How to Trickle Charge !?

[MikeyFZS1]

Eyup, hope you can help me out with a trickle charging query ?!

I use an Optimate to trickle charge the batteries in my bikes, and would like to do the same with new ’04 1200 GS.

However, the owners manual says that I should use the power socket on the bike, or alternatively disconnect the battery from the bike if connecting a trickle charger direct to the terminals.

I can of course use the socket on the bike, but this means buying the socket adapter from Optimate – not the end of the world – but I’d sooner just connect a permanent Optimate lead (as I have one spare !) to the battery, therefore charging the battery whilst still connected to the bike

Any assistance appreciated.

Cheers,

Fletch

 

[Gonzo]

I used optimate with my 04 1200, using the permanently attached leads and all was fine. I believe others do too.

 

[ChasMill]

I used optimate with my 04 1200, using the permanently attached leads and all was fine. I believe others do too.

I still do and have done since I bought the bike three years ago. No issues what so ever.

 

[(RIP) maverick]

Leads directly fitted to the battery, charges fine over the last two years. Never used the accesory socket

 

[Owen Snell]

Used an Oxford Maximiser with the leads and 'waterproof' socket attached permanently to the battery. No problems charging, just the socket cap needs to be kept greased or it fills up with water.

 

[Mr K]

My 2004, owned only by me, from new, 1200GS is approaching 50,000 miles and I connect my Optimate across the battery in-situ - everything connected (alarm off) and is on the original battery.

 

[hooley]

Used an Oxford Maximiser with the leads and 'waterproof' socket attached permanently to the battery. No problems charging, just the socket cap needs to be kept greased or it fills up with water.

Owen, what setting do you use with the battery in-situ? I've tried the AGM mode off the bike, have you tried AGM (3rd mode) on the bike with the battery connected up?

 

[Owen Snell]

Owen, what setting do you use with the battery in-situ? I've tried the AGM mode off the bike, have you tried AGM (3rd mode) on the bike with the battery connected up?

Never tried that mode as it works fine in the standard motorbike mode. The battery holds its charge well, so a top up is all it needs or just to keep the alarm from draining the battery.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

I connect my optimate via the optimate lead direct to the battery. No problems yet, but I only bought the bike in April.

No alarm on mine to worry about

 

[gavin@iow]

My 2004, owned only by me, from new, 1200GS is approaching 50,000 miles and I connect my Optimate across the battery in-situ - everything connected (alarm off) and is on the original battery.

I too have an '04, owned from new, i wired a socket direct to the battery and charge through it.

 

[luckylucian]

If you try to use the socket, the canbus shuts the connection down - the BMW charger sends a signal to keep the socket "open".

I've connected direct to battery terminals using the optimate lead, has worked fine for 3 years

 

[karnevil]

I purchased another cockpit aux socket and fitted it,wired to the battery,on the opposite side to the gen BMW position works well and looks good

 

[MikeyFZS1]

You've convinced me !!

Connected mi Optimate up yesterday, no ill effects this morning so hey ho - let's go !!

Cheers,

Fletch

 

[knockin on]

You've convinced me !!

Connected mi Optimate up yesterday, no ill effects this morning so hey ho - let's go !!

Cheers,

Fletch

Talking to my Dealer who says charge with Battery connected on my SE, If you disconect the Service symbol will appear on display when you reconnect, As has happened on a Mates (08) R1200R. So I will charge mine through my heated waistcoat socket. I think I will wait a couple of mins till Computer shuts down 1st, Just in case.

.jules

 

[rdover]

3 years of having the bike on permanent charge using an optimate through an aux socket and zero problems. Of course this only when I know I'm not using it for a few days.

Now I think about it the computer must have switched off each time as I switch off the bike, put bone dome away, wheel bike in spin it round and then connect the optimate. Never had a service light issue.

 

[karnevil]

3 years of having the bike on permanent charge using an optimate through an aux socket and zero problems. Of course this only when I know I'm not using it for a few days.

Now I think about it the computer must have switched off each time as I switch off the bike, put bone dome away, wheel bike in spin it round and then connect the optimate. Never had a service light issue.

That means you have never charged the battery!

 

[rdover]

That means you have never charged the battery!

Incorrect. I have a handlebar mounted aux socket that is connected direct to the battery through a switch.

Maybe I only said that in another thread .... I'm sure I mentioned it today.

 

[karnevil]

Incorrect. I have a handlebar mounted aux socket that is connected direct to the battery through a switch.

Maybe I only said that in another thread .... I'm sure I mentioned it today.

Yeah it would work thru an indipendant Aux socket and the computer would have nothing to do with it.The battery and charger would not know if it were connected to a bike or not when wired direct.
Thats how I did mine but used a Genuine 1200 socket.

 

[rdover]

That's neatly done. I'm one of those people that likes to be able to put something back to standard so I avoid drilling unnecessary holes. Nothing to do with my ability to **** up in an expensive way .....

Reminds of the story of a guy who bought a new GSA when they first came out, got it home and tried to fit an aux socket in the black bit of the 'fairing' above his left knee. Hmmm, that'll be the petrol tank then! It may be apocryphal but it raises a giggle.

 

[karnevil]

That's neatly done. I'm one of those people that likes to be able to put something back to standard so I avoid drilling unnecessary holes. Nothing to do with my ability to **** up in an expensive way .....

Reminds of the story of a guy who bought a new GSA when they first came out, got it home and tried to fit an aux socket in the black bit of the 'fairing' above his left knee. Hmmm, that'll be the petrol tank then! It may be apocryphal but it raises a giggle.

LOL Oh My God!!

I used the BMW socket as I thought It would not look out of place and origonal.
There is a paper template that comes with the socket I just turnd it over to locate it for the opposite side.