2003 BMW 1150 RT Brake Issues

[fr8pilot1]

Need some advice on Brake Issues. When I go to start the bike, and after the bike's self test, the brake failure light is illuminated - 4 Hz. Warning Light is Off. Servos not activating.

My first thought was the battery. Although on a tender all the time, the battery had a bad cell. Replaced battery. However, the same indications, as above, still the same.

Checked all fuses (in fuse box) and ABS relay...OK. Checked fluid levels, and brake pads, OK. Check charging system...OK. Checked brake lights...no brake light, running light power only on top bulb. Bulb looked good, so checked voltage to bulb socket. With meter, checked power to socket. No change in power to bulb (should be an increase) when front, rear or both brakes applied.

Main concern is that servos are not activating. Is there another power source for the servos besides a relay or fuse in the main fuse box?

Any suggestions?

Actually, looking at the procedure to eliminate the servo brakes as a major fix would exceed the cost of the bike. If that be the case, may tear it down and convert to a cafe racer style bike and sell off he excess parts and plastic.

[jdubeemer]

Don't give up on it yet. I have had the same symptoms (brake failure and no tail light) with my R1200RT when the battery voltage was low. I could drive it for a few miles and then turn it off and then restart it and that would re-boot the system and clear the fault. You may be reluctant to take it to a dealer but they will have a device to fault check the system. Could be something simple.

[fr8pilot1]

Jim,

Not going to give up on it yet. I was just trying to get it fixed before the meeting at the end of the month. And, the brakes are not an issue I want on a long ride or up in the mountains.

Hope all is well.

pb

[jdubeemer]

Jim,

Not going to give up on it yet. I was just trying to get it fixed before the meeting at the end of the month. And, the brakes are not an issue I want on a long ride or up in the mountains.

Hope all is well.

pb

Hope you get it straightened out but if you show up on an Indian in your leathers we will still be glad to see you

[fr8pilot1]

Jim,

Glad to know the Indian is welcome, but was looking at bringing up a Triumph Explorer X/C. Triumph sent 5 Adventure Bikes. 2 Explorers and 3 Tiger 800's. We got in on a special promotion where free bags and top case were included. And, some have additional accessory vouchers plus 0% APR and 1.99% depending on the bike. Thought it would give me a chance to do a proper review of the bike.

However, found the problem with the 1150 RT. I took your advice and decided to get it out on the interstate and cycle the brakes and maybe get the new battery charged up a bit. Turns out the Front Brake Lever switch was sticking. The switch was stuck, so when I turned on the switch, it could not do a proper self test, thus the 4 Hz flashing. When I pushed the lever full forward, the switch returned to normal and the Brake Failure light extinguished. Now to see if I can clean the switch or should it be replaced.

I know it is a BMW club, still may ride the Explorer.

pb