What to Do If the Motorcycle ABS Light Stays On?

[MollyDella]

Check the wiring connection between the wheel speed sensor and the ABS control unit. Inspect the installation gap and position of the wheel speed sensor and the tone ring, as well as any contamination by dust or debris. Check if the wheel bearing gap is too large. Sensor malfunction: If the ABS warning light comes on while riding, it will cause all four wheels to lock up during emergency braking, meaning the ABS system does not function at all.

[MacLila]

I've been riding motorcycles for over a decade and have encountered the ABS light staying on several times. The most common cause is the wheel speed sensors getting clogged with mud, especially after riding in the rain. You can check the sensor positions on both front and rear wheels yourself, gently cleaning them with a toothbrush dipped in cleaner. If the light remains after cleaning, it might be a wiring issue or the sensor could actually be damaged. I remember last time I went on a long trip, the light came on right after leaving the city, and I stubbornly rode all the way to my destination before fixing it – almost skidded during an emergency brake halfway. Really don't recommend delaying repairs, the difference between ABS and regular braking is significant, especially dangerous on wet roads during rainy days.

[DiWalker]

Hey buddy, my ABS light was also constantly on last month! I checked it myself and found the front wheel sensor was completely clogged with iron filings. Using a magnet to remove them fixed it immediately. However, if cleaning doesn't solve the issue, it's likely a wiring problem—check if the wire from the sensor to the chassis has been worn through by the wheel. If you can't figure it out yourself, head to the garage quickly to connect a diagnostic tool and read the fault codes. Remember, when the ABS light is on, the rear wheels are the most dangerous. Once, my rear wheels locked up completely when I braked during a turn. Nowadays, repair skills are pretty good; replacing an OEM sensor only costs around 200 bucks, which is way cheaper than crashing.

[DiGage]

The most common issue I encounter when repairing motorcycles is the ABS light staying on. Remember, if this light stays on, it means the system has detected a fault, and riding directly is very dangerous. First, perform a simple check yourself: lift the bike and spin the front and rear wheels to listen for any abnormal noises near the sensors; check if the four sensor plugs are loose; feel the wiring insulation to see if it's damaged. If none of these are the issue, there's a 90% chance the sensor needs to be replaced. By the way, improper modification of the rims or changing brake pads can also trigger the fault light—seven out of ten of my clients have damaged their systems this way. If all else fails, use a multimeter to measure the sensor's resistance, which should normally be between 1.0-1.5kΩ.