R1200GSA battery charger

[SinkyB]

As my bike is going to be tucked away in the shed during most if the winter months, I was planning on fitting up my Oxford Oximiser 900 charger to keep the battery in good condition, but I've read somewhere that a special charger is needed due to the BMW Canbus system.
Does anyone know if this is the case or should the Oximiser 900 be ok if connected directly to the battery terminals, not via the accessory socket?

 

[JerseyNeil]

If you connect it directly to your battery terminals it will be fine. The issues with the canbus system are only relevant if you use a connection from the power socket below your seat.

Neil

 

[bisbee]

+1 Although bit of a faf taking the seat off unless you connect a flylead direct to the battery

 

[JerseyNeil]

I use an optimate III and have routed the cable with ties so that the connector is protected from the elements but protrudes out from just under the seat on the right (as you sit on the bike) so I can plug in without removing seats.

Neil

 

[morty]

you can buy a weather sealed connector for optimate chargers.basically a rubber boot that fits over it.stops your terminals from corroding.

 

[Jon P]

I use the BMW charger - works and fits simply.

 

[SinkyB]

Thanks for the replies guys. The charger I have is an Oxford Oximiser 900, which is apparently one of the "intelligent" trickle type, so I'm guessing it must work in a similar way to the Optimate, hence it should be safe enough to connect to the battery. I do have the sealed battery lead with it that connects permanently to the terminals but haven't used it on the R1200 yet.
I'm wary of using it as the BMW handbook, Haynes manual and a few things online say that the battery must be disconnected from the bike before charging!

 

[Dru]

Similar Question

I was going to ask the same thing except my charger is a Sealey Smart charger 16A inverter charger. Similar thing, starts slow to protect the battery then charges and maintains a trickle charge. Use it ok on my other bike but thats older with no canbus type system.
Would this be ok to use and just connect to the battery terminals whilst they are still connected to the bike? Or do I need to buy another charger?

 

[Fluffmeister]

Any battery charger is fine if connected directly to the battery, I have an ancient Datatool (optimate clone) and an old Oxford thing and both are fine with the GSA. Just connect the charging fly lead direct to the battery and you are good, you only need to worry about CanBus if you want to charge through the accessory socket.

I only plug mine in if the bikes going to be standing for a few weeks, but that said, I don't often remember to plug it in and it always fires up. I sometimes think think the "battery tenders" are another answer to a problem that does not really exist Plenty of guys here keep their bikes outside through winter and don't have any problems.

 

[Bendy toy]

I was going to ask the same thing except my charger is a Sealey Smart charger 16A inverter charger. Similar thing, starts slow to protect the battery then charges and maintains a trickle charge. Use it ok on my other bike but thats older with no canbus type system.
Would this be ok to use and just connect to the battery terminals whilst they are still connected to the bike? Or do I need to buy another charger?

Lead acid batteries need a maximum charge at 10% of the amp hour capacity. 16AH + 1.6 amps from the charger. 16A will suit a big caravan/boat/traction battery but will kill a bike battery.

Never leave a standard charger on a bike battery for more than a few minutes. For long term connection ALWAYS use a conditioning (float) charger DO NOT use a trickle charger as it will boil the electrolyte.

 

[SinkyB]

I have got a reply back from the manufacturer of my battery charger. They have confirmed that it is safe to use with the Canbus system as long as it is connected directly to the battery using the flylead they supplied with the charger, but should not be used in conjunction with the bikes power socket.

 

[Fluffmeister]

I have got a reply back from the manufacturer of my battery charger. They have confirmed that it is safe to use with the Canbus system as long as it is connected directly to the battery using the flylead they supplied with the charger, but should not be used in conjunction with the bikes power socket.

We told you that as well



Where about's in Inverness are you at? I'm working up there next week and am wondering if Snowmageddon is about to hit and I should leave the GSA and fly up

 

[Bendy toy]

Go on live dangerously - take the sickle.

 

[SinkyB]

Fluff,
It's heading quite wintery up here at the moment.
It's actually freezing here tonight (at Nairn), and there was a light flurry of snow on my way home from work tonight.
So although I'm by no means a "sunny Sunday" kind of biker myself, I would suggest that it's maybe better to fly on this occasion.

 

[SteveM]

I use the BMW charger - works and fits simply.

Me too