BMW battery charger for R1200GS

[Arthurwg]

I went to ride the other day and surprise! a dead battery. So I went to the BMW store to buy one of those new chargers they say I need, BMW #71 60 7 688 865. Guy behind the parts counter asks if the battery is dead. Then you have to disconnect it before you can charge it, and it must be connected at the terminals, not the accessory socket. And if you don't it will destroy the computer, which costs $500 to replace and will not be covered by warrenty if damaged while battery charging. Reading the instructions I see nothing like that. What should I do?

 

[walti]

Disconnect the battery and charge it at the terminals.

The UK instruction book basically tells you to disconnect the battery and charge it stand-alone unless you are just doing a routine trickle charge - with a BMW charger....

 

[Scoomacher]

I have too have suffered a flat battery and I used an Optimiser connected to the battery terminals. I didn't disconnect the battery. I have since had no ill effects. My dealer told me that the charger wouldn't work on the battery...but it did! I have just completed the same process again successfully. However I have also just bought a BMW charger to do the job from hereonin.

But guess what - when I get back home from buying the charger there is a recall notice on the door mat.......................to carry out a software improvement to stop the battery form going flat sooner than it should.

Maybe you need to consult your dealer to establish if your bike needs the software upgrade too. My bike was delivered last November by the way.

There is no doubt that the battery has been ready to go flat a bit too easily - something that is more evident in the Winter when I don't get out as often.

Cheers
Scoo