Installing the OptiMate Charging lead to my BMW R1250GS

I already have an Optimate 4 battery charger for my other bike. Rather than buy a separate Can Bus charger for the BMW, costing £90-100, I have merely purchased a new Optimate battery lead and connected it directly to the BM's battery.
This will take you 10-15 minutes to fit.
Preparation 00:21
Installation/cable routing 03:45
Disconnecting the battery 07:00
Testing the cable 13:37
You can also run a small 12volt compressor to this lead for pumping tyres up after a puncture repair .
Purchased from
www.sportsbike...
TecMate OptiMate / AccuMate Battery Charger Leads (SAE) - Weatherproof SAE Compatible Eyelet Lead for use with OptiMate battery chargers SAE71 £7.99
www.sportsbike...
(option 3 on the list,as of November 2022, check first though!)

[@legolator]

Good thing I found your video, I was about to pull the entire battery out as suggested in the manual for my 1250GSA. :D

[@gsd32i]

Glad I could help

[@Sagacious_LJ]

Thanks for the video mate. Might I suggest feeding the cord from the bottom up. Much simpler than dealing with the fuse block and split cords from the top down. Cheers! 🍻

[@jonathanjoseph5600]

Fantastic video, followed step by step and worked an absolute treat. Saved me hours of fiddling. Cheers!

[@gsd32i]

You're welcome!

[@markg1291]

Thanks for the video. Based on this video I went out and bought one for my R1250 GS. I installed the lead directly to the battery as you did but I also got the adaptor to charge through the canbus. Works like a charm. Thanks 👍🏻

[@dobbinuk]

Hi Mark, please can you provide a link for the cable and explain where you plug into the canbus?

[@markkerber7408]

Always appreciate these videos, huge thanks, great details.

[@gsd32i]

Thank you 👍

[@photobiker4309]

Thankfully, I have the canbus point on the bike, on the left side, below the seats (not under the seat, but down lower on the frame). I just plug my BMW charger in to it. Much less hassle than having to add an alternate charging lead.

[@gsd32i]

I have that too....couldn't be bothered to buy a separate can bus specific charger. Other users have said the can bus input can cause charging issues, hence another reason I went for the charging lead , plus I can plug in a tyre inflator with no issues. No hassle really to fit the lead. Ride safe , hopefully better weather on the way😁

[@mats3188]

Nice work as usual thanks for the tips 👍 By the way your dog is amazing 😊

[@gsd32i]

Thank you very much!

[@rayfriedman9625]

Not bad for a one-handed cameraman! Interestingly, my bike came preinstalled with that harness (a service provided by the dealer). Haven't had occasion to use it yet, so I appreciate the walkthrough. Say hi to the dogs for me!

[@gsd32i]

Thanks, the dogs say hi too !

[@Dogatemyhomework927]

Very descriptive video for a one armed guy! 😉 appreciate your efforts.. cheers from mountains of Far Northern California! 💯👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@gsd32i]

Thanks , have a great day 👍

[@dr.kimmiehouse220]

THE O-11 is the Automotive batterylead, to make it alot easier to install, buy the O-01 version, that is the M6-M8 with smaller ringlets.

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

I use the BMW charger and find it works fine on all my bikes. I know you mention possible problems but to honest I’ve had one for the last 7 years and had many different BMW’s in that time and never had any issues.

[@rbrucerogers]

I secured the rubber grommets for the battery panel with super glue. Others prefer zip ties. Not my ideas, but I am grateful that the grommets no longer pop out.

[@gsd32i]

German engineering at its finest 👍

[@rbrucerogers]

@@gsd32i 🙂 I agree that the grommet design isn't their best work, but I have to say that I'm pleased overall with what I've seen. The body panels come off & go back on with screws instead of the plastic rivets used on Honda & Suzuki, and I don't feel as though I'm at risk of breaking off little tabs. The bodywork design seems to suggest that the bike is intended to be maintained & ridden for many miles. Crossing my fingers that this carries through to other parts of the bike.

[@vincentleylavergne4697]

Super la vidéo ! J'ai pu brancher le miens sans avoir peur de faire une fausse manipulation. Le même cable avec la même moto ;-) Thank you so much

[@gsd32i]

👍

[@Q-Treiber01]

Nice Video. Have seen now a couple from your other videos and I like the way you're showing us how to do it. Well explained. 👌

[@gsd32i]

Thanks more to come 😊

[@OptiMate]

Thanks for making and uploading this installation video!

[@gsd32i]

No problem , as always my optimate has been totally reliable in the many years that I have had it 👍

[@dgomes265]

Nicely done. Ran mine to the front of the bike to allow an additional charging option of adding a SAE USB module. But Had to extend then to reach.

