Early 1150 Adventures with ABS had normal hydraulics. If the ABS pump fails (it can happen, valves get stuck in the pump itself, happened on my girlfriends 1150GS), then the ABS does not work but your braking is unaffected.
Later 1150's with ABS have brakes with electronic servo assistance (also known as "power brakes" by some). Basically for the same amount of braking, you need to apply less pressure on the brake lever or pedal. If the ABS pump fails on such a bike, then you're left with (approximately 40%) residual braking, not ideal on a loaded overland bike on a steep descent.
Easy way to check what's fitted: turn the ignition on, leave the engine off & squeeze the brake lever. If you hear an electronic whining sound similar to the fuel pump priming itself, then the bike's got the servo or power brakes.
All of the white Special Edition 1150 Adventures came with servo brakes as standard.
All 1200's up to October 2006 build date have servo brakes, after that BMW reverted to non-servo brakes.
Note: I've heard that extra care may be needed when pushing the caliper pistons back in to the caliper body on servo braked bikes to allow fitment of new, thicker pads? Not sure if this only applies to 1200's?
|