Sorry for the length of this guy’s but feel need to explain... I have a 2011rab which I have owned from almost new, bike was fantastic to ride and never had a problem with it other then the odd slow riding brake thing. Then last July on a round England bike trip an old guy in a car pulled out on us, I pulled front brake in but it came all the way to the bar without slowing me down much abs light started to flash jumped on the back brake and the rear wheel locked up. Needless to say I hit the car to add insult to injury even though he said he didn’t see us, because where I hit him the insurance company said it was my fault and I ended up having to pay for it. While the bike was away I phoned around complaining about what happened Honda dealer where I got the bike along with Honda uk, however they basically said that could not happen and I must have been mistaken. Bike came back all nice and repaired and all was well until the 8K service which I decided to take it to another Honda dealer to service it. After the service I was told there is a problem with the front brake, one of the pistons had a chip in it and it would need doing. As it was still in its warranty period it would be done free, booked it in for the following week. They had the bike most of the day when I got call to pick it up, was told that the abs is a pain to do (which I knew) but all was well. Took bike away and within a few roads I realised that there was an issue so turned round went back, they took it out and the issue was there so they took it back in to do. Got a cbr500 to use while they had it and after 7 times picking it up and returning it they seemed to have it sorted, took them over 50 hours in the workshop to sort. Two months of happy motoring later on a very wet Monday pulled the front lever in and nothing again, abs light flashing and the rear lever is solid even slightest pressure you could lock the rear wheel. Stopped turned bike off and then on and bike was ok for a few miles when it did it again, had to do this repeatedly just to get to work. Phoned the Honda dealer up who said that as now the bike was out of its two year warranty I gotta pay £280 lighter the bike seemed ok that is until it rains, now it can go funny anytime or not at all same thing though front brake lever all the way in and back wheel will lock. This only ever happens when its wet and bike is fine in dry. I can’t sell it as I couldn’t sell what I think is a death waiting to happen to someone who would know nothing. Now its coming up for its 12K service and the full brake fluid replace having phoned a few Honda dealers who claim to be able to do it correctly I have had prices from £239 for the service which includes the brake flush Guy claimed he could do it all in under 3hrs to £290 for the service not with the brake flush if I want the brake flush that costs an extra £380 on its own £670..wtf. Now I could do it myself however due to money grabbing ex I no longer have access to my workshop and I don’t really want to do this on the road outside the house, Is there anyone in southeast England that you guys know that can do this properly I don’t mind paying for a service just need this to be fixed in fact the way I feel about it I am willing to travel to get it fixed once and for all.
Can't comment on the ABS issues as thankfully (touch wood) I've had no problems with mine, but I have been quoted by my local Honda dealer for 2 hour's labour to change the brake fluid on my ABS bike - so about £90+VAT labour cost plus the cost of the fluid itself. Hope that helps.
Crewe is a bit too far I'd say Mac being as the OP lives in Kent! Give Arthur a ring Pete, he's a Genius with all things Blade and Bikes in general! A W Rudd Motorcycles DynoJet UK Dealer Performance Motorcycle Parts HM Quickshifters OZ Wheels BST Wheels Ohlins Brembo Akrapovic
lol - I was just trying to give him a better idea of the cost of a fluid change. As I was confused as he is until a few weeks ago
OP, please do yourself a favour and read the threads on this forum regarding ABS issues. Then get in touch with this guy at VOSA, who is conducting an investigation into ABS brake failures. Honda will never admit there is a design flaw/potential manufacturing flaws in this system. I have had multiple brake failures on my 2010 ABS. There are many more cases of the same issues. Please mate, do your self and others a favour and pursue this, eventually with incidents like yours someone can/will get seriously injured or worse. The VOSA guy is just begging for more evidence of brake failure issues. I cannot say anything more than that without potentially prejudicing an investigation. VOSA investigator Martin Ryder Automotive Engineer - Defect Investigation Tel. 0117 954 3486 [email protected] Also what dealer in Kent were you using when you reported it after the accident?
Oh ffs! I can't believe Hondas attitude to this crock of ****! they are gonna kill someone with this denial bullshit!! I feel for you Pete, I had the same issues but after 14 months id had enough and got rid of the bike with a new Finance agreement (Doh) Never been happier, that ABS-C system is not to be relied upon for daily riding in all weather conditions IMO. Having said all that I would Try Arthur as suggested, he seems a total legend and all round mechanical alchemist! If he is too far I have to admit that Doble did a good job eliminating the 1st ABS issue I had (only lasted 1yr and 8000 miles tho) Good Luck matey
I don't think so mate as he's quite open about it. Everyone entitled to earn a living mate Although to be on safe side - ill amend If you could also do the honours
