Identifying an ABS model

[blaisa]

Seller claimed the bike I just bought is an ABS model 2002 GL1800. Never having a 1800 I really don't know what to look for to identify if it is or not. Looking at it, I'm thinking it is not and also thinking he was stating that to increase price I was willing to pay. Either way, I feel that I got a really good deal since it is a exceptionally well maintained Orange 2002 with 62k miles for $6500.

[keithg64]

You can tell by looking at the front wheel on the right side near the center hub is a gear looking ring. That is the abs sensor pickup. The rear has the same ring on the same side only bigger. There is also the letters ABS on the brake chrome cover on the front.

[GoldWingrGreg]

There are several ways to tell. The easiest way is to see if it has ABS gold emblems found on the front rotor covers. I do not see those in your picture. Part #11 in the fishe below.

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda ... ont-fender

Anther way is to turn the key to the on position. Various dash warning light show on the dash. ABS bikes have a yellow light that says "ABS". On non-ABS units, the light is eliminated entirely. The ABS light goes out once a speed of about 6mph is reached.

Another way is to look for a pulse rotor on the right side of the front wheel. It is part #9

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda ... ront-wheel

All GL1800s have an integrated braking system. An integrated braking system means that the front brake lever also applies some rear braking action, and when hitting the rear brake lever, some front braking action is applied too. ABS is a system that keeps the tires from locking up and loosing control while braking.

[MikeB]

An integrated braking system means that the front brake lever also applies some rear braking action, and when hitting the rear brake lever, some front braking action is applied too. ABS is a system that keeps the tires from locking up and loosing control while braking.

Yes, integrated means they work together except, the front lever does not apply any braking action to the rear, unless there is something I don't see or understand by the simplified diagram below..

[GoldWingrGreg]

Yes, integrated means they work together except, the front lever does not apply any braking action to the rear, unless there is something I don't see or understand by the simplified diagram below..
GL1800 Brake Simple Schematic.jpg

Because the LF rotor spins CCW, the LF caliper floats upward when friction is applied to the rotor by the LF pads. Next to the little arrow is the secondary master cylinder. It works just like a common m/c; however, in this case, its plunger is pushed on by lifting action of the LF caliper as the pads on that side are applied.

Pulling on the front lever, which activates the center piston on the LF caliper, will begin to lift the secondary master cylinder, which then activates the anti-dive valve, and the upper/lower pistons in the rear caliper.

To test, while watching up/down fork movement through the fork tunnel and doing about 35mph, pull on the front brake lever only. Do the forks seize from up/down movement ??? If so, the same fluid pressure is applying brake force to the rear caliper.

[MikeB]

Because the LF rotor spins CCW, the LF caliper floats upward when friction is applied to the rotor by the LF pads. Next to the little arrow is the secondary master cylinder. It works just like a common m/c; however, in this case, its plunger is pushed on by lifting action of the LF caliper as the pads on that side are applied.

Pulling on the front lever, which activates the center piston on the LF caliper, will begin to lift the secondary master cylinder, which then activates the anti-dive valve, and the upper/lower pistons in the rear caliper.

To test, while watching up/down fork movement through the fork tunnel and doing about 35mph, pull on the front brake lever only. Do the forks seize from up/down movement ??? If so, the same fluid pressure is applying brake force to the rear caliper.

Ah, I get it. That secondary master cylinder on the left fork was replaced during the brake recall and it was suspect as part of the problem for the locking up of the rear brake. So even though the front brake lever hydraulic circuit does not go through the rear brake caliper, its actuation does affect the rear brake action.

Thanks Greg.

[blaisa]

Yes, I found that to be odd that the bike did not have covers on the front rotors. Looked for pulse rings on the front end and there are non so it is obviously not an ABS model. Oh well. Bike runs, looks and drives excellent.

[C-dub]

If you're happy with what you paid for it without ABS then cool.

However, if the difference in what the price would have been without ABS, because it certainly doesn't have that, is significant enough I'd threaten to take the seller to small claims court to recoup the difference if he wouldn't give you back that amount on his own.

[Viking]

Yes, I found that to be odd that the bike did not have covers on the front rotors. Looked for pulse rings on the front end and there are non so it is obviously not an ABS model. Oh well. Bike runs, looks and drives excellent.

Covers over the front rotors were not a stock item, and are not indicative of ABS brakes. They are aftermarket add ons. It is the ABS labeled covers on the brake calipers that you would have been looking for. They were simply about a 2 inch coin like disk fixed to the caliper as decoration and identifier.

[blaisa]

I am happy with the bike. After pricing 1800's and seeing what is out there and really only wanting an orange one (Rare color) I feel fortunate to have found one which is in such good condition with low mileage and full maintenance records.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Ah, I get it. That secondary master cylinder on the left fork was replaced during the brake recall and it was suspect as part of the problem for the locking up of the rear brake. So even though the front brake lever hydraulic circuit does not go through the rear brake caliper, its actuation does affect the rear brake action.

Thanks Greg.

Yes ... part of the problem is well put. The real cause was owners not maintaining their Wing per their Owner's Manual. As a result of Honda not identifying the real issue quick enough, they got sucked into redesigning the secondary and rear brake m/c and eating recalling them all.

[joeincalif]

My 02 was NOT ABS. But if I remember correctly the caliper cover has the letters ABS on it

[DaveO430]

My 02 was NOT ABS. But if I remember correctly the caliper cover has the letters ABS on it

They can be changed. The ABS covers fit the same as ones without the ABS badge.

[MikeB]

My 02 was NOT ABS. But if I remember correctly the caliper cover has the letters ABS on it

They can be changed. The ABS covers fit the same as ones without the ABS badge.

FALSIES!

[blaisa]

Ha HA!! Just got a bunch of chrome stuff in! Christmas all over again! Rotor covers in the mix with 3 color ring of fire and marker lights. Yowsa! No fake badging though. Not into falsies.

[Wingsconsin]

Congrats on a good deal on a great bike -
I am partial to the ORANGE as well -- I have the same year and color !

2002 GL1800 Pearl Orange

[joeincalif]

My 02 was NOT ABS. But if I remember correctly the caliper cover has the letters ABS on it

They can be changed. The ABS covers fit the same as ones without the ABS badge.

I agree I guess if they were damaged the owner could change them and not put the ABS decal on them. Again, anything is possible. As I said in my other post my 02 DID NOT have ABS but doesn't the bikes with ABS have a light on the dash that lights up when you turn the key on???
I also had an Orange 02, loved it, just never could get over the thought of the frame issue even after the re weld

[DaveO430]

DID NOT have ABS but doesn't the bikes with ABS have a light on the dash that lights up when you turn the key on???

Yes, but that wouldn't keep someone from putting ABS badges on one to try to sell it as with ABS.

[joeincalif]

DID NOT have ABS but doesn't the bikes with ABS have a light on the dash that lights up when you turn the key on???

Yes, but that wouldn't keep someone from putting ABS badges on one to try to sell it as with ABS.

I agree with you, you would hope that a wing rider, or any other motorcycle rider wouldn't do that. But there are all kinds of people in this world

[DaveO430]

I agree with you, you would hope that a wing rider, or any other motorcycle rider wouldn't do that. But there are all kinds of people in this world

Yes people will do all kinds of things to fool a buyer. Old Toyota pickups with a 5 speed had a problem with a weak 5th gear. Many have been sold as a 4 speed by replacing the shift knob with a 4 speed knob.

[joeincalif]

I read several years back that people were UP BADGING their vehicles. They might have a lower price model and put a badge from a more expensive model. For instance an SE with a LIMITED badge on it. I guess you have to be careful and check out everything you can.