Optimate 4 and K1600

[Tricky]

Have just sold my 1200GS and have bought a K1600GT... which is very nice.

My Optimate 4 worked well via the aux socket on the GS but is not so happy with the K16. Tecmate advise switching on the ignition once a week which allows the Optimate to access and start charging the battery via the aux socket. Not sure how long it lasts before the socket is closed down again.

I know the other option is to charge direct to the battery.

Info from Tecmate here.

http://www.tecmate-int.com/ENG/k1600.php

Out of interest what are you K16 owners doing to keep your batteries up to scratch?

 

[peterh]

CTEK wired directly to the battery via the CTEK connector lead.

 

[Hoseman]

my Opimate 3 also wired directly to battery, on 24/7 never had a battery issue.

 

[Wapping]

I use BMW's own charger *, through the auxiliary socket on the offside of the upper fairing. It's the only use I have ever had for the socket.

It works fine 24/7/365 as you would expect.

Any decent generic battery tender WILL work if connected directly to the battery, either via croc clips or a flying lead.


* I got it 'free', as a part of £1000 worth of 'bits' when buying the bike new in 2011. Pricey to buy off the shelf... But, hey, if it works and you have already spent several k on the bike.....

 

[Tricky]

Thanks guys.

 

[Tricky]

I conducted an experiment over the weekend.

Friday evening I switched the ignition on and then off, then connected the Op 4 via the aux socket. With the aux socket now open the Op 4 charged the battery as normal. This lasted until approx 4pm on Sunday afternoon when the on board brain decided enough is enough and closed the aux socket down.

I also read somewhere that the on board brain will shut down the aux socket once it thinks the battery is fully charged. So this makes sense.

So you can all relax now.

I know... someone needs to get out more.