Optimate and auxiliary socket

[birdseye]

On my 04 GS 1200 I'm sure I used to keep the battery up by connecting an Optimate 3 into the auxiliary socket. On the 08 GS1200 that I now have, playing with a voltmeter on the auxiliary socket sometimes gives the battery voltage but other times does not, as if the socket was turned off.

Problem is that BMW say not to connect direct to the battery, though I cant for the life of me see any reason why that should be a problem.

So how do I connect an Optimate - of which I already have two so I'm not going to buy a no doubt overpriced BMW equivalent

 

[Farmer Palmer]

On my 2010 R1200GSA i fitted a Touratech fused accessory socket directly to the battery that way it doesn't shut down when I've got the bike on the optimate!

It's worked fine for two years and no-one at BMW has ever commented when the bikes getting a service!

FP.

 

[Womble]

I'm surprised it worked on any 1200 - they have a canbus based intelligent wiring loom that disables the aux socket a few minutes after the ignition is switched off.

However, the Optimate is fine to attach to the battery directly: ignore BMW, they're just being cautious in case you have a crap charger.

Edit - or, even better, do as FP says and get yourself an unswitched accessory socket at the same time.

 

[Dave Cr]

As Womble says above, it is fine to connect the Optimate directly to the battery. I have used this permanently on my '05 bike and am still using the original battery. It also works if you only use the crocodile clips too. A friend uses this method and has also never had a problem.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Problem is that BMW say not to connect direct to the battery, though I cant for the life of me see any reason why that should be a problem.

Is this something you have been told or is it in any official BMW documentation (ie manual). Often dealers spout bollocks that cant be substantiated and too many folk lap it up.

Sounds like bollocks to me.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

My optimate is connected directly to the battery via the optimate lead.

Sent from my GT-I9001 using Tapatapatapatalk 2

 

[jeff]

My optimate is connected directly to the battery via the optimate lead.

Sent from my GT-I9001 using Tapatapatapatalk 2

+1

 

[JDB]

+1 with a CTEK direct on 09 GSA

 

[stever1]

The safest/best way is to use an optimate 4 dual program charger. This will send a signal through the space time continuum thingy which will allow the socket to "open" for charging. I think charging via the accesory socket is great, much less hassle than removing the seat.

 

[Martyn H]

When I bought my 2009 GSA the dealer fitted a second socket up on the front nearside of the faired area under the screen, direct to the battery via a fuse.
Saved me having to buy another BMW charger, the CANBUS compatible Optimate not being available at that time.

 

[cyril]

So can i connect direct to a 10 plate GSusing an Optimate charger via the usual patch lead ?

 

[Martyn H]

So can i connect direct to a 10 plate GSusing an Optimate charger via the usual patch lead ?

Yes. The battery will never know.

 

[GS TRV]

Yes. The battery will never know.

Spot on

 

[cyril]

thank you collected the bike on wed couldnt ride it until Sat really pleased .

 

[Georgeeboi]

I've just dug the optimate 4 out and the holes on the lead to attach to battery are to small blast! Any ideas I have crocodile clips but wanted to plug and charge.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

• Drill them out
• Cut a slot in them and open them out a little
• Buy some new ring connectors off ebay or from your local motor factors HERE
• Cut the terminals off, strip the wire and jam it under the existing battery connectors

Ewan and Charlie never had these problems

My optimate lead attaches straight to the battery

 

[Chapperz]

Optimate 4 & auxillary socket

Hi Birdseye,
I have just brought an Optimate 4 c/w plug to plug straight into aux socket on bike for use with Canbus System. Cost £56.00 mate from Nippy Normans .

 

[Georgeeboi]

Thanks miff!

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Happy to help....

Sent by my fingers going tappety tappety.

 

[birdseye]

Is this something you have been told or is it in any official BMW documentation (ie manual). Often dealers spout bollocks that cant be substantiated and too many folk lap it up.

Sounds like bollocks to me.

It's in the manual. Sounds like bollocks to me too.