Brake Failure

[mrsteve]

Hello folks, long time no speak. Been busy with guests at our B&B in central France.
Any way enough of that. Today I jumped on the R1150R and set off briskly only to find at the end of the driveway the brake failure light on the dash was still flashing. Normally it goes out after a few yards as the servo system pressurises. The brakes were pretty ineffective so examined the fluid levels and pads. All were in order. Any other suggestions before I start pulling things apart?
Steve

[Buckster]

Check the state of charge on your battery. That might be the culprit!

[AndyRR]

Check the battery first like Buckster said. If that's not it, you need to check the fluid levels in the ABS unit. As your pads wear, the fluid in the ABS goes down, not the fluid on the handlebar. The system self-test is pretty quick. It doesn't go out until you start rolling forward as it wants to see that both wheel sensors are functioning.

[mrsteve]

Thanks Buckster and AndyRR. I've had the battery condition/charger on for two days. No change. Will check the ABS unit tomorrow as you know the tank must come off. Bit of a pain but we'll see. Will let you know. Weather is improving so need to ride.
Steve

[Dr. Strangelove]

not sure if taking the tank off will help you diagnose. Not sure what looking at the ABS unit will do because if there appears to be something leaking or otherwise amiss, what can you do?

Easiest thing is to go to a dealer and let them read the fault code. That light could mean many many things re the brakes, from a bulb out to a faulty sensor for ABS to who knows what. I will advise that if you have ABS (and now you likely don't), to be very careful with your braking as its characteristics change drastically esp at low speed. Only moving tipover I've ever had was when my front abs sensor went out and I was navigating bumper to bumper stop and go traffic.

Also, you are waiting for all the electronics to boot up before you start, correct? Did you measure the charge on your battery with a RELIABLE voltmeter?

Admitted Francophile here---where in central France?

John

[mrsteve]

Hi John
Thank you for the response. I did as you advised take to the local stealer. He stuck us diagnostic box on it and found that the problem was a faulty connector on the ABS unit. I was hoping that it wasn't the ABS unit itself as my 'friendly' dealer in Stroud was quoting 1495 pounds sterling. Anyhow my French dealer has fixed everything including a faulty fuel light for a few hundred euros. The b***** took it out in the rain for a test and covered it in mud though. Never even thought about cleaning it!!
Had a great blast today from our base near Macon, little village called Ige to Lac des Sapins near Villfranche. Beautiful weather and the missus on the pillion we enjoyed a sunbathe before heading back to our luxury B&B. Take a look at the website www.burgundyxp.com
Sincerely
Steve