02 K1200RS Brake Failure

[oemor722]

When I left for my ride today.. It took longer than normal for my brake failure light to shut off. I unknowingly rode down the road with no brakes. When I slowed to a stop... The brakes kicked in. I went for my ride with no problems. After I returned and shut the bike off as I was at a friends. I turn the bike on and Brake Failure light blinks slow 4 times and then constantly and a much faster pace. No brakes at all. Any ideas?

Thanks-

 

[motormike]

Does the 02 model have the electric servo brakes? Any type of failure there will leave you with only "residual" braking, which ain't much! As I recall, under the seat on my 03 K bike, there was a sticker that explained the meaning of the brake failure light modes. In your owners manual as well. Most owners agreed the servo brake system was an over-engineered solution to a non-existent problem. Took BMW a bit too long to come to the same conclusion. Having said that, I really miss my K bike. Should have kept it longer.

 

[oemor722]

Does the 02 model have the electric servo brakes? Any type of failure there will leave you with only "residual" braking, which ain't much! As I recall, under the seat on my 03 K bike, there was a sticker that explained the meaning of the brake failure light modes. In your owners manual as well. Most owners agreed the servo brake system was an over-engineered solution to a non-existent problem. Took BMW a bit too long to come to the same conclusion. Having said that, I really miss my K bike. Should have kept it longer.

Turns out it's the battery. Battery is about 3 yrs old. Not holding a charge... Was only putting out about 11V. I guess Servo needs to sense 13V+ to "engage". Charged battery... Pushing 14V running... Brakes fired up... I rode home. I'm glad all I need is a new battery... Whoop Whoop!!

Enjoy-

 

[R184]

I love a happy ending.

 

[jpdicarlo]

If the ABS doesn't engage due to a low battery, you should still have had the non-boosted brakes working. It may feel like "no brakes" compared to the light touch with boost, but there should always be some level of braking available.
BMW baffled a lot of folks when they added the e-brakes, but they were smart enough to not let a bike go completely brake-less due to an electrical problem.