Charging question.......

[MotoRevive]

The charging socket is not just a direct connection to battery. That hasn't been the case since the LC. The 1300 is still quite new to all workshops but from my experience, it has a BDC control unit which could be replacing the GM module for socket management.

The bike can turn this socket on and off and will do for protection. It can detect charging and discharging.

Your ignition should be turned off before you fettle with any wiring. Unless you're testing circuit and know what you're doing. That's a solid rule across the board of any electrical work.

If you're really concerned, then get a diagnosis maintenance charger. Which is what I and a dealer would use when performing software updates or working when a live ignition is required..They're about £150 and will supply a controlled 13V supply whilst you work on the bike with the ignition on.

 

[MotoRevive]

I don't think they're particularly temperamental. Just as robust as a standard agm battery really, they just have a slightly different charging requirements.
Good luck on all the bluetooth connections though. That can be a complicated world figuring out who wants to connect before who lol. Fun though

The LI batteries on the 1300 cost £500. They have their own bespoke circuitry and can not be replaced by an aftermarket or lead acid without an expensive adaptation kit and reprogramming.

The terminals snap off if you tighten them more than 4nm. Which is not a lot at all.

There are all sorts of issues with LI. And they require specialist care and charging. They're awful in cold weather too.

They are a long way off being as robust and trouble free than a lead acid.

But they are considerably lighter. And now for the rest of the bike's life, the owner will be tied into paying £500 for a replacement that only BMW can sell you.

For me, it's absolutely not worth the weight saving. But for the majority of people who have their bike on two year PCP rotation, it's a none issue.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

The LI batteries on the 1300 cost £500. They have their own bespoke circuitry and can not be replaced by an aftermarket or lead acid without an expensive adaptation kit and reprogramming.

The terminals snap off if you tighten them more than 4nm. Which is not a lot at all.

There are all sorts of issues with LI. And they require specialist care and charging. They're awful in cold weather too.

They are a long way off being as robust and trouble free than a lead acid.

But they are considerably lighter. And now for the rest of the bike's life, the owner will be tied into paying £500 for a replacement that only BMW can sell you.

For me, it's absolutely not worth the weight saving. But for the majority of people who have their bike on two year PCP rotation, it's a none issue.

Hell.
I tend to keep my bikes. I wonder if i can spec it to have a normal lead/acid battery, which ive never had any issues with. I agree about the weight.

 

[MotoRevive]

Hell.
I tend to keep my bikes. I wonder if i can spec it to have a normal lead/acid battery, which ive never had any issues with. I agree about the weight.

A lead acid battery version is a spec you can request when your order your bike from new. I think it's actually cheaper too. Which is why you won't have been offered it

You will be able to retrofit the bike to lead acid. Loom changes, programming etc. But It won't be cheap.

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

A lead acid battery version is a spec you can request when your order your bike from new. I think it's actually cheaper too. Which is why you won't have been offered it

You will be able to retrofit the bike to lead acid. Loom changes, programming etc. But It won't be cheap.

Ill be on the phone. . . .

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

A lead acid battery version is a spec you can request when your order your bike from new. I think it's actually cheaper too. Which is why you won't have been offered it

You will be able to retrofit the bike to lead acid. Loom changes, programming etc. But It won't be cheap.

If it is literally just the weight that makes this new battery a bonus ? It's ridiculous.

 

[MotoRevive]

The design brief of the 1300 was to make it as light as possible. Because it's ridiculous and unrealistic stats that sell bikes. 9/10 of these batteries will survive the PCP./warranty. That's all that matters to any manufacturer.

And now you're even more tied to your dealer with an expensive umbilical cord. Because they're the only ones who can sell you the £500 replacement. And when it goes wrong, no one else will want to touch it.

And now you're thinking: 'How can I risk riding anywhere when my warranty and BMW roadside assistance runs out.

Don't worry.. BMW can sell you an extended warranty too.

 

[Smartbazza]

Interesting.
So, My service manager, whom I've known for a very long time has given me false information? I was informed they stored information if they had been discharged, The reason was for warranty?

His comment is correct. They were able to look at this data each time I had power problems.

Barry

 

[MotoRevive]

His comment is correct. They were able to look at this data each time I had power problems.

Barry

That's interesting. I was working in a main dealer earlier this year. We had a 1300 with endless battery issues and there was so such facility on our diagnostic system. Although I wasn't directly involved in this job so I can't be absolutely sure.

There must have been an update in the diagnostic software since then.

With new technology and models, there is always a delay with workshop catching up.

I have the genuine BMW ISTA next software now. I just need a 1300 to plug into to explore this further.

 

[Smartbazza]

Hi MR and Onahi. Now I’m not an expert so only going on my experience.

