider and machine close to the limits imposed by physics. The system is not optimised for special requirements that apply under extreme competitive situations off-road or on the track. You have the option of deactivating the BMW Motorrad ASC system for these circumstances."

[deilenberger]

Barry,

Can you point us to the webpage Max has for it, or forward that part of the email? (I do receive Max's emails, but haven't seen that one..)

I inquired about this with a good friend within BMW-NA/Motorad.. and he found that while it was technically possible for any of the new ABS equipped bikes - BMW-Motorad-AG wouldn't sell the activation code to turn the function on in the computer. It only works on ABS equipped bikes because it works by comparing rear and front wheel speeds..

Sounds like my query may have yielded postive results - if so - it's something I *want*... (I was told when I bought the bike that it could be retrofitted - only to hear later it couldn't be..)

EDIT: I realized I did get Max's email about their new on-line catalog.. just hadn't thought to go poke around on it. I think I'll be on the phone to them on Tuesday..

EDIT 2: Bummer. http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/ ... px?model=R 1200 R 06&prod=112005-072009# - shows the switch available, and the "code" disk "NA".. looks like the story hasn't changed. Mebbe if we all wrote letters to BMW-Motorad explaining how we REALLY want this important safety feature - it could be pried out of the grip of Germany.

Thanks!

[gezerbike]

My dealer wants to use my bike a test bike for this system. You have to have ABS in order for them to install the retro fit kit. Basically, from what I understand, the only part you have to purchase is the left hand switch gear, with the ASC button installed. The rest of the installation is downloading the software that BMW is selling to the dealers to do the modification. It sounds like BMW is selling the software for a tidy sum, and the dealers will have to do a " few " installations to make back the cost of the software. I don't know what the ACS was when new, but it sounds like it will run about $ 500- 600 to have it retro fitted. Haven't decided yet whether to go ahead and do this, but I'm leaning towards having it done...not really sure if I'll see that money some day when I sell the bike, but he did mention that just running on wet grass at rally's could make the system worth while. We'll see. Oh, this retro fit is for all Hexheads with ABS, so dealers could do well if it works out.

[deilenberger]

Mike,

Please keep us up to date on this.. it is something I'd really like to do. Sounds like BMW may be considering changing their policies on updating bikes and releasing the activation codes, which would be a wonderful thing. Next thing you know - they might be offering the TPM systems as an update.

[Coyote Crazy]

I don't know what the ACS was when new,

I paid $365 USD for it in April of 2007.

[gezerbike]

I paid $365 USD for it in April of 2007.

Having had it for at least 2 years, would you purchase it again ?

[Caroanbill]

Having had it for at least 2 years, would you purchase it again ?

In a heartbeat.

I've only had the system kick in a few times in any obvious way (first it retards timing then shuts off fuelling), but it imparts quite a degree of confidence when dialling in throttle to exit a slippery corner. It great for cold tyres on cold surfaces too. I think it's worth it for preace of mind alone (like ABS itself).

One dubious benefit is that I can dial up more throttle on take-off because it will keep the front wheel on the ground - a benefit for me who is spooked by a front wheel lifting unexpectedly (as I did on my tetst ride), but the hard chargers would probably turn it off if they want to get air under the front wheel ....

I had to wait 2 months to get ASC in the right other combinations on my R1200R (Crystal Grey, the classy colour) - that was worth it too.

[deilenberger]

I can confirm this is now available. May not be at all dealers - but if your dealer handles "authority" bikes, chances are excellent they've done a few already. Cool beans! Gonna have to call the dealer when I get back from vacation.

[websterize]

I can confirm this is now available. May not be at all dealers - but if your dealer handles "authority" bikes, chances are excellent they've done a few already. Cool beans! Gonna have to call the dealer when I get back from vacation.

Great news. Seems like a no-brainer for BMWUSA if it's just a firmware upgrade (and new switch).

