I did the same and found the connector tucked away.
Once I found it, the OEM was easy to fit.
I run an Optimate charger to it, which keep the battery nicely topped up.
Being a BMW, the battery is hard to get too (certainly harder than other bikes).
I would not run wires unless you know about fuses etc.
the OEM plug WILL be there - it's tucked away quite well behind the heavier lines that come down from the battery to the starter motor. you DO have to poke about a bit and pull the cables out with a little bit of force (not much, but a bit).
Remember I've done this already (I think I've done most things you're doing)
Ebuyergum wrote:
Being a BMW, the battery is hard to get too (certainly harder than other bikes).
I would not run wires unless you know about fuses etc.
The location of the battery was conceived by a moron and then engineered by a git.
riceburner wrote:I'm sure I've explained this to you.....
the OEM plug WILL be there - it's tucked away quite well behind the heavier lines that come down from the battery to the starter motor. you DO have to poke about a bit and pull the cables out with a little bit of force (not much, but a bit).
Remember I've done this already (I think I've done most things you're doing)
had any more thoughts about that screen?
Aye, you explained about taking off the starter motor cover, you never said anything about having to prod around a bit and tug some wires.....
Whilst I've got the standard bars I don't think I'm going to bother with a screen. Might change my mind once I've swapped to the Sportegos.
Lion_Lady wrote:You don't have an accessory plug on the left side (as you sit on the bike), down near the footpeg?
Hmmm, my Rockster has one. I added a SECOND accessory plug at the handlebars... nice.
P
Not all bikes came out of the factory with them - it's pot luck if you get one or not. My first two DID come with them (and the jump-start pins), but not the 3rd.
Mine has the socket near the footpeg too. But jump pins? That's pretty cool. Do any of you happen to know how the socket is wired? Is it center positive or center negative? (I have this question posted in another thread). I'm trying to wire up an accessory plug to my battery tender so I can insert it into the socket for easy battery charging (but I don't want to accidently wire it backwards - lest I should fry the electrical system!)
2004 BMW R1150R Series 80-Alpine White (#131 of 200)
E=MC² (Enjoyment = Motorcycle X Clear skies²)
I think a slight degree of caution should be exercised whenever one plug fits into another. Reversed polarity can 'cook' electronics in an instant and it should never be assumed (unless, possibly, the accessory plugs are from the same manufacturer as the rest of the system) that the positive of one plug will mate with the positive of the plug which you have just bought. It MAY do, but don't assume that it does.
A very useful piece of test equipment is a cheapo, cheapo multimeter BUT it must have automatic polarity reversal facility so that if you inadvertently try to measure a voltage, but get the positive and negatives reversed, it will measure the voltage, BUT will indicate it by putting a minus (-) in front of the measured value. The cost of these is less than a gallon of petrol and they are invaluable.
Whenever you want to tap into the wiring harness of the bike, you can check both the polarity of the wires (or plug) on the bike AND the polarity of the wires which connect into it.
It only takes a few moments, but can save possible electrical damage.
The BMW plugs are postive on the center pin. I added a second outlet for my heated vest, using the kit for R1150GS I located the outlet by the outlet of the left side oil cooler (black plastic). The kit for the GS was all plug and play it included a outlet, extension lead with the correct terminals, and a mounting plate(which I did not use). I find that location is very good for the heated vest cord, when using the stock location the cord would be between my leg and the seat which would pull it out and drag it on the ground.
