2006 1200RT CANBUS or Fuseblock?

[ralphbarnes]

Hello everyone. I just got back into BMWs with the purchase of my 2006 BMW R1200RT. I am looking to put a GPS (Garmin Zumo), Sirius XM, Sound Bomb, and Denali aux lights on it. I also want room to expand on that if I find a farkle I need.
Q: Do I need the HEX EZ CAN, or a similar CANBUS thingy or is it so old that I can use a regular fuse block like a PDM60 or Amplink? I see on the Denali website and HEXEZCAN website which list one for the 2006 (K26?) but I'm not sure if the PDM are a better option because they can handle more farkles.

[David.]

Do I need the HEX ezCAN, or a similar CAN BUS thingy or is it so old that I can use a regular fuse block like a PDM60 or Amplink?

A 2006 R1200RT is equipped with CAN BUS technology.

From my knowledge on the subject, a HEX ezCAN (4 circuits) is not essential. I believe folks may use these as they are "plug & play" and allow programming of accessories etc.

A fuse block like a PDM60 (6 circuits) or Amplink can be used, they require a switched live "trigger" to operate. Looks like the PDM60 is programmable too.

Both HEX ezCAN and PDM60 or Amplink are wired to the battery, so no difference there.

[David.]

Further research and my understanding of it has revealed the following.

HEX ezCAN and DENALI CANsmart are exactly the same, both made by the same company.

Do You Need a Hex ezCAN or a Denali Cansmart, or an Amplink ? - Bing video

The PDM60 and Amplink are both made by Rowe Electronics, the latter being programmable by Bluetooth.

If you would like more than 6 circuits, have a look at the Eastern Beaver PC-8 with 8 circuits.

PDM60 vs HexEZCan or Denali CanSmart | R1200GS Forum

[hammo]

One thing to watch out for if you buy extra,s for the bike , some of the cable length,s are not long enough to wire up to the plug and play depending on where you are going to mount the fittings ,  and you have to buy the extension cable .