Converting a 6th Gen to ABS?

Good evening all. For a start, please don't tell me to sell it and buy another one that has ABS...

Ok, I have got an '05 model in really nice condition, with full luggage. I'm in Australia. I have struggled long and hard to buy it, and am struggling to keep it, so am not going to get rid of it. BUT I would like to slowly collect the bits needed to convert to ABS. So I have a couple of questions:

Electrical:
Is the electrical part of the ABS system separate to the main ECU? Can the ABS system be "added" or do I need to change ECU, HISS etc as well?

Mechanical:
As far as I can reckon, the different parts are; front right disc, something on the rear disc area, ABS pump, piping, sensors and wiring etc. Is there anything that I have missed?

I am patient and don't mind collecting bits over a year or so. Assuming that I can find the bits etc, is the effort (which I am prepared to put in) worth it?

TIA

 

I think it's gonna be a tough road collecting all the parts that you need. I'm assuming that you are planning to buy used items from wreckers? I've been searching for a used ECU for awhile and nothing seems to come up. I know that from place in the US the ECU new is $500 so I imagine that converting to ABS may be a bit costly.

I'm sending no rain on your parade....I too like to take on a challenge (have a look at my photo's, you'll see what I mean!).

I don't have the info that you are looking for unfortunately but I do wish you the best of luck!:smile:

Keep us posted as to how your search is going.

Cheers!

 

This was discussed on the V-Strom forum I frequent as it pertains to converting a non-ABS V-Strom to ABS and I would expect the VFR to be in the same boat.

The number of parts and subsystems that you would need to collect and install would pretty much make it cost prohibitive. The concensus there was that the owner would come out WAY ahead by selling his existing bike and buying an ABS model.

Like TrickyGirl I'm not trying to discourage you, just being realistic.

 

Win buddy... You will need the ABS control module, a new wiring harness (sensors and because it's integrated into the ECU and instrument cluster), a bunch of plumbing, a new instrument cluster (abs light). To get an idea of how much plumbing, with the seat lifted, the area to the front right of the bike which on yours should be kinda hollow will be FULL of plumbing and bits. The ABS bikes have gold colored calipers but don't think they are different. If they are, then.... you know. The ABS ring should just be bolt on.

If you can find yourself a wreck and transfer over all the bits I think it would be the most cost efficient... providing it works.

I will say that the ABS system on this thing rocks. I have hit it a couple of times on wet pavement on purpose. I just wish Honda used the same system in their cars rather than the thump thump pedal kind. It kinda reminds me of the Bosch system used in higher end vehicles.

 

Thanks to all for their replies. Jasonsmith in particular has provided the vital information; a new wiring harness. So I take it that the entire harness has to be replaced...? That's a real surprise to me as I am used to my Landrover, where the harness has every wire used by all models, so any addition is just a matter of plugging the part in then telling the ECU to recognise it. If I basically have to strip and reassemble most of the bike, then MD is right, I AM NUTS!

So it looks like this concept is dead.

Thanks.