Found a listing on eBay for an ABS control module, and got to thinking if it would be worth it to convert my conventional system to ABS? Looks like I would need the ECU and Pulsar ring and sensor. Assume the wiring harness and possibly indicator dash light would already be there? Is it worth the effort?
ABS Brake Conversion?
- Thread starter memays
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Uncle Phil
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I can't address the ST1300 conversion but I have done a ST1100 standard to ABSII conversion.
I would not recommend trying it unless you have a complete ABS parts bike.
There will be things that you need - pumps, relays, mounting brackets, etc. - that you can't get anywhere else except from a donor bike.
On the ST1100, the ABSII wiring harness is a different one than on the standard which requires removing the old one and installing a new one.
It probably can be done, but it will not be done quickly nor is the project for the 'faint of heart'.
I would not recommend trying it unless you have a complete ABS parts bike.
There will be things that you need - pumps, relays, mounting brackets, etc. - that you can't get anywhere else except from a donor bike.
On the ST1100, the ABSII wiring harness is a different one than on the standard which requires removing the old one and installing a new one.
It probably can be done, but it will not be done quickly nor is the project for the 'faint of heart'.
Conversely, I have an St1300 ABS version with the dreaded ABS red warning light flashing. OEM ABS parts are non-existent or VERY expensive. Reliable recycled parts are also scarce.
As it sits, the brakes work fine. In my opinion, if you are riding at speeds or in condition where ABS would be needed, maybe you shouldn’t be riding! Is it possible to convert from ST1300 ABS version the ST1300 Basic version? If so, what is involved in converting it and registering it as a Basic version?
Asking from Ontario, Canada.
As it sits, the brakes work fine. In my opinion, if you are riding at speeds or in condition where ABS would be needed, maybe you shouldn’t be riding! Is it possible to convert from ST1300 ABS version the ST1300 Basic version? If so, what is involved in converting it and registering it as a Basic version?
Asking from Ontario, Canada.
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Uncle Phil
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There are lower speeds and conditions that happened beyond your control where an ABS can save your bacon.
That is based on my personal experience (1/2 million miles of riding ST1100s), not an internet influencer's opinion who has never slung a leg over a ST ...
Andrew Shadow
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Accidents do not happen solely because of a matter of a lack of rider skill, or because someone exceeded their skill level, or because of poor road or driving conditions. The car that unexpectedly pulled out in front of you , the child who runs out in to the road directly in front of you, the 50 pound vice that unexpectedly fell off of the service truck in front of you, etc., etc., are all events that are not planned or expected, have nothing to do with preparation, but they do happen. Without ABS the choice may come down to applying maximum braking force and hope that you can stop before you hit that child or you apply less braking force so that you don't slide and loose control while trying to swerve to avoid hitting that child, but you can't do both. ABS allows the option of applying maximum braking force and swerving to avoid that child without loosing steering control.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
Pull out the fuse for the ABS and it becomes a non-ABS motorcycle in function. The hydraulic brakes will work just as effectively as they did before only without any ABS being available. I don't know if pulling the fuse will also disables the ABS light. If not, take the light bulb out and forget about it if you don't wish to repair the ABS.
Do you have to go through some kind of inspection process in Ontario where the ABS would be flagged? If not, I don't see why there would be a need to re-register it.
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not a chance... btw,,, I have seens a riders bmw abs system fail to function,,, because it had not been serviced for over 20 years. He went down,,, but was extremely lucky to not experience injury or much bike damage. It was a sickening sound though. He did not have any abs warning indicator lit, prior to the lockup. I have one st13 with abs,,, and one without. Both need system flushings this winter. You can't notice anything functionally different between them. The abs bike is noticeably heavier,, and the abs system is complex. I am a reasonable good wrench,,, and I would never try to install a parted out abs system. Someone said buy a new/used abs bike,,, and I think that is the only smart way to go. Even then,,, there is no guarantees that it will function. I often remind myself,,, that you don't really need abs,, until the split second that you do !! Cheers,, CAt'
Uncle Phil
Site Supporter
ABS is one of those things like good protective riding gear - you don't need it til you need it then you are thankful that you have it!