Page 1 of 1
Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:26 pm
by euphony290
RT 1200 (2015 model).
Can anyone suggest a method, or accessory, to make easier access to the battery to enable the trickle-charger to be used periodically?
Any thoughts / advice welcome!!!
Thanks!
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 9:27 pm
by B787MECH
The Optimate 4 is ideal for this. Using the BMW Din plug lead connected to the bikes accessory socket you can leave it permanently connected while the bike is being stored for winter.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2018 11:14 pm
by Levisp
Agree easiest option. Just make sure its setup for CanBus. In CanBus mode it tells the computer to keep the bike's socket live so you can charge the bike. Did easy and works well.
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2018 6:32 am
by smileymiley
As the last 2 posts have said, this is the easiest option.
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 2:58 am
by bighopper
I use an SAE connector to the battery - post & the + terminal on the engine rear(Red Cap) then locate the Female end under the seat. I use a generic smart charger with the male SAE connector to maintain the charge on the bike over winter, never had a problem with this method.
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 7:33 am
by RaistlinRTCW
I use the Optimate via the Canbus, one issue I did have with a 2017 RT was the battery after a year was shot. Turns out there was a software update for the bike as there was a bug in the battery management. Since that was updated I have had no issues with
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2018 9:38 pm
by euphony290
Thank you all for your replies and advice. I have an Optimate already set up in the garage but didn't know about the bike's Canbus system as this is the 1st Winter I have had the RT. I will look into that as it seems to be the best and safest way to maintain the bike's battery over the winter period.
Thanks again guys!
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2018 7:40 am
by B787MECH
euphony290 wrote:
Thank you all for your replies and advice. I have an Optimate already set up in the garage but didn't know about the bike's Canbus system as this is the 1st Winter I have had the RT. I will look into that as it seems to be the best and safest way to maintain the bike's battery over the winter period.
Thanks again guys!
I believe it's only the Optimate 4 that can charge in Canbus mode. I don't think other Optimate models will work.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2018 8:27 am
by smileymiley
euphony290 wrote:
Thank you all for your replies and advice. I have an Optimate already set up in the garage but didn't know about the bike's Canbus system as this is the 1st Winter I have had the RT. I will look into that as it seems to be the best and safest way to maintain the bike's battery over the winter period.
Thanks again guys!
My previous 14 lc & this 17 lc have been put on the charger via the accessory socket after every ride. Have had no problems with the battery or starting on either.
Re: Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2018 3:54 pm
by gogs01
B787MECH wrote:
I believe it's only the Optimate 4 that can charge in Canbus mode. I don't think other Optimate models will work.
Any Optimate will maintain the battery, but if it's not a model designed for Canbus machines you'll need to fit a flying lead to the battery.
I did that on my '66 plate bike because I have trust issues with Canbus regarding charging via the accessory socket and my ability to select the correct mode on my Optimate 4 ! ;D