1200GS BATTERY CHARGER

[Eng]

Hi Guys,
just took delivery of my new 1200 yesterday, but have not bought a specific charger. Do I need to keep it on a charger when in regular use? I understand that I can't use my optimate through the socket, but would it work if I put a seperate loom direct to the terminals?
Cheers
Eng

 

[Dave T]

Hi Eng, my 1200 is in regular use and hasn't needed optimate or similar in the last 12 months. I think optimate across the battery terminals is fine (even with the CanBus) - that's what I'd do if I was leaving mine for any length of time, but I'm sure if you use the search facility on this site you'll find plenty of info and debate. Failing that, I'm sure someone else will be along shortly with their 2p!
Dave.
PS. Enjoy your new bike!

 

[John Armstrong]

My £0.02.

Used the same dumb £20 trickle charger on a 54 reg 1200 GS, 05 1150 GS and 07 1200 GSA. It's worked with all of them.

The current 07 GSA even lets me connect the charger and for it to charge the battery without the ignition on etc etc malarkey. Got mine from Motobins IIRC, even came with the right plug for the accessory socket

 

[Eastriding2002]

I use my Optimate on my 1200 connected to the battery and plugged in whenever it's not in use.

 

[jlabro]

CTEK for me....

Just great !!

 

[ampthill]

Hi Guys,
just took delivery of my new 1200 yesterday, but have not bought a specific charger. Do I need to keep it on a charger when in regular use? I

No need to keep a charger on it if in reasonably regular use. I am still on the original battery, and as I bought it in May 04 it is one of the earliest models, and it has never failed to start on the button ( I fear I may live to regret those words...)

In fact the only time I have used an Optimate was with the previous BMW. Used to use an Optimate with that but with that attached the battery had to be replaced twice within a year. Personally I think these Optimates and the like cause more problems than they solve, but then that's my experience, yours may be different.

Peter

 

[gavin@iow]

No need to keep a charger on it if in reasonably regular use. I am still on the original battery, and as I bought it in May 04 it is one of the earliest models, and it has never failed to start on the button ( I fear I may live to regret those words...)

In fact the only time I have used an Optimate was with the previous BMW. Used to use an Optimate with that but with that attached the battery had to be replaced twice within a year. Personally I think these Optimates and the like cause more problems than they solve, but then that's my experience, yours may be different.

Peter

Mine's an '04 model (June), original battery, 12,000 miles. As it's not in use every day, i periodically charge it via the socket (BMW charger), but do not need to use the ign on, plug in etc sequence stated in the manual.

 

[mark71]

It seems unlike you lot I have had a flat battery several times and I know this is because I am a fairweather rider when I can afford to be but I connected the aux socket straight to the battery via a 10amp fuse just like the 1150 used to be and leave the optimate connectedall the time and as to yet have had no problems at all.

So there, and before you all say I know it invalidates my warranty but as a factory trained mechanic I dont care.