[gezerbike]

OK, got more info from my dealer today. The new switchgear with the ASC button will run $ 238. Then you will need to give your dealer the last 7 #'s of your vin for him to register it with BMW. Once BMW has this info, they will send the dealer the software download for the dealer to load in to that bike. The dealer will have to do this to each bike they upgrade. This guarantees that they, BMW, will get their money for each upload. Still not actually sure what the software will cost, but you can expect that the whole thing, with labor, is going to be in the $ 500-$600 range. The way it was explained to me is that this is more for the bike on a showroom floor that does not have ASC but the customer wants it. It can be added at the dealer to help make the sale. Dealer gets a little profit on the parts and labor and has a better chance of moving a bike on the floor, without the customer waiting and possibly loosing the sale. The offer to me is parts at cost, no labor and a let's see how easy this is to do thing. Still probably going to cost me close to $ 400, so I'm on the fence on this one.

[xcell1600]

thanks for the info. I purchased an 09. Are you speaking to Chicago BMW or the folks in Barrington?

[gezerbike]

thanks for the info. I purchased an 09. Are you speaking to Chicago BMW or the folks in Barrington?

Normally Barrington, but in this case neither.

[Coyote Crazy]

I paid $365 USD for it in April of 2007.

Having had it for at least 2 years, would you purchase it again ?

Absolutely! I believe it has saved my tail twice. Worth every penny if it saves your tail just once in my book.
I waited for two months for just this option to become available before ordering my R. Never regretted it.

[Coyote Crazy]

It is a shame that the dealers can not convince BMW to offer a combination software upgrade, ASC and TPM. The process of registering and downloading the software could not take any more time and labor to upgrade both options at the same time. Additional cost would need to include parts and labor for the in rim TPM sensors. This would be a boost ($$$$) to the struggling BMW dealers and allow those that would like to add both options the choice to do so.

[xcell1600]

Has anyone installed the retrofit?

[mattbr]

I'm not sure if this is relevant, but there's an interesting note on the listing for a replacement instrument cluster (i was digging through the thing trying to find out if it's possible to install K13 switchgear) :

"For vehicles with RDC X530A = Yes or ASC X650A = Yes. Important! When replacing the instrument cluster/ZFE on vehicles with optional RDC and/or ASC ensure that the enable code is available. If the enable code is not already available, please supplement your order by adding Pos 1."


login info is

User: ub207282
Password: multi1

(taken from a K1300 forum)

[gezerbike]

I was just looking up something on the Max BMW online parts fische, and I noticed they have posted info for the cost of the retro fit and parts....keep in mind, labor is not included



# Part Number Description lb Qty Each
01 61317703707 COMBINATION SWITCH LEFT (ASC) 0.19 1 $218.02
-- 13617728272 ACTIVATION CODE RETROFIT ASC ASAP 1 $420.96
01 61317704623 COMBINATION SWITCH LEFT 0.20 1 $254.37
-- 13617728272 ACTIVATION CODE RETROFIT ASC ASAP 1 $420.96
01 61317703709 COMBINATION SWITCH LEFT (ESA+ASC) 0.19 1 $238.78
-- 13617728272 ACTIVATION CODE RETROFIT ASC ASAP 1 $420.96
01 61317704619 COMBINATION SWITCH LEFT 0.20 1 $238.78
-- 13617728272 ACTIVATION CODE RETROFIT ASC ASAP 1 $420.96

[jess]

Sorry for the thread resurrection, but wanted to mention I just had the ASC retrofit done on my 2009 a few weeks ago. The dealer hadn't done one before, and had to do a little research before they would commit to actually doing it. In the end, though, it went smoothly.

My only quibble (and it's a really minor quibble) is that I ended up with the switch pod that has ASC and ESA, even though I don't have ESA on my bike.

I haven't had it kick in yet, but I haven't really been up to pushing it, either.

[deilenberger]

Sorry for the thread resurrection, but wanted to mention I just had the ASC retrofit done on my 2009 a few weeks ago. The dealer hadn't done one before, and had to do a little research before they would commit to actually doing it. In the end, though, it went smoothly.

My only quibble (and it's a really minor quibble) is that I ended up with the switch pod that has ASC and ESA, even though I don't have ESA on my bike.

I haven't had it kick in yet, but I haven't really been up to pushing it, either.

Might be able to wire the ESA button to a FlashNGo garage door opening module..

Jeff - If I might be so bold - what was the bottom line $$$ on getting it added.. I'm still thinking this might be a good idea since I tend to ride year round in sometimes not great conditions..