[@Tenerisius]

I have found a better place for something similar, if you don't mind. The big hole on the frame, under the seat. In your case you have a cap on it, which I find unnecessary but anyway. You need two Velcro stickers. One for the down side of the hole in the frame and one for the plug. So you can attach it to stay stable in the hole and pull it out when it is necessary. It is important though to not lose the water resistance cap of the plug. It is also good to use some zip tires so you can attach the cable to the backside of the frame in the whole route from the battery to the outer frame hole, There is only a small piece of cable to see and it comes from the backside of the frame to the big hole making a "U" shape from back to front and inside the frame hole. The zip tires are covered from the plastic covers of the bike and the seat. In my case, I guided the cable in a loose "S" shape to avoid any cable cracks in the future and I made a final turn of the plug in the hole so the plug "looks" out and is ready to connect as it is, only removing the plug cap or i can pull it out, because there is a little more cable and plug it in to the charger and put it back in place again. It looks "clean" and it is well protected, because this frame hole is deep enough and when you are riding the bike, your leg is also there to cover it. You can use a longer stripe of Velcro in the frame hole and choose the perfect position for the plug according to the circumstances any time. It has been used so, the last 2 years under any circumstances without any problem. Finally, some friendly advice from me. If the scratches are small, let them simply tell their story. Don't be so "tight" with an adventure bike. It is not made from sugar. It's not a limo nore a Harley Davidson. Feel free to enjoy an ADV bike in any aspect. Thanks for having me on the comment section🙂

[@gsd32i]

No problem. The main thing is that people can see how easy the cable is to fit. The can route it whichever way they want to. For me it works great as does your way. Definitely don't want any scratches on my garage Queen 😂 Ride safe 👍

[@keithevans3676]

Really useful tha k you 👌 What topbox do you have please?

[@vishmiu4451]

非常棒，我已经按照您这种方法也安装了一条63.5mm的SAE线用来充电，不过我用的是USB接口通过移动充电宝进行充电。

[@davidharrington1133]

Thanks, very handy video

[@gsd32i]

Glad it helped

[@C2112-s7y]

Thanks for the video, good idea to put cardboard on the -ve but I see no reason to take the fuse out if the lead is not connected to anything.

[@gsd32i]

Just me being extra extra cautious 👍

[@petewilkinson4824]

I’ve just fitted the charging tails to my 2016 GS however when I connect the charger the save light comes on on the charger. I assumed the battery was getting past it so I fitted a brand new one but still get the same result. Anyone have any answers why this is when it turns out both batteries are good and the old one charges fine off the bike?

[@jezza46]

The Optimate manual states that if the vehicle (bike) has a negative ground, then the positive optimate cable gets fitted to the positive battery terminal, but the negative Optimate cable gets attached to the frame (as long as its a ground). Not to the negative terminal?? I'm trying to find a definitive answer and still can't find one.

[@gsd32i]

Never had an issue with mine after nearly a year.

[@jezza46]

@@gsd32i To be honest I ended up just doing what you and probably everyone else on the planet has done and just fit them to both terminals lol

[@johnpaterson4163]

Tks for posting up mate. Just wondering, I am sure theres a reason, but why not just use the din socket on the other side, thats how I am currently charging my GSA. All the best.

[@gsd32i]

That’s goes to the canbus and there is, some say potential for the canbus to throw a wobbly if it don’t like something . So I wired mine direct . More than one way to do it I suppose 👍

[@johnpaterson4163]

@@gsd32i cheers mate, knew there would be something.

[@tadstertrolley7770]

@@gsd32i i bought a new triple black this week. After a 100km ride on delivery day, the next day voltage showed 11.9v on TFT with motor not running. Plugged optimate into CAN port next night and was still 11.9. Plugged charger directly into battery the next night, once I disconnected charger, battery showed 13v on multimeter, but as soon as I turned ignition on, it immediately dropped to 12.4 and stayed there. Is this normal for this bike?

[@ericjames7680]

Of course you can always attach a charger directly to the battery but BMW instructs you to not do so while the battery is installed in the bike. Why? The reason is that many modern chargers are “smart” and will try to recondition (disulphate) a battery if it decides that the battery needs reconditioning. The desulphation process involves the application of high voltage pulses to the battery and if the battery is connected in the bike then all the bike’s expensive electronics also get exposed to the high voltage pulses as well. So there is some risk of damage involved. BMW isn’t going to try to explain how to determine whether your particular charger has a desulphation capability or not so it just tells you not to charge the battery directly in the bike to mitigate the risk. If you have a smart charger and intend to connect direct to the battery while the battery is in the bike you should read the charger’s manual to see if the desulphation mode can be disabled. I use the Optimate 4 charger in its “CAN-bus mode” (sic) direct to the battery because in that mode high voltage desulphation is deactivated. I can’t be bothered with charging via the accessory port.

