Hello to all, thanks for letting me join the forum. I have used your search feature and could not find exactly what I was looking for so I decided to join and ask you guys. I have recently acquired (well re-acquired) a 2008 C-14 with ABS. I purchased the bike in 2008 and rode it until it hit 125,000 miles. I sold it to my friend about three years ago and he has since put only 5,000 miles on it. Through some horse trading, I now own the bike again but the rear brake is siezed in the open (up) position. It is the rear ABS module and as we all know that is about a $1300 fix on a bike with 130,000 miles. She is sound other than that. My current plan is to bypass the rear ABS module by running a new brake line for a non-abs C-14 from the master cylinder to the caliper, bleed well and just have standard brakes. Are there any pitfalls (mechanically) I should look out for? Thank you in advance for your help I do appreciate it.
I know some will grimace citing that I should not bypass a safety system but I am not bypassing a safety system. I am fixing a non working brake in a more fiscally attractive manner. I did think about buying a used sensor but it would likely fail too and maybe I would be riding when it does. Changing it to standard brakes should prevent a re-occurance. Standard brakes do not bother me in the least and this bike was sold with standard brakes too. I am a longtime threshold braking student and in fact, the Connie was the only ABS bike I have ever owned. I have found myself threshold braking the ABS system on occasion.(letting off and re-applying when the system engages). In any case, not to make too long a story of this I would like to put her back in my stable and ride her on occasion so this is the best fix for me. I am also sure I will be the final owner she has so not worried about re-sale either. Thanks again...Chris
A couple of others have already done what you intend to do. Personally I would get a used ABS pump and make sure I changed the brake fluid at least every 2 years. The rear brake is VERY easy to lock up without ABS.
What kills the pump is brake fluid contaminated with water solidifying in the pump valves. You could also get the ABS pump out and get it cleaned and fixed by an ABS specialist.