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Charging via the 12volt connection socket?

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1789222567#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter Stu4R18
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Stu4R18

New member
Joined
Sep 7, 2026
Messages
15
Location
Colchester
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Bike
R18 Classic First Edition
Hello,

Is there a setting that needs to be enabled to allow Optimate4 charging via the 12volt socket?

If I'm not using bike for a few days, I pop it on charge using Otimate4 charger and all seems well until the bike turns off the power after 10 minutes or so.

Once the power goes off the charging stops. I even purchased a new lead in case my original wasn't Can-Bus, but this didn't help?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005DUM9OM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1Plugged-In-Ignition-off.jpg
 
I have a Optimate 4 quad premium and all I had to do is set the battery type (Pb or Li) and it detected the battery and charge level when I plugged it in. I have been very happy with it. That one looks different than mine.
 
ccmjr77 said:
I have a Optimate 4 quad premium and all I had to do is set the battery type (Pb or Li) and it detected the battery and charge level when I plugged it in. I have been very happy with it. That one looks different than mine.
Click to expand...
It was working perfectly well on my 2010 Triumph1050 Sprint
 
The BMW Powerlet sockets are fed 12v through a relay that is only on(switched) when the bikes power is on. The BMW charger is setup to charge through the 12V powerlet port as it activates the relay. Other chargers may not do this and you will have to connect a charging pigtail socket directly to the battery connections.
 
bdalameda said:
The BMW Powerlet sockets are fed 12v through a relay that is only on(switched) when the bikes power is on. The BMW charger is setup to charge through the 12V powerlet port as it activates the relay. Other chargers may not do this and you will have to connect a charging pigtail socket directly to the battery connections.
Click to expand...
Thanks...best I get me a BMW charger then. I don't really want to keep taking the side panel off
 
The charger needs to be switched into Canbus mode the default setting is direct battery connection. A quick google shows the following example. Please double check the instructions which you should find on the Optimate site for your specific model in case the below is not exactly for your charger. BMW’s use a command pulse to activate the charging circuit. Without this pulse it may charge straight after you turn the bike off but then switch off when the Canbus believes the battery voltage is sufficient and then not back on again. If you try to connect after the 5-10min window it will not work at all as the Canbus has gone to sleep.

For OptiMate 4 Dual Program (Lead-Acid)
    • Unplug the charger from the AC mains power.
    • Connect the red (positive) and black (negative) crocodile clips together.
    • Plug the charger into the AC mains power.
    • Wait for 10 seconds until the LED lights flash simultaneously, confirming the program has changed.
    • Unplug the charger from the mains, then disconnect the clips. Simultaneous blinking lights mean it is set to CAN-bus mode.
 
Stu4R18 said:
Merci… alors je vais m'acheter un chargeur BMW. Je n'ai pas vraiment envie de devoir démonter le panneau latéral sans arrêt.
Click to expand...
Bonjour,
je possède un ancien Optimate 4 comme le vôtre, et je le branche directement sans passer par le système CANbus. Il n'est pas nécessaire de retirer le panneau latéral. Sur mon modèle Classic, une borne positive, protégée par un petit cache en plastique, est accessible sur le côté droit, et une borne négative se trouve sous le cylindre droit.
C'est presque aussi rapide, et vous économisez le prix du chargeur BMW.
 
bdalameda said:
The BMW Powerlet sockets are fed 12v through a relay that is only on(switched) when the bikes power is on. The BMW charger is setup to charge through the 12V powerlet port as it activates the relay. Other chargers may not do this and you will have to connect a charging pigtail socket directly to the battery connections.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Just waiting for the clamp lead and I'll try this
 
Mac said:
The charger needs to be switched into Canbus mode the default setting is direct battery connection. A quick google shows the following example. Please double check the instructions which you should find on the Optimate site for your specific model in case the below is not exactly for your charger. BMW’s use a command pulse to activate the charging circuit. Without this pulse it may charge straight after you turn the bike off but then switch off when the Canbus believes the battery voltage is sufficient and then not back on again. If you try to connect after the 5-10min window it will not work at all as the Canbus has gone to sleep.

For OptiMate 4 Dual Program (Lead-Acid)
    • Unplug the charger from the AC mains power.
    • Connect the red (positive) and black (negative) crocodile clips together.
    • Plug the charger into the AC mains power.
    • Wait for 10 seconds until the LED lights flash simultaneously, confirming the program has changed.
    • Unplug the charger from the mains, then disconnect the clips. Simultaneous blinking lights mean it is set to CAN-bus mode.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I will try this when clamp lead arives..lost original!
 
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