Best place to connect battery charger leads

[duke]

I have bought a battery charger (CTEK) equipped with a cable with set with round eyelets for permanent connection.

What will be the best place to wire those? Battery terminals? Somewhere in the fuse box? Please no suggestions to use the BMW power socket - I do not have one.

I have Haynes manual so I can have a look at the wiring diagram, but it is always better to ask someone who has actually done it ...

Thanks

Francisco

[Buckster]

They go on the battery terminals unless there is another way. I thought all R1150R's had the power outlet.
At least with alligator clips you may have been able to hook it up without taking off the tank.

[R4R&R]

Please no suggestions to use the BMW power socket - I do not have one.

Get one? They're cheap and easy to install. Your other option would be to install the jump start pegs. They would give you an easy option for getting a direct connection to the battery.

[Ozhirsty]

You will need to remove tank for battery post access.
What I did was route wires to left side (rear tank-just below panel) and end wires with SAE connector. Most chargers come with SAE connectors & clips. This is just next to my heated vest plug.
Tip: When tank is off, send back additional (heavier guage) leads and terminate with multi connectors (Radio Shack or similar)
This gives later access for power without tank removal.
Just added a GPS without having to tap anywhere or remove tank.
Alan
1150ra '04

[duke]

I thought all R1150R's had the power outlet.

Rockster, and no - no outlet. Maybe US models have them???

Please no suggestions to use the BMW power socket - I do not have one.

Get one? They're cheap and easy to install. Your other option would be to install the jump start pegs. They would give you an easy option for getting a direct connection to the battery.

It is not money. I am just worried if I have hot-wired connector that it is easy to short my battery ... All it takes is a bastard with piece of copper wire

... end wires with SAE connector. Most chargers come with SAE connectors & clips. This is just next to my heated vest plug.

Those are not SAE, but are gender specific and even some large and strong idiot can't wire them the wrong way around
Also - the cable has locking rubber cap so it seals once disconnected.

Tip: When tank is off, send back additional (heavier gauge) leads and terminate with multi connectors (Radio Shack or similar)
This gives later access for power without tank removal.

This sounds brilliant. I intend to put Centech fuse box, so that would be priceless.

[geothepencil]

The outlets were a courtesy item installed by the dealers at the time of sale back when we bought our 02 Roadsters. Wasn't a big deal. There are adapters to attach your charger to the outlet once you install the outlet. It works well. Do not however try to start the bike by jumping it through the outlet. Wiring is not up to the job.

Though it has been stated, we have Battery Tender fused pigtails with the 2 pin connectors on all batteries and use them to charge the battery, run accessories and run heated clothes particularly on the new can-bus bikes which only have a limited capacity on the outlet, some of which are 5 amp, some 10 amp depending on model. The new can-bus outlets are a puzzle as to what BMW intended us to do with them.


geo

[MartinW]

I have recently retro-fitted the accessory socket to my '02 RR. It is an easy fit and the wiring is already there (but crimped out of sight) for the socket so no need to remove tank or anything. I leave my battery tender connected thru the socket when the bike is not in use.

If you are going to connect your charging cables instead of using an accessory socket, then connect them directly to the battery terminals and maybe secure the trailing socket with a bit of velcro. This approach worked fine for me until I installed the accessory socket.

[mcollect]

Geo I also have the battery tender two pronged outlet to charge my bike. Where can I find the other half to run accessories?
Thanks Michael

[Arbreacames]

Francisco,
I do not use the power outlet for recharging and I do not have the battery jump start terminal. I simply remove the starter cover (one screw) and clip my charger to the large copper strip (+) and any place on the engine (-). It takes 15 seconds, so I would have to do it many times before I recoup the time needed to install a jump terminal.

[maduko]

I've used the quick connects from R/C battery packs on some of my other bikes.

Visit a local hobby shop that deals with radio control cars, planes, etc. The connectors they use for the power packs are very nice, connect securely and (probably most importantly) will keep the hot leads out of harms way! A hobby shop will have the male and female connectors and plastic insulators. You can solder them on or crimp them if you have a W crimper (typical Euro style crimping tool). I run a pair of wires from the battery terminals out to an accessible spot. The quick connect keeps the hot wires from touching ground and arc welding.

They look something like the connector on this battery pack...

[chris]

Battery terminals. You can get at them without taking the tank off easily. Just prop the back up with a bit of wood and there's plenty of room. I leave the cable tucked up the back of the side panel for easy access.