Easy Access to Battery for Trickle-Charging over the Winter.

[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!

[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.


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[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.

[smileymiley]

As the last 2 posts have said, this is the easiest option.

[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.

[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

[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!

[B787MECH]

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.


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[smileymiley]

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.

[gogs01]

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