BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Guys
Does anyone use a CTEK charger with the BMW fitment to plug into the bike - I have just got the fitment from motorworks - plugged in and for the 1st time ever my CTEK is showing fault light


Any ideas gratefully accepted
thanks

Probably not Canbus/Linbus compatible. You could cause damage.

GrahamAb wrote:Does anyone use a CTEK charger.

Which CTEK charger have you got.

Have you tried connecting the charger directly to the battery.

This thread on Battery Chargers may be helpful, https://www.1200rt.com/index.php/topic,1169.0.html

As RTman10 says check if it is Canbus enabled. If it isn't it will not work via the aux socket. Canbus enabled chargers talk to the system to keep the aux socket live so you can use it to charge the battery. Otherwise after turning the bike off and after a short delay the aux sockets get disabled.

Even better idea.  Buy the one made for the bike.  A bit expensive but you will never have a flat battery and your £100+ battery will last an age.

The optimate 4 which is canbus enabled also works fine. Mine is happily connected to the bike by the aux outlet. And you can always stick a BMW sticker on it, if it makes you feel better 

Thanks guys - another 'joy' of BMW ownership 

Lots of people (me included) just connect the charger direct to the battery to a socket permanently wired through a fused lead. Once a month or so overnight if bike not getting much use. Done this on all my canbus bikes (7). Never had a problem or a flat battery. Can use the socket to power a compressor or heated kit etc etc.
The service manager at my local dealership advised against leaving any charger attached for long periods. Said they could always tell as the internal plates distorted, or some such, can't remember exactly.
My charger is a £25 Halford's Maintenance charger. Thankyou.

If you have a quality conditioner such as an Optimate or correct CTEK, having it connected all the time does the battery no damage at all. The conditioner exercises the battery and keeps it in top condition. I have kept my bikes connected when not in use for years at a time and up to now have never had any ill effects. Did the same to my race cars as well. Best just read up and make your own assessment 

Your Service manager is right.  No matter what blurb is on the box chargers should never be left on for extended periods.  Them that do and get away with it are just lucky.

Just call me lucky Rob then    Best I go unplug my two bikes now, in case my luck runs out tonight! Like I said, do your own research, make your own decisions.

Same routine after each ride. I wash and dry the bike, put it in the garage and connect it to one of these until the next ride..
http://www.bmw-motorrad-store.co.uk/bmw ... 0wody8YNvA

iRider wrote: Same routine after each ride. I wash and dry the bike, put it in the garage and connect it to one of these until the next ride..
http://www.bmw-motorrad-store.co.uk/bmw-battery-charger-for-motorcycles-even-with-can-bus-electronic.html?LGWCODE=3362;86700;4971&gclid=CNaS8Pu3_8oCFeYK0wody8YNvA

You must be one of the lucky ones as well 

That's the one I've got with the UK plug in it. I know the book says it can be left on but as it fully charges the battery within just a few hours I see no point in leaving it on. My bike stood for nearly 3 months due to the shock recall in 14. The battery went down only 15% in all that time.

Must be lucky too.