[jtalka]

I just bought a K1600B down here in southern Florida and will be storing the bike for a few months after the winter. What kind of battery tender do the new K bikes require? I've been looking on Amazon and it appears that I need to go for the one which is almost 200 bucks unless I want to take the battery out of the bike when I leave it.. Can you guys fill me in?

 

[MichiganR80RT]

I use the Optimate 4 on my R1200RT. It is able to wake up the Canbus so you do not have to add a connector to the battery. The model from the link comes with the plug to connect through the power port.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...gram-battery-charger-for-bmw-canbus?rrec=true

 

[jtalka]

Thanks!! I appreciate the input!

 

[DanDiver]

Just about any conditioner/tender will work (not a trickle charger) if it is matched for your battery. Many attached to a permanently attached pig tail that you keep on your battery.

 

[BigT.]

The Optimate 4 is an excellent solution. I fixed the fused 'Tail' connection direct to the battery and keep the charger permanently plugged in whilst the beast is sleeping. Then when we go riding I fit an Optimate USB into the 'Tails' SAE plug for phone charging etc. The USB plug also guards against battery discharge cutting off after a set time or when the battery reaches a certain level, protecting against inadvertant discharge should you leave something connected. I also ran a seperate direct battery connection under the Tupperware to the handlebars and into a Wunderlich Media Bag, again usng Optimate cabling and a USB protected outlet to charge a Power Bank and Phone contained in the Media Bag. As an added bonus my Tyre repair kit has a Air compressor which fits straight onto the SAE plug if needed avoiding the use of Crocodile clips etc. Hope this helps.

Regards,

Tony

 

[JBinAZ]

I use a Battery Tender Jr on my F800GT (also Canbus) attached to a pigtail on the battery. Total cost maybe $30. It has float mode so the battery isn't overcharged. I left it for 4 months this winter while I was in SE Asia and the bike started up perfectly when I got back. No need to spend a lot of money.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-0123-Junior-Charger/dp/B000CITK8S

 

[mwnahas]

The K1600 doesn't suffer parasitic drain anywhere near as bad as the LT. I only need to keep in on the charger for a couple of days every month during the winter. Battery is 5 years old. Agree also use a pigtail direct to the battery. You can run your air compressor off that or heated gear also.

 

[beech]

as mentioned connect direct to the battery with the pigtail that generally comes with the charger. Motorcycle rated smart charger.
There are many inexpensive ones if that is your issue.
https://www.silvertel.com/images/technical-articles/charging_sealed_lead_acid_batteries.pdf
Here are some to look over:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sla+motorcycle+battery+charger&ref=nb_sb_noss
This is my favorite but I see some for 13$ hope they work.
https://www.amazon.com/Pulsetech-Xt...ocphy=9033395&hvtargid=pla-434139162406&psc=1

 

[Rafael Alonso]

I bought this one on Amazon and works ok with the AGM batteries and not to expensive. Been using it for 2 years