A few questions from a [very] green GS owner

[Ollie GBR]

I've picked myself up a secondhand 2008 GS, and after scouting through the manuals and playing with the bike, I'm come up with a few questions;

1. There appears to be a U-Lock mount under the pillion seat, yet it's un-accessable
2. I have a BMW Alarm fitted, and a few hours after arming it, it appears to be no longer active (To re-activate I have to turn on ignition, turn off ignition and re-activate alarm).
3. Do I really need the BMW battery charger
4. I have an Autocom system, what's the best way to get power, (I've read a little on the CAN-Bus, but TBH, don't quite understand it fully)
5. The cables around the ESA look awefully exposed, is there a method of protecting them

I'm sure there'll be other questions, (haven't even managed to ride the bike yet).

Cheers
Ollie

 

[EggChaser]

Can answer 1 - An Abus U lock fits there - just the U part the shackle/lock parts gets strapped across just in front (under the seat)

I think if u search site for Abus u will probably find some more info

 

[swissrob]

1.the u lock slides under the seat and the locking bit sits in the tool tray.
2. no idea dont have the alarm
3. if u want to charge it thru the power socket then yes - alternative is to connect a lead directly to the battery and have it exit in the same area as the original power socket.
4. a switched live or direct from the battery. canbus is regulated power supply so there anre no fuses on the bike - the computer turns the power off if there is a problem.
5. u can use self amalgamating tape if u feel the need, but i guess there isnt really any need as the rain doesnt get to that area while driving, but if the bike is parked out in the rain then different story.

im no expert by any means and this is just what i have picked up from reading things on this site recently - enjoy your new bike and 1 of your first buys should be a set of hepco & becker engine bars - you will drop the bike one day and they will save damaging the engine heads

 

[gipsymagpie]

1. There appears to be a U-Lock mount under the pillion seat, yet it's un-accessable

Not unaccessible. Nippy Normans have the right one. The "U" goes under the seat and the "bar" goes with the tool kit (I think).

2. I have a BMW Alarm fitted, and a few hours after arming it, it appears to be no longer active (To re-activate I have to turn on ignition, turn off ignition and re-activate alarm).

How do you mean "active". Not what happens with me. Put it on its stay on.

3. Do I really need the BMW battery charger

Nah. I have an Optimate hardwired to battery with no problems.

4. I have an Autocom system, what's the best way to get power, (I've read a little on the CAN-Bus, but TBH, don't quite understand it fully)

Use this forum to find wiring diagram. I went through back of accesory socket.

5. The cables around the ESA look awefully exposed, is there a method of protecting them

Sadly not on a 54 reg bike so dunno!

I'm sure there'll be other questions, (haven't even managed to ride the bike yet). Once you ride you won't be able to stop!

Cheers
Ollie[/QUOTE]

 

[THE DOCTOR]

2. I have a BMW Alarm fitted, and a few hours after arming it, it appears to be no longer active (To re-activate I have to turn on ignition, turn off ignition and re-activate alarm).

Cheers
Ollie

My experience is once you arm it the alarm will remain armed, (a red light on the dash will confirm this).

If my bike isn't armed & the ignition has been off for a while it won't arm - I need to turn the ignition on - then off - then arm it.

 

[SonicTheHedgehog]

2. I have a BMW Alarm fitted, and a few hours after arming it, it appears to be no longer active (To re-activate I have to turn on ignition, turn off ignition and re-activate alarm).
3. Do I really need the BMW battery charger

2: I think I had something similar - the alarm is still active (but take the bike off the stand and rattle it around to be sure), but it can't flash the lights to show you it's deactivating; some CanBUS power oddity or similar. Mine was fixed in a software update along with other stuff, so check to see if you've one outstanding.
3. No. Just ride the thing!

 

[Ollie GBR]

Cheers Guys, got a lot to learn!