BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

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.

ralphbarnes wrote: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.

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

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 .