Charging/maintaining your GS over winter...

[(RIP) john plane]

Do they still sell trabants in this country

 

[Palerider]

You'd think so!! They just come with a German badge !!!

 

[Ollie GBR]

You'd think so!! They just come with a German badge !!!

Now, lets get back to the question in hand
The BMW manual specifically states, (but them admittedly contradicts itself), that, 'Charging the connected battery directly at the battery terminals can damage the vehicle electronics. Always disconnect the battery from the on-board circuits before recharging it with a charger connected directly to the battery posts.'
It also goes on to reference the float charger designed for the onboard electrics etc......

I like to err on the side of caution when expensive electrics are involved. What happens if/when I disconnect the battery? Do I loose anything other than the clock?
Is there anybody willing to put their hand up and say they use a CANBus friendly float charger?

Cheers
Ollie.
First owner of GS in the street

 

[Micky]

I can't get my head around 'laying up the bike for winter'

Just keep riding it

Winter is when a lot the best riding is IMO

Shep

Sir, the first pint's on me

I couldn't have put it better myself matie

We have the roads to ourselves, no power rangers slowing us down, the cafe's'n pubs are pleased to see us for a spot o' lunch, anyone we meet on another motorcycle is a like minded 'tosser'

Yeah... some of the best riding is to be had in winter



www.adventure.gs

 

[Gabby]

I can't get my head around 'laying up the bike for winter'

Just keep riding it

Winter is when a lot the best riding is IMO

Shep

Agreed - who the hell does that that owns a GS

Get a Harley - they lay up for winter (and summer) very well.

 

[Micky]

Yeah... we have the roads to ourselves

 

[North]

I have a Battery Tender Junior.

http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_3

For those who don't see why you should charge your battery. It is done to make it last longer. I am not an Electrical Engineer, so I can not properly explain why, but batteries like to be kept at a constant charge. A battery tender can extend your battery life by 300 %.

I have had my bike for 3 years and 4 months and it has the original stock battery. And I ride my bike all year round. If I am not riding it, it's plugged in to the Battery Tender.

 

[Ollie GBR]

Ta

 

[Gabby]

I have a Battery Tender Junior.

http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11_3

For those who don't see why you should charge your battery. It is done to make it last longer. I am not an Electrical Engineer, so I can not properly explain why, but batteries like to be kept at a constant charge. A battery tender can extend your battery life by 300 %.

I have had my bike for 3 years and 4 months and it has the original stock battery. And I ride my bike all year round. If I am not riding it, it's plugged in to the Battery Tender.

I have had my bike for 3 years and 6 months and it has the orginal stock battery. And I ride my bike all year round. If I am not ridding it, it's not plugged into a Battery Tender.........

 

[GSmonkey]

Just optimate it - no problem.

 

[Ozbiker]

Come out here to Oz - best time to ride is winter

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Oh....and horizontal snow/sleat/freezing fog/hailstones

Thought you lived in the Outer Hebrides, not Milton Keynes.

 

[Wapping]

Now, lets get back to the question in hand
The BMW manual specifically states, (but them admittedly contradicts itself), that, 'Charging the connected battery directly at the battery terminals can damage the vehicle electronics. Always disconnect the battery from the on-board circuits before recharging it with a charger connected directly to the battery posts.'
It also goes on to reference the float charger designed for the onboard electrics etc......

I like to err on the side of caution when expensive electrics are involved. What happens if/when I disconnect the battery? Do I loose anything other than the clock?
Is there anybody willing to put their hand up and say they use a CANBus friendly float charger?

Cheers
Ollie.
First owner of GS in the street

I use an Optimate 24/7/365 connected to my 06 registered 1200GSA. I have had no problems at all. I did the same with my 04 registered vanilla GS, again without any problems.

However, if you want a dedicated BuMW charger, the sort you can just plug into the auxiliary socket, I will sell you one for 20% off retail price plus. It is in perfect condition.

Let me know.

 

[Gabby]

I use an Optimate 24/7/365 connected to my 06 registered 1200GSA. I have had no problems at all. I did the same with my 04 registered vanilla GS, again without any problems.

However, if you want a dedicated BuMW charger, the sort you can just plug into the auxiliary socket, I will sell you one for 20% off retail price plus. It is in perfect condition.

Let me know.

How many pound notes?:cool