Greetings from Houston, TX — battery tender?

[HoustonR18]

Hi, all — Glad to see this group exists, as I don’t know anyone in Houston with an R-18 and even the dealers are getting to know it!

Does anyone know if a battery tender can be connected to the power outlet near the reverse lever? I tried that using my Harley-brand charger + adapter but nothing is happening, maybe because electric flow only works there with ignition on?

Thanks!

 

[Gilles]

Welcome Houston

I use Optimate 4, it is perfect with BMW Can bus

 

[HoustonR18]

Thanks for your prompt response, Gilles! I went ahead and ordered Optimate 4 on Amazon (after researching what can bus meant, if I’m being honest...)

 

[Gaylord Poe]

The battery tender adapters are hit and miss with can bus. If you don’t want to spring for an Optimate 4 or BMW charger, you can wire a battery tender pigtail directly to the battery terminals and use your “normal” battery tender.

 

[BigBoxerKen1961]

Hi, all — Glad to see this group exists, as I don’t know anyone in Houston with an R-18 and even the dealers are getting to know it!

Does anyone know if a battery tender can be connected to the power outlet near the reverse lever? I tried that using my Harley-brand charger + adapter but nothing is happening, maybe because electric flow only works there with ignition on?

Thanks!

I think only a BMW with the CAN BUS set up should be used. BTW I'm from Illinois.

 

[Black Dog]

I have been using a CTEK charger connected directly to the Battery.
Use the one charger for the R1200RT, K1600B, R18 and the airplane since they all sleep in the same hangar.
The thing I like about this particular charger is the "Status Light" on the receiver plugs.
Just a glance around the room and I know which, if any, of the batteries need to be connected to the charger.

 

[TodkaVonic]

A bit late but...


Welcome Houston!

 

[Slotheadslim]

Thanks for your prompt response, Gilles! I went ahead and ordered Optimate 4 on Amazon (after researching what can bus meant, if I’m being honest...)

Since I don't have my R18 yet I haven't tried my Optimate 4 with it but I've used mine with my previous BMW for a number of years through the Canbus plug and it worked great. I liked my Optimate 4 so much I bought an Optimate 6 for my BMW 330ix. Great charger.

 

[Only Big Poodles]

I have the BMW can bus charger. It's simple and works well.