Ducati Monster Forum

I want to remove the entire ABS system from my '13 1100 evo. I've seen other people discuss bypassing it using aftermarket brake lines and plugging the ports on the main ABS unit to avoid the indicator light from blinking. However, I haven't found anything talking about taking the whole unit out of the bike completely.

If it isn't being used, then there is no point in leaving a massive paper weight under the tank of the bike.

Has anyone done this? I'm curious as to what other systems, if any, will be effected by simply unplugging the main harness and ditching the unnecessary cube of metal. Also, is there any way to bypass the ABS light?

And please, if all you're going to do in your reply is tell me how great ABS is, or how horrible having the indicator light on will be, then please don't respond. I'm simply looking for technical advice on eliminating the system.

Thanks

Im interested in the responses as I dont know the answer to this. Im guessing that with enough time, research and money it can be done. Maybe I'm completely wrong but I fear how integrated the system is into the electronics. Not sure how stand alone the abs system is or if it is embedded into the "safety pack" programming.
I've got a gut feeling it may be more cost effective to swap for an M1100S non ABS model with Ohlins suspension and dry clutch and use the extra cash to hot it up even more if you like.
More qualified, knowledgable members will chime in.
Good luck. [thumbsup]

 [popcorn]

The ABS diagnostic system does not operate below 10 km/h. If the ABS wheel sensors are disconnected, I suppose the warning light won't light up.

Possible downside to that could be that the traction control won't work either (if it uses the same sensors)(I don't know). If so, maybe leaving the sensors where they belong, but cutting the ABS wire from them to the ECU? If there is only one wire.... if it's a common wire, not so easy...

I'm fine loosing the TCS as well, I've always kept it off.  Buy an 's' model is out of the question. If I can't do it reasonably with the bike I have, I'll simply plug the ports and move forward that way. Only down fall to losing the sensors is losing the speedo.  But if that's the worst case, I can buy/make something work.

As for the wiring, the abs unit has a huge connector with probably (guessing, haven't counted) 20 leads.

Actually, I've considered doing that on my '13 796... it sure would improve the feel.  Solving the hydraulic differences is easy.

You can disable the ABS using the diagnostic switch, but it's a one-time deal... you would have to do it each time you cycled the ignition (I believe.)  It might be possible to permanently disable with an ECU flash I would think... maybe shoot Valley Desmo an email.  Seems like there would be a way to disable it (and TCS) on a track bike.

Not concerned with disabling it... Again, I'm more curious if I can remove the whole ABS unit from under the tank without having major issues with other systems on the bike. I.e. If I unplug the main harness from the ABS, will he bike still run? Do I need to mess with any wiring other than disconnecting it? With exception to the ABS light flashing at me, will I still be able to utilize my stock wheel speed sensors? Is there anything else I need to do completely eliminate the system?

I think you're the guinea pig for this mod.

Let us know. ;D

Also, I'm moving this to ACC&MODS...fits better

Try unplugging the electrical connections to the ABS, and see what happens.

I suspect it'll start, and run, and the brakes will still work as before, with the standard squishy feel, but no ABS intervention.

I would hope that the lack of the ABS being plugged in wouldn't cripple the bike, that'd reveal a really shitty job of fault tolerance software development.

I suspect the ABS light will be permanently enraged.

As usual when exploring a potentially dodgy mod, don't immediately jump into hectic traffic when you're late for a crucial appointment, do test in a manner that will not put yourself at risk, YMMV, and FFS don't run over any children.

Haha sounds good! I just ordered some custom brake lines to bypass the ABS and fit with my no-rise clip ons... Should be about a week and I'll test everything out.

Good luck and stay safe. Will be keeping an eye on this one. [thumbsup]

What I'm saying is... you have a two-fold problem.  Physically bypassing the ABS hydraulic module is easy... you've already ordered lines.  Addressing the 'electrical' issues is another problem entirely.  What I meant by a possible reflashing of the ECU was to get rid of any errors or ABS warning lights permanently.  You have your cake and can eat it, too.

Or just, turn off the ABS each time you start up the bike . . . In the future, this mod might make you loose lots of money, unless you decide to use this bike as solely a track bike

Not sure what you mean about the money.

As for turning it off every time, you're missing the point. Not only do I not want the ABS to function, but I also want a better feel and more consistent friction point out of the brakes. With the ABS, I don't get a consistent feel. I wouldn't call them mushy, but they are no where close to where they should be with the quality of components on this machine.  I also want to shed the extra weight and clutter from under the tank.

Even if I was fine keeping things the same and simply wanted to disable the ABS, I would have to do something. I guess I wouldn't HAVE to, but it's a huge PITA to scroll through the entire menu every startup. Especially on a ride where I might simply kill the engine for a few moments to wait for other riders to catch up.

I'll be watching your pioneering efforts. A lot of folk have said the ABS was mushy compared to standard and Monsters by original design were minimalist bikes. Galluzzi said "a motor, two wheels and a tank for fuel".

Resale value.

Make the mod reversable for resale. If required get anothrr ECU for reflashing.

I think that koko is giving good advice, and to start the process just unplug the sucker and see what happens!

 Simple answer. Unplug the ABS module will result in no speedometer register. The bike will start / run without a problem. You'll get no speed indication. I bypassed the ABS module years ago on my 12' 1100EVO. Now the unanswered question is can the ABS module be bypassed with a jumper to recover speed sensor operation. 

How's it going?

Any updates?

I've never had issues with front brake feel on my evo. The key is to do the following mod.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2555/32842256451_e8c5744e1e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/S3a9CT)

Essentially the biggest issue i have noticed is that the abs controller tends to trap bubbles. It's the high point of the rear brake system and the midpoint of the front brake.

If you install banjo bleeders, they will still fit below the tank and allow you an extra bleed point in the future.

That said, this only works for improving brake feel.  If you are looking to remove all chances of abs activation, then this experiment is still an option.