1200GS-Specific Charger!!!

[gavin]

There's an interesting thread on BMW Sport Touring.com regarding the battery charger for the 1200, it would appear that it doesn't work as it's supposed to, in as much that it won't float/maintain the battery. http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthrea...418684&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=7&fpart=1

 

[chasr]

Very interesting. I'm not convinced, though. I had problems which were traced to (probably) a duff battery. Since then, the new battery, reloaded bike software & GS charger have worked perfectly. Moreover, I have observed the red hazard light illuminate briefly well outside the 15 minute period when on the maintenace charge.

 

[gavin]

Very interesting. I'm not convinced, though. I had problems which were traced to (probably) a duff battery. Since then, the new battery, reloaded bike software & GS charger have worked perfectly. Moreover, I have observed the red hazard light illuminate briefly well outside the 15 minute period when on the maintenace charge.

Chasr, the charger does indeed charge the battery, but what the guys have found is that once the battery is fully charged the bikes brain switches the acc. socket off, and it does not appear to turn back on when the voltage from the battery drops' hence it does not go into a float/maintenace mode.

 

[chasr]

Yes, I understood that, although, if I read correctly, one of the correspondents seemed to think that it did work as advertised. That's why I said I 'observed the red hazard light illuminate briefly well outside the 15 minute period.' If the acc. socket is switched off, and doesn't turn back on, then how can the hazard light flash?

That said, it's a while ago, & I can barely remember things that happened yesterday, so I wouldn't swear to my recollection.

Might be worth an email to BMW UK.

 

[Richard Fuell]

Optimate

I am getting conflicting reports.

Some say an optimate causes problems with the iCAN BUS - but two dealers I have spoke to have both recommended this.

Anybody know the truth?

 

[chasr]

Richard,

There's another thread just below which talks about this. If you use the search on this forum you'll find plenty of information. In summary, BMW say you can use an Optimate, but disconnect the battery first. Apparently, if the Optimate is in desulphinate mode, the voltage could harm the GS electronics. Moreover, you can't use an Optimate through the accessory socket.

Frankly, although it's a lot of money, especially if you (like me) already have an Optimate, £65 is a lot less than paying BMW to repair your GS after you've fried the elctronics by not sticking to the manual - which is quite specific on this subject.