To ABS or not to ABS

[Tor-King]

Hi there everyone!  Recently I bought a 1993 FJ with ABS.  I bought it from a friend of mine so I know its history.  It is in beautiful condition with only 21,000 miles.  It was imported into Canada about 6 years ago from Texas.  As I get it ready for the upcoming riding season, (I am in Canada and our riding season is fairly short), there are a number of maintenance issues that need to be tended to.  Because much of the bike is original, with the exception of the exhaust and upgraded FZ1 brake calipers, there are a few things that I want to take care of.  One thing is the replacement of the brake and clutch lines which are original and overdue.  Now here is my dilemma:

1. Although the ABS currently works, should I purchase new lines (as per original) or simply by-pass the hydraulic pump altogether?  The reason I ask is because I truly wonder how durable the system is as it gets older.  If the system dies, I really do not think I am going to rush out and buy a new pump at $2000 +.
2.  If I choose to replace the new lines so that the ABS is still functional and it does keel over, will I still have proper brake control and only need to stare at a blinking idiot light?

I know there are many of you who can help guide me in the right direction. Thanks a bunch!

[grannyknot]

If the ABS craps out on you while your riding you will still have regular brake control, the ABS just modulates.
ABS is pretty nice to have in the rain for sure. I removed it from my K75s because the computer died, made the bike 27lbs lighter.
I would find that a tough call.

Oh, and welcome.

[hein]

Hi Tor-King.

The ABS on my 93 failed well before 40,000 km. The prices for replacement components are steep and some no longer available. I rode the bike this way without any problems and finally binned the whole system.

I don't know if the oem hoses for the ABS system are available any more or if anyone makes braided hoses for this system. Considering that you have a combination of rubber and steel lines going from the master cylinders to the ABS pump and then to the calipers It would be much cheaper and easier to get rid of it all but on the other hand you still at this point have a system that works.

As grannyknot pointed out its a tough call that only you can make.

Hein.

[Tor-King]

Thank you Hein and Grannyknot for your responses.

You are right, I have some thinking to do as to whether I should do away with the entire ABS system or hope for the best.  I may get 10 years of service or it may crap out the next day. Yes, there is the additional cost of extra lines and the possible nightmare of attempting to bleed the system.  I just wonder how many ABS models out there are still actually functional?  Can people chime in with a simple yes or no?  This could help with my decision making as to its durability.  Thanks.

Hein, when you "round filed" your ABS, did you order new lines for the non-ABS FJ or have the lines made up?  Is the system identical non-ABS to ABS models, (calipers, hydraulic reservoirs)?  Did you pitch all the metal lines, pump and CPU?

Thanks again!

[rktmanfj]

My concern would be that the rubber lines are about old enough to vote...   

[Tor-King]

My concern would be that the rubber lines are about old enough to vote...   

Ya, you got that right... they are old enough to "vote" and old enough to drink 'cause it now lives in Canada.
In all seriousness though, yes they are overdue but I'm still debating whether to go with lines directly to the calipers or continue using the current ABS system with new lines.

Have a good one!

[hein]

Morning Tor-King

I removed all the original ABS components, pump, cpu, all the lines and the associated wiring. The calipers and master cylinders are commen to both systems so they can be reused. For the new brake and clutch hoses I used braided Russel lines and banjo fittings. You can buy the hoses in variety of lenghts with the swivels already swaged on and then buy the banjo fittings to suit your needs. This way you end up with custom fitted hoses that will fit exactly as you wish.

At this time, considering you have already upgraded the calipers, it might be a good time to swap to a 14mm. front m/c and improve the hydraulic efficiency. If you go this route save the tee fitting from the original front lines as it can be reused.

I can get you all the parts required to do the conversion. Where in B.C. are you located?

Hein.

[Tor-King]

Morning Tor-King

I removed all the original ABS components, pump, cpu, all the lines and the associated wiring. The calipers and master cylinders are commen to both systems so they can be reused. For the new brake and clutch hoses I used braided Russel lines and banjo fittings. You can buy the hoses in variety of lenghts with the swivels already swaged on and then buy the banjo fittings to suit your needs. This way you end up with custom fitted hoses that will fit exactly as you wish.

At this time, considering you have already upgraded the calipers, it might be a good time to swap to a 14mm. front m/c and improve the hydraulic efficiency. If you go this route save the tee fitting from the original front lines as it can be reused.

I can get you all the parts required to do the conversion. Where in B.C. are you located?

Hein.

Hi again Hein!
Thanks for the information you posted.  I think I will go ahead and do what you did--remove the system.  I went down to our local Yamaha dealer this past weekend and they recommended a few options.  I believe that I will order up the parts from Russell once I remove all the lines to see what I am working with.  Thanks again for the help and recommendations!