What battery charger? Optimate or Acumen?

[GSmonkey]

.......better apart from the fact that you have to buy a BMW branded charger.

 

[wilbjr21]

.......better apart from the fact that you have to buy a BMW branded charger.

But the BMW charger is excellent . I got mine for £55.00 and am very happy with it

 

[gavin@iow]

Things have move on with the ZFE software; the later bikes allow you just to plug in at any time - no need to turn the ignition on the off and plug in while the socket is still active. Much better

I have one of the first '04 bikes, and the BMW charger plugs in and works fine without switching on the ign first, and no, i've not had any software updates. Also, the charger works on other vehicle batteries.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

".......But the BMW charger is excellent . I got mine for £55.00 and am very happy with it...." I would hope so! my little 'optimate' type charger has worked very well for years and cost 40€ - almost exactly half the price of the BMW charger. So as I charge my bike battery about three times a year I feel well compensated for the extreme burden of lifting off the seat!

 

[Jon P]

If you've more than one bike maybe?
Fit eyelet connections to them all and use one charger. Never seen the BMW one so not sure if it can be adapted for the same purpose?

So, you have other bikes - and you would like to charge them as well.....? So buy another charger! If you can afford to have a collection of bikes what's the price of more associated accessories??

We just love all this really.............an excuse to spend money on more bits and pieces.

I reckon that these forums are just a place for us all to whine on about stuff - but hey, isn't that what makes the World go around?? Of course the truth is that people who aren't moaning are too busy riding around the World!!

We spend a fortune on a BMW in the first place and then cry about the price pannnier inner bags, brake discs, battery chargers, GPSs etc, etc.......

Come on folks get over it - buy the right tool for the job

Please excuse me I have had a little drinky

 

[wilbjr21]

".......But the BMW charger is excellent . I got mine for £55.00 and am very happy with it...." I would hope so! my little 'optimate' type charger has worked very well for years and cost 40€ - almost exactly half the price of the BMW charger. So as I charge my bike battery about three times a year I feel well compensated for the extreme burden of lifting off the seat!

What is your problem? If I wish to buy a modern BMW unit at today's prices - not been bought years ago as your quote - and suitable for the CAN bus, as recommended by BMW, it's my decision and my money. I always connect my BMW battery conditioner (not just a charger) when my bike is not in use. I also have an Accumate, for the Westco battery on the R100 - as recommended by Westco - again my decision and my money.

It seems from the numerous threads on this subject, that some Optimate users are completely intolerant and cannot understand why anyone should have the temerity to use any other brand.

The issues with charging these bikes are quite simple really - using the socket is for the BMW charger; straight to the battery or a via socket that goes straight to the battery - anything suitable for the type of battery.

 

[AndyT]

For those that want to connect to the battery via a plug rather than a lead, buy a weatherproof optimate lead and wire to the underside of the seat and tiewrap to the frame. They're available from ebay for £5 delivered. You get the ease of just plugging in without the fuss and nonsense you get with the BMW charger.

I can't see any at £5 delivered on EBay..... are you sure?

AndyT

 

[AndyT]

Just been checking up on Ebay a bit more as I can't find my Optimate and need a new one. Well most of the add are selling them at around £38-40 inc P&P with the Buy it Now yet there is one on with 4 bids against it currently at £46 with £8 postage They must have opened the Christmas Sherry early!!!

 

[Ali-bear]

There are loads of Optimates on there typically £30 + delivery buy-it-now. Never underestimate the effect an auction can have on otherwise sensible beings.

But I think the GSMonkey was referring to the additional direct-wiring adaptor only being £5 typ.

Anyway sod all of that just ride the bike more often.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

...."What is your problem? ..........it seems from the numerous threads on this subject, that some Optimate users are completely intolerant and cannot understand why anyone should have the temerity to use any other brand."