The first time my bike failed Germany was able to tell them , I believe thru diag software that when I plugged my lithium optimate into the accessory socket (despite NN supplying the lead for this) the bike / battery saw this as a problem thus it fully discharged itself.

The third breakdown they were able to tell me it was an under lying problem with the battery from the first issue, read thru the diagnostics.

The chaps behind the service desk in my dealers are a super helpful team and are very open if you have a problem.

Barry

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

Hi MR and Onahi. Now I’m not an expert so only going on my experience.

The first time my bike failed Germany was able to tell them , I believe thru diag software that when I plugged my lithium optimate into the accessory socket (despite NN supplying the lead for this) the bike / battery saw this as a problem thus it fully discharged itself.

The third breakdown they were able to tell me it was an under lying problem with the battery from the first issue, read thru the diagnostics.

The chaps behind the service desk in my dealers are a super helpful team and are very open if you have a problem.

Barry

Hi Bazza
I used the original white BMW charger from 2015, with no issues at all. I've since sold my LC, and bought the new R12GSA. (Collection march 1st) I sold that charger, because its not compatible with the new R13 lightweight battery. This is after lots of coffee's talking to a friend who is the dealership service manager. I was advised, that the batteries have memory within its software, to monitor its history. For their Warranty claims more than anything. So, I purchased the new Black BMW charger, from them, To charge and maintain the new bike. So, Ref all that charging etc etc Im pretty certain all is good.
My question was Having the ignition on, whilst tinkering. Sat nav, Settings etc etc Or fully charging, and then unplugging, then turn on and work. Im sure I read somewhere here, that there a reason that you MUST unplug the charger, if the ignition is on?

 

[Smartbazza]

I haven’t tried powering the bike up whilst it’s plugged in. Might try it…

Barry

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

I haven’t tried powering the bike up whilst it’s plugged in. Might try it…

Barry

I'm sure it will turn on and all be fine, Just don't know if it can cause any long-term damage to the Lithium battery?

 

[TaskMule]

A lead acid battery version is a spec you can request when your order your bike from new. I think it's actually cheaper too. Which is why you won't have been offered it

You will be able to retrofit the bike to lead acid. Loom changes, programming etc. But It won't be cheap.

Asked my Motorrad tech about this . Switching from Li to regular AGM battery is a straight swap. He has done several on the 1250 and one on the 1300. Both bikes use the same power distribution modules, nothing new or mysterious on the 1300. He didn't explain exactly what the small 3rd connection plug on the Li battery does but when switching to AGM this plug has a small cap installed as per their service instructions

 

[MotoRevive]

Interesting. And great to know.
I should imagine there would need to be changes to the vehicle order (programming session) to let the control module know.

I'm not totally convinced it's just a case of swapping a battery. But again, I've never had to do one yet so I don't know.

I was told by my 'ex' team that a different loom and parts were required. And that's what they told the customer who was having issues with his li.

Then again, they didn't anything else right so why would they be right about that.

And why I don't work there anymore.

 

[fizzer]

so can a 1300 with a lithium battery get a jump start from the likes of a car with a lead acid battery.

 

[MotoRevive]

so can a 1300 with a lithium battery get a jump start from the likes of a car with a lead acid battery.

As a general rule. No

They're too sensitive to voltage spikes, unbalanced currents etc.

Although it may work, you could be doing a lot of damage to your battery.

Although most have protective circuitry, I wouldn't risk it.

 

[fizzer]

As a general rule. No

They're too sensitive to voltage spikes, unbalanced currents etc.

Although it may work, you could be doing a lot of damage to your battery.

Although most have protective circuitry, I wouldn't risk it.

ok thanks

 

[Deleted account 250319001]

Interesting. And great to know.
I should imagine there would need to be changes to the vehicle order (programming session) to let the control module know.

I'm not totally convinced it's just a case of swapping a battery. But again, I've never had to do one yet so I don't know.

I was told by my 'ex' team that a different loom and parts were required. And that's what they told the customer who was having issues with his li.

Then again, they didn't anything else right so why would they be right about that.

And why I don't work there anymore.

You've mentioned this. "Absolutely No. You cant change the battery, without major Loom works costing Lots"
Where exactly are you getting this from? I've now been told, Its literally change the battery" by me dealer.

 

[pbbanks]

Lithium batteries have different charge \float voltages to lead acid batteries & that is why you have to have a specific charger for the lithium battery. And why you set the BMW charger to lithium mode.
So, I assume if the bikes battery is changed to lead acid that the bike has to also be set so it knows to charge it correctly??. Or by software changes done by the dealer??.
That may be by the plug mentioned early into the lead disconnected from the lithium battery?? Or just simply by the action of that lead not being connected to the lithium battery.
As regards jump starting from another bike or battery it should be fine so long as the normal procedures for connecting the jump leads are followed, (connect positive lead to bike battery first followed by the negative) to avoid sparks and spikes.