K11 Owners Group

Mike123 · Joined: 19 Aug 2016 Posts: 19 Location: United Kingdom

Want to charge battery over the winter months, have seen some reference to Canbus fittings with OptiMate 4 charger.

The bike I have has two outputs (which I think are CanBus) as it was ex Police - one near the instrument cluster and the other on the left below the tank

What I want to know (may be a silly question) but would I be able to charge back via these points - or are they only for sending power (as they work with tyre inflater in connected)

Thanks

Mike
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Mike

N41EF · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 4:37 pm Post subject:

Yes you can connect a battery maintainer to either of those connections. I use the one near the handlebars, because its hard to ride off with it connected if it's in front of you.

You can buy the connects on eBay and put one on the end of your maintainer.
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Mike123 · Joined: 19 Aug 2016 Posts: 19 Location: United Kingdom

Thanks for that !!

Mike
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Mike

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 5:39 pm Post subject:

Our 1100's do not have Canbus on them.

BMW didn't start using Canbus communication on their motorcycles until 2004 on the R1200
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/canbus.htm

The connectors you are seeing are plain aux power ports that can be used for accessories, as well as for charging. You may even be able to find the power connector at your local farm implement store as they were used with some brands of tractors.
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robleyd · Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 10:21 pm Post subject:

Here down under those are known as Hella plugs and are available from most auto parts stores.
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Mike123 · Joined: 19 Aug 2016 Posts: 19 Location: United Kingdom

Thanks

So being "power ports" (which confirms why they power the tyre inflator) can I charge the battery via these points or is that a big NO NO via the Optimate ??

i.e. I want to plug the Optimate 4 into the mains of the house and then charge the motorcycle

Mike

Mike d · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 6:47 am Post subject:

There will be no problem using a smart charger to charge and maintain the battery through the auxiliary power outlets.

What sort of battery is fitted?

If it's a wet lead acid then you would be wise to keep an eye on the electrolyte level. Even better, is to fit an AGM battery.

Mike

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 6:53 am Post subject:

Mike123 · Joined: 19 Aug 2016 Posts: 19 Location: United Kingdom

Its a GEL battery fitted (Motorrad GEL 51913)

Mike d · Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:55 pm Post subject:

The gel battery is also 'maintenance' free so no wet electrolyte to top up.

Mike

Mike123 · Joined: 19 Aug 2016 Posts: 19 Location: United Kingdom

Thanks to all - battery charged (via power points) all good now !!!

Mike
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Mike

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Nov 10, 2016 9:14 pm Post subject:

GELs charge a bit differently than lead acid. Look up the instructions for your charger to see how/if it deals with a GEL battery.
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