No, Wilbur, junior - I don't think that I (or we) have any problem; One of the good things about this forum is the amount of advice flying around; Nobody, I repeat NOBODY, is criticizing your choice or your freedom to do/buy/sell whatever you like; but I must say that I have received some VERY USEFUL guidance and saved a great deal of money ( and even made a number of friends) as a result of various ideas found here - and a Merry Christmas to you too! (Please excuse me if I have mis-spelt 'criticizing' - it doesn't look right!)

 

[GSmonkey]

I can't see any at £5 delivered on EBay..... are you sure?

AndyT

Here is the one I bought. If you're buying a new Optimate though, I think you now get a waterproof lead with the pack.

 

[Hexme]

Ive used an Oxford charger on my last couple of bikes always connected directly to the battery, at present it is connected directly to the battery of my new p&j can this damage the wiring or battery on the bike or is this only when wireing it into the canbus system? I made my lead waterproof with masking tape Might have to invest in a waterproof lead and spend more money on a new gadget

 

[robfin]

I have been using an Accumate charger on both 1100GS &1150GS for years with no problem. Having changed to a 1200GS now I was horrified to see this 'minefield' with the canbus thingy!
Connected up the charger yesterday directly to the battery when I got two alternate flashing lights (fault?) however after disconnecting the battery from the bike and after a short while the flashing stopped and it showed a full charge, which was probably correct.
I am going to stick to charging this way and not bother with the BM unit. As you quite rightly say we have now got a bike with an accessable battery.
Since joining this sight I have found it invaluble, Thanks and all the best!!

robfin

 

[WindyChuffer]

Took delivery of an Accumen charger (not Acumate). Got the new one that is just released which displays both voltage and charging current. Very impressed so far...

Also impressed with the bits it comes with: wall mount plate, croc-clips charging lead, lead to permanently mount to bike with connector, extension lead, uk & continental mains leads...

 

[wilbjr21]

Ive used an Oxford charger on my last couple of bikes always connected directly to the battery, at present it is connected directly to the battery of my new p&j can this damage the wiring or battery on the bike or is this only when wireing it into the canbus system? I made my lead waterproof with masking tape Might have to invest in a waterproof lead and spend more money on a new gadget

Can't see you having a problem with that. BMW warn against some chargers that have a de-sulphate mode that may increase the voltage output from the charger to a value that is high enough to damage the electonics in the control unit. Normal chargers designed for small capacity batteries will be fine.

 

[AndyT]

Here is the one I bought. If you're buying a new Optimate though, I think you now get a waterproof lead with the pack.

I've ordered a couple up and I know as soon as they arrive I will find my other one. That will be 5 battery chargers on the go. My garage will be like a scene from the Matrix when the're all plugged in

I'll keep an eye on this seller as none were that cheap, you got a good deal.

 

[WindyChuffer]

so many chargers !

FYI - Accumen do a 2-charger-in-one unit thats only slightly bigger than a single charger unit...

 

[alimey4u2]

Whichever charger you go with, ensure that it totally cuts on & off when the correct level of charge has been reached. "Trickle" chargers will overcharge & possibly damage a battery if left unattended for a long time.

 

[Hexme]

Can't see you having a problem with that. BMW warn against some chargers that have a de-sulphate mode that may increase the voltage output from the charger to a value that is high enough to damage the electonics in the control unit. Normal chargers designed for small capacity batteries will be fine.

Thanks

 

[BigAlPendry]

For those that want to connect to the battery via a plug rather than a lead, buy a weatherproof optimate lead and wire to the underside of the seat and tiewrap to the frame. They're available from ebay for £5 delivered. You get the ease of just plugging in without the fuss and nonsense you get with the BMW charger.

One of these came as a standard accessory in the box when I purchased my Optimate (from a good, old-fashioned bike spares/accessories SHOP staffed by humans: Good old B&J's in Willenhall: 01902 634654, not open Mondays), along with a cable with crocodile clips for use on other batteries. No problems at all.