ABS Pump Failure R1200RT mileage 44K

[afmeyer]

On this website and other motorcycle websites, a significant number of reports of failures of the ABS Gen II pump/modulator system have been discussed. This is the system made by Continental Teves implemented in 2007/2008. In my opinion, this failure is usually premature (at 44K on my bike) and is a safety hazard. I went to the NHTSA website and learned that not only had there been no recall for the component and but much to my surprise, there were actually no compaints at all about the failure. How is this possible with so many people reporting this problem?
I would suggest that everyone with an ABS modulator/pump failure report this to NHTSA so that they can determine if a recall is in order. It is my understanding that if you have paid for the repair already, you will be reimbursed for the expense. At a minimum, you will help your fellow riders avoid this expense and possible crash in the future. The website to make a report is https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/.

 

[dbrick]

There have been reports of ABSII failures, some caused by wiring problems or mis-gapped wheel sensors, and some caused by the failure of the pump itself which operates the ABS system - the motor's brushes jam in their holders, and then the brushes don't touch the commutator. A little searching will reveal several how-to-repair-the-pump threads in this and other forums.

The ABS motor faults are not unheard of, but only BMW knows how many have actually died and been returned to a dealer for warranty or post-warranty replacement. It seems far less common, however, than previous issues with the Immobilizer sensor ring and the rear drives.

With no recall in force, if your bike is beyond warranty there's no reimbursement from anyone for anything. If there were a recall in the future, then BMW might be required to reimburse owners for previous remedial work.

 

[afmeyer]

My reason for starting this thread is to encourage people who have experienced an ABS pump failure to report this to NHTSA. It is only through that mechanism that an investigation will be done and a possible recall issued. As you point out, the brushes were poorly designed, jam in their holder, and caused premature failures. They were modified after enough of them failed. I don't think low mileage failures of an ABS pump is normal and is a safety hazard. This type of failure usually occurs after 100K miles, if ever in the life of a vehicle. I hope enough people will report their experience with this defect so that BMW will be required to make the repair at their expense or reimburse those that have already unnecessarily spent their own money on the repair. BMW motorcycles are expensive and we should assume that the parts are well designed and long lasting.

 

[nytrashman]

i just reported my ABS failure on the NHTSA website. not sure it will do any good but it sure can't hurt.

 

[afmeyer]

As you say, it can only help. The system is not consistent with those in other vehicles and is a safety hazard that, in my opinion, should be remedied by the manufacturer. Thanks for reporting it to NHTSA.
Andy