Seager
New member
Hi, does anyone use a generic trickle charger between rides-any problems or do I need a BMW charger (as the manual states….)?
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I use the accessory outlet located below the Reverse Gear Shifter as my charging point; I have the new version BMW Smart Charger, which comes with the DIN power plug. I used the older BMW charger, on my 2008 GS Adventure during the 14 yrs of ownership; I only recall replacing the battery once. I would put my bike on the charger after each ride and leave it on the trickle charger over the Winter off riding season months with zero issues.Glad you brought this up, yet to use my Optimate on the R18 but swear by them on all my many bikes.
Question I had was whether the din power point near the reverse gear lever can be used to charge the battery with the appropriate plug and charger?
I did ask the dealer and they said yes, but I wasn’t massively convinced as they were lacking some knowledge around the R18.
Yes. Plug in near the reverse lever.Glad you brought this up, yet to use my Optimate on the R18 but swear by them on all my many bikes.
Question I had was whether the din power point near the reverse gear lever can be used to charge the battery with the appropriate plug and charger?
I did ask the dealer and they said yes, but I wasn’t massively convinced as they were lacking some knowledge around the R18.
I have the Optimate 4 Canbus version. Normal trickle chargers will not work through the DIN socket. As Enzo5000 says you’d have to run a separate piglet lead directly to the battery.Glad you brought this up, yet to use my Optimate on the R18 but swear by them on all my many bikes.
Question I had was whether the din power point near the reverse gear lever can be used to charge the battery with the appropriate plug and charger?
I did ask the dealer and they said yes, but I wasn’t massively convinced as they were lacking some knowledge around the R18.
I was going to do this.. I couldn't find anyone who has before and didnt want to be a test.. I really should have done this. Now Im stuck with another OEM battery for 2-3 years. Keep us updated!FWIW, replaced the stock battery with a NOCO lithium battery and have a NOCO charging station. Dropped 15 lbs in the process.
Thanks all, I have ordered the BMW charger to plug in. £99 in Vat - seems fair price compared with other generic chargersHi, does anyone use a generic trickle charger between rides-any problems or do I need a BMW charger (as the manual states….)?
Seager,
I know you already got your BMW charger (I have one too, BTW). But FWIW, the stock battery is simply lead-acid and, as long as you hook up a direct pigtail to the battery terminals for charging, it doesn't matter what kind of charger you get.
The only benefit the BMW charger gets you is CANBus charging. I like the fact that I can plug the charger directly into ANY power port on my bike and charge away. Saves me from bending down and plugging it in.
View attachment 10934
Mike
Not trying to hijack the thread, but the NOCO charging station is efficient if you charge more than one battery. I have switched all bike batteries to NOCO with no issues. I do live in a warm climate, and have read cold climates can affect lithium batteries. Beyond the weight, having multiple mounting points on the battery itself for charging lead and other accessories is nice.I was going to do this.. I couldn't find anyone who has before and didnt want to be a test.. I really should have done this. Now Im stuck with another OEM battery for 2-3 years. Keep us updated!
Forgot to add picture…Not trying to hijack the thread, but the NOCO charging station is efficient if you charge more than one battery. I have switched all bike batteries to NOCO with no issues. I do live in a warm climate, and have read cold climates can affect lithium batteries. Beyond the weight, having multiple mounting points on the battery itself for charging lead and other accessories is nice.