'96 K1100RS SE w- 76K mi. Bike operating fine, 2 hours into our vigorous ride, until it hiccuped. Road surface was bad, and wasn't sure it was a hesitation at the time. Shortly thereafter, noticed red ABS light on. Didn't think much of it, as the system occasionally doesn't set up, and it's never impacted brake operation. Within 10 miles, riders ahead signaled a left turn, and I initiated braking,.....only nothing there. STOOD on both brakes and got basically NOTHING. Overshot the turn while downshifting as fast as possible. Got on shoulder, but couldn't get bike stopped, and was now beginning a downhill descent, in unfamiliar territory. Fortunately, no traffic either way, so made a decision to attempt a u turn. Not enuf road, and front tire washed out in the crowned gravel shoulder on the opposite side of the road. I got off gracefully, and was unscathed, but what used to be an SE that'd never been down, is now something else. More importantly, I remain surprised and unhappy that a bike I've ridden 40K in recent years could have done this to me. Speeds were near triple digits at times earlier in the ride, and I can't help thinking about how bad this could've been.
Bike trailered home, and has not yet been taken to mechanic for diagnosis. GoAZ (Scottsdale dealer) technician says it's uncommon but not unheard of to have brake failure w- this vintage Kbike. In fact, he told me he currently/recently had one come in where the brakes just seized!!!
Just wanted to get word out. I knew I was exposing myself to many risks,......but this one wasn't one of 'em. Might be awhile before I get back on a modern motorcycle (I assume the Gen 2 ABS will be found at fault for this episode). And I would've ridden an airhead if the temps in PHX weren't 110 on the day in question!
Wm
Bike trailered home, and has not yet been taken to mechanic for diagnosis. GoAZ (Scottsdale dealer) technician says it's uncommon but not unheard of to have brake failure w- this vintage Kbike. In fact, he told me he currently/recently had one come in where the brakes just seized!!!
Just wanted to get word out. I knew I was exposing myself to many risks,......but this one wasn't one of 'em. Might be awhile before I get back on a modern motorcycle (I assume the Gen 2 ABS will be found at fault for this episode). And I would've ridden an airhead if the temps in PHX weren't 110 on the day in question!
Wm