Battery/charger

This is a forum for the 1200GS; a machine that is known for unique and bizarre behaviour when it comes to batteries and chargers. You might get more valuable (and prompt) advice on the forum for your machine.

Well Fred. As you know I've got no problem with the BMW charger or bike. I don't find it in the least bizzare - works as it should.

Instead of always sniping at anyone who prefers to use the BMW charger, why don't you just get your bike (or charger) fixed?

You too can then share the joys of the charger and bike working in harmony. :nenau
 
I have, during my numerous trips to two nearby dealers, repeatedly asked if they can resolve the issue that I have with the BMW charger. As I have mentioned, the response has been along the lines of "they all do that". The dealer I bought the charger from is several days ride away and are confident it is working as they would expect- that is, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, and as in their view it's the bike's fault and not the charger they're not inclined to provide a refund, although they have been very helpful.

If you do a small amount of searching you will find countless posts on several forums about the issues I refer to. Are all these posters imagining it? Or are they all me, posting under other identities and in some cases in different languages?

I am pleased for you that your unit works to specification. We hear you, repeatedly. And it should, for the price of it and for the price of the bike it plugs into. Mine does not, and I have learned to live with it but feel it's reasonable to suggest to fellow 1200GS riders a cost-effective and efficient way of avoiding aforementioned problems, should they raise a query in that regard. My last post was addressing someone who was using an Optimate on an 1150 so I'm surprised you felt you had to pipe up. Taking your position, I should tell the chap with the rusty and broken final drive that mine is OK so his must be too. All the folk with transmission leaks should be told they're imagining it too, because mine's fine.

If you don't like my posts, the answer is simple- don't read them.
 
I have, during my numerous trips to two nearby dealers, repeatedly asked if they can resolve the issue that I have with the BMW charger. As I have mentioned, the response has been along the lines of "they all do that". The dealer I bought the charger from is several days ride away and are confident it is working as they would expect- that is, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, and as in their view it's the bike's fault and not the charger they're not inclined to provide a refund, although they have been very helpful.

If you do a small amount of searching you will find countless posts on several forums about the issues I refer to. Are all these posters imagining it? Or are they all me, posting under other identities and in some cases in different languages?

I am pleased for you that your unit works to specification. We hear you, repeatedly. And it should, for the price of it and for the price of the bike it plugs into. Mine does not, and I have learned to live with it but feel it's reasonable to suggest to fellow 1200GS riders a cost-effective and efficient way of avoiding aforementioned problems, should they raise a query in that regard. My last post was addressing someone who was using an Optimate on an 1150 so I'm surprised you felt you had to pipe up. Taking your position, I should tell the chap with the rusty and broken final drive that mine is OK so his must be too. All the folk with transmission leaks should be told they're imagining it too, because mine's fine.

If you don't like my posts, the answer is simple- don't read them.


Yes your right I shouldn' t read you posts - I can't stand people who whinge on about a subject or issue but won't take the necessary steps to to get it fixed.

Sorted with the ignore feature now in operation - first use.:D:D
 
I went switch the bike on this morning and got the dreaded 'clicking'. Double sods-law is that my warranty expired yesterday...so im in serious need of some advice:

* is the battery knackered and in need of rplacement? .. or
* does the battery simply need recharged?

I havnt been on the bike for near two weeks but i 'turned it over' last saturday (dont ask me why tho, just thought that it would be a 'good' thing to do:nenau as long as I didnt let the engine heat up)

If the advice is to 'get a new battery' then which one is recommended?

or

If the advice is to charge it up, then what charger do you recommend (Optimate, BMW job or other??)

Thanks again

PS- and the third whammy is that I was really looking for a spin today :(
 
It would seem the majority of folk who use/need a charger here use an Optimate, with good results. As Wilbjr21 said on another thread the Accumate is also a good unit, (especially if you have a "classic" as it will also provide 6V). There's also the BMW unit but it is a lot more costly; is really only designed for Canbus machines with the Powerlet socket, and it seems to have a spotty record as far as functioning as intended.
If you go for a non-BM charger (and that's what I would do without hesitation) fit pigtails directly to the battery terminals so you can connect the unit quickly without having to pop the seat off. Yuasa, C-Tek and Acumen also make decent bike chargers.
 
Wellgot back after my 3 weeks away, my 12GS was plugged into an Optimate, both green lights were on. My bike fired up first time as if it were the middle of summer.:thumb:D:thumb
I am absolutely sure that if i had not put it on charge I would have come back to the sound if silence!!!!!!!

My wifes Honda Hornet (and my zzr600 with alarm/immob) have not been touched for 6 weeks - both turned over very quickly, altouugh they took a bit to fire!!!
 
I went switch the bike on this morning and got the dreaded 'clicking'. Double sods-law is that my warranty expired yesterday...so im in serious need of some advice:

* is the battery knackered and in need of rplacement? .. or
* does the battery simply need recharged?

I havnt been on the bike for near two weeks but i 'turned it over' last saturday (dont ask me why tho, just thought that it would be a 'good' thing to do:nenau as long as I didnt let the engine heat up)

If the advice is to 'get a new battery' then which one is recommended?

or

If the advice is to charge it up, then what charger do you recommend (Optimate, BMW job or other??)

Thanks again

PS- and the third whammy is that I was really looking for a spin today :(
After you've deep discharged your battery its generally fairly knackered. If it were me, I'd charge it up just to get you going. I'd also ask BMW for a FOC battery given that you're only a day out of warranty.

If however BMW aren't feeling charitable and you have to pay out of your own pocket, the wisdom of this site seems to suggest that an Odyssey is the way to go.
 
Decided to get the optimate (39 quid off ebay including postage :thumb2)

Stuck it onto the battery and immediately got the 'yellow' light (which indicates 'battery discharged but charging normally charging).

so....

......ill know in 12hrs time if I get a 'green' ('battery charged and ready for use) light.

Fingers crossed!!!

PS - I never had this problem with my r1100r!!!
 
I went switch the bike on this morning and got the dreaded 'clicking'. :(

I had the same happen with my 06 GS12 at 04.45 last Sunday Morning when i was on my way to the Isle Of Wight for the day.I just put the jump leads on from my car and started the bike.Rode as far as Oxford and fuelled up,bike re-started ok.Rode down to Lymington to get the Ferry,Bike was fine,and gave no problems during the day despite several stops.Have i done something stupid that will come back to cost me ?
 
I woke up to see two beautiful green lights on my optimate :-)

Looks like the battery has retained its charge but time will tell I suppose.

Because im a complete tosser, ill wait for the weather to improve before taking her out (its blowing a gale here at the moment and the forecast is for snow bbbrrrr)
 
I woke up to see two beautiful green lights on my optimate :-)

Looks like the battery has retained its charge but time will tell I suppose.

Because im a complete tosser, ill wait for the weather to improve before taking her out (its blowing a gale here at the moment and the forecast is for snow bbbrrrr)

Actually,Bob,a Complete Tosser will be riding year round.If you are waiting for the weather to improve,then you are actually a lightweight wuss. Just like me !! :thumb
 


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