R1150GS Battery Recharge Kit ?

[Gab]

Hi All,

Sorry if the question has been raised already. I couldn't find any specific thread on the forum

After leaving my bike (1150GS Adventure m.y. 2005) parked several months making the big mistake to not undo the battery, this morning I had the bad surprise (not really a surprise to be honest ) that the battery was flat.

I can see that the battery is from Varta, which I'm not sure is the original one from BMW. But it doesn't really matter. What I'd like to know is the quickest (perhaps cheapest) way to recharge it. If that won't work I'll have to get a new battery, but before doing it I'd to give it a try.

The bike is fitted with the typical 12V socket between the the gear shift lever and the cylinder. I know there are some kits available on the market but my problem is that I don't have any socket to plug it in (no garage). Is there any alternative kit that doesn't need a socket or perhaps can be used plugging it to a car?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Greg Masters]

Don't waste your time trying to charge a battery that you've probably killed. Just but a new battery and get on with it ....

 

[Slipperyeel]

There is a kit with some little attachments that leave you with an external connector.

But in your case, just whip off the starter cover and connect directly to the positive on the solenoid. Then the earth somewhere on the engine or frame (ideally something unpainted).

But sounds like you need a Ctek or Optimate connected and I suspect to recover that battery it'll take a good 12-14hrs?

Someone might be along with better suggestions, but I'd be inclined to just go for a new battery especially if you plan to stay using the bike again.

 

[Gab]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies. If you suggest to buy a new battery I'm inclined to just get it. Also because I don't know how old the Varta I've actually got is.

Which battery do you suggest? I was checking another thread and most of the people suggest the BMW Gel battery original equipment 19amp/hr | ELA59014

Link to Motorworks

Any other suggestion?

 

[Stujw70]

You won't far wrong with the Varta from Motorworks

Don't be tempted to buy from a main dealer, it will be about twice the price for the same item

 

[Gab]

You won't far wrong with the Varta from Motorworks

Don't be tempted to buy from a main dealer, it will be about twice the price for the same item

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely not go for the main dealer.

Although the battery on Motorworks I've posted the link would not be from Varta but from Exide.

Does anyone know if it is any good?

 

[Stujw70]

Apologies, not sure why I put Varta down.

The exide battery in the link is the same as the BMW supplied battery iirc without the BMW sticker. Should more than do the trick, usually last well.

Go for it

 

[Gab]

Apologies, not sure why I put Varta down.

The exide battery in the link is the same as the BMW supplied battery iirc without the BMW sticker. Should more than do the trick, usually last well.

Go for it

Great! Thanks for your advice. I'm going to buy it online straight away.

Is there any tip regarding the replacement procedure I had better to know? I've watched some tutorials on YouTube and it seems to be pretty straight forward...

 

[Stujw70]

You should be able to do it with the tank tilted upwards no problem. Just don't force it to far upwards with regards to fuel tank wiring and the fuel lines on the right hand side.
If you have not lifted the tank before, take note of how things are positioned.
If it runs rough after refitting check to see if the throttle cable have not been dislodged, they just pop back in place and all should be fine. It's pretty common.

 

[Gab]

You should be able to do it with the tank tilted upwards no problem. Just don't force it to far upwards with regards to fuel tank wiring and the fuel lines on the right hand side.
If you have not lifted the tank before, take note of how things are positioned.
If it runs rough after refitting check to see if the throttle cable have not been dislodged, they just pop back in place and all should be fine. It's pretty common.

I did lift the tank last Saturday and all the cables and lines went back into place nicely. I hope it's going to be the same when I replace the battery.

Many thanks again for your advice Stujw! Really helpful.

 

[Gab]

Hi All,

I've got the battery delivered. Now it comes the time to replace the old one with this new one.

Is there anything I should know about the replacement process? I know how to take the existing battery out of its place and put the new one in. What I'm asking for is any tip related to the reset of the control unit. I've read some threads that talk about that being reset when the battery gets replaced. Any advice?

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

But sounds like you need a Ctek or Optimate connected and I suspect to recover that battery it'll take a good 12-14hrs?

My ctek wouldnt revive a dead battery on its own, the dead battery needed to be put in parrallel with functioning battery and then loaded, this force charged the dead battery and prevented the chargers "its full so ill switch off" function activating.

 

[Gab]

My ctek wouldnt revive a dead battery on its own, the dead battery needed to be put in parrallel with functioning battery and then loaded, this force charged the dead battery and prevented the chargers "its full so ill switch off" function activating.

Hi blueranger,

Sorry but in the end I opted to get a new battery. Please see my latest post above.

 

[Tallmarkb59]

You won't far wrong with the Varta from Motorworks

Don't be tempted to buy from a main dealer, it will be about twice the price for the same item

Thanks Stu, I just saw this post and ordered the Exide from Motorworks. Will save the dealer mark-up and labour charge.