Should I remove my ABS for Racing?

[Choppa]

I notice ALL top race teams remove the abs system, maybe they dont remove the pump but they run the brake lines direct.

I have a Brembo RCS 18/19 or whatever they are, the best possible so called WSBK brembo pads and good race fluid not a high silicone as its apparently not good in the ABS. I cant comment what it is as its all prepared for me.

Im having Brake fade problems on really just one of our tracks. I want to remove the ABS but my manager wants so concrete evidence on why this is a good idea. I dont see why its a bad idea if I dont use it anyway its worth a shot.

Im sorta clutching at straws, mainly its the fact if Alpha sell the kit its probably for a very good reason.

BTW I dont have the ABS turned on. Also its a pain in the ass for a head stock stand....

Can anyone help from personal experience or does anyone know some limitations of running with the pump even switched off?

If the pump fails is it fail safe or fail dead?

[randomwalker]

It's a good idea if you want to save a bit of weight and want to be able to slide the tires without the ABS kicking in. That's my guess.

[1000RR]

PM TJ over at Riders Discount. On their race bike they disconnected the ABS, put some kind of plate on it too... not sure they took the whole thing out though.

[viperclaw]

I've seen the guys from Lee's Cycle take theirs apart--the pump--but it can cause problems. If the bike needs to be programmed or you change to the Race ECU kit whoever tries to program it will have a very difficult time. It throws all kinds of codes (if the "pump" part is removed from the black "electronics" part) and the programming computer usually won't program until those codes are not there. That usually means plugging is an "good" ABS pump--just the electronics not the plumbing--in order to program/update it.

I believe they went with just removing the "plumbing" and leaving the unit plugged in. The thing is only 5lbs so you are not going to save a lot of weight.

You can call Lee's and see what they did as well. They are pretty good guys.

[Choppa]

I have the race ECU but I dont intend to remove the pump just the plumbing.

[Kowalski]

I've done it. It's really a feel thing.

When you squeeze the lever with the normal set-up the fluid has to make it's way through a lot of brake line and of course the ABS accumulator which I guess has all kinds of plungers and diaphragms inside. It basically feels, to me, like having really rubbish rubber hoses rather than braided lines.

If you have the race ECU you can go ahead and remove the pump (replace with alpha racing plate), after removing the lines this is just one more small step. I don't have the race ECU (yet! :P) so the pump needs to stay but be blanked off. If any one needs the details on this then feel free to send me a PM.

I'd say it's most useful if you run really aggressive pads and/or you like to run deeeep into the corner on the brake, then you need as much feel as you can get. That said, it gives the rear brake a ton more power.

[Aaron88]

@kowalski - PM Sent!

[racrx451]

I ditched mine... Although I didn't race mine with the abs I just don't like that the rear engages with the front...