[@gsd32i]

Thanks Eric. Many people connect direct to the battery on all types of modern bikes with no issues , but always good to have some more knowledge . 🤔

[@EllisBurton3339]

​@@gsd32iNote ,there are reports of the cambus system not restarting the charger when in sleep mode , rather it sees it as a alien piece of equipment and cuts it out ...therefore the battery discharges over time when you think you have it on maintainance ....I have had problems with my R18 with this issue , I have the bmw. Charger and optimate 4 canbus edition ....

[@gsd32i]

@@EllisBurton3339 thanks . This one has given me no issues . 👍

[@MKlukowski]

Thank you for the video and effort. Great help. Cheers

[@gsd32i]

Glad it was of some use.👍

[@austinmatthews347]

The smoaks vlog says we shouldnt do this however i have had my opt 4 on mine from day 1 dealer never says anything

[@Travellingcomic]

Very helpful 😊

[@stephenscott6570]

I just pulled off battery cover on new R1250 R and one rummer grommet dropped on floor and other one was “missing”, but I found it inside. The issue is that they are not tightly seated, so that when they put the panel on at the factory the upper one likely pushed through and the lower one pulled out when you took the panel off. The grommet is too soft and pliable.

[@gsd32i]

Join the club . I ended up buying several as spares from my dealer ! 😂

[@honoriotorres]

Thanks

[@aldra744]

Thanks for vid. Why you do not use CANbus outlet?

[@gsd32i]

From memory I believe I had read that the canbus outlet could shut the charger down, so meaning your bike won't charge, ie winter layup could be an issue when you come to ride the bike on a cold winters sunny day....or something like that.

[@arreyehali7726]

You diserve another subscriber Fox !! 🙂

[@DaddyDucky]

i have this already built into my bike but i don’t have the charger for it, where can i get it and what’s it called?

[@gsd32i]

Something like this www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/101597

[@bigfishmino]

Very interesting

[@on2wheels275]

The battery lead you installed would be more useful if it was run to the left side of the bike you you can plug in heated gear as it is run direct to the battery

[@gsd32i]

Thanks for the input 👍 ride safe . 😊

[@almccallie4314]

I'm leary about doing this on my 2009 R1200GS, or any other on-the-bike charging . I wanted to charge through the electrical outlets on the bike, (DIN Connector)? My manual says charging through the power outlet may damage the bikes electronics. It says the BMW charger must be used. My intent is to only use a Battery Tender for short periods only. Am I okay wiring a charging harness like this directly to the battery and only using the Battery Tender for short periods? Advice welcomed...new owner here. Thank you

[@gsd32i]

Hi, apologies for the delay in replying . I am not a technician, but I see no problem in connecting the tender directly to the battery. I think BMW just want to get more money from you, but I may be wrong. If you wanted to plug the din socket in then yes you would need the BMW charger, but no problem connected red and black directly to the battery.(but am not a technician , my bike has been fine 😂)

[@almccallie4314]

@@gsd32i I think you’re right. Works fine on my old K75. I’m going to do it. BIG THANK YOU!

[@Kevin-et2jf]

Thank you for the video! Quick question - For the GS, what do you use on the gold wheels to keep them clean? Thanks!

[@gsd32i]

Thanks, muck off and then just bike shampoo.

[@Kevin-et2jf]

@@gsd32i Does the Muc Off remove stains from the wheels?

[@gsd32i]

@@Kevin-et2jf Works for me the Mac off , WD40 is also good at getting rid of tar marks etc that may have found their way onto your wheels.

[@themayorofdipshittery3646]

I just know, if I put the panels and torx screws on the ground, I’d stagger back like Bambi on ice and smash the blooming lot 😂😂😂😂 I really can be a cack handed moron. I got my GS exclusive delivered on Friday and will be fitting this lead today, thanks for this video but I’ll opt for the two handed approach 😎👍👍👍👍

[@gsd32i]

May I wish you an uneventful install , your Lordship. 😂 just watch out for the rubber grommets on the side panels that the male part goes onto . Easy to push them out and they disappear forever . I’ve got a bag of spares 😂

[@bobtaylor5263]

good video but just wondering what optimate charger have you got ,is it the optimate 4 which I believe is for can bus systems on the bmw I have the optimate 1 duo and just wondering will this be compatable

[@gsd32i]

Hi . My optimate for is a number of years old now ! Don’t think they make it . It’s not the canbus one . It’s just one of their normal non fancy chargers and is hooked up direct to the battery . I’ve had it for my other non can bus bikes and when I got the bmw I basically didn’t want to fork out more money on another charger , so I use it to charge both my gs and KTM 890R , yours should be fine but if it’s not canbus compatible then hook it straight into the battery . With it on the battery you can plug in electric air pumps etc when out on the road if needed without the worry of the canbus throwing a wobbly . There are several discussions about where to connect the GS’s charger and I went direct to the battery and no issues . 👍

[@bobtaylor5263]

@@gsd32i thanks for replying thats great news saves me buying another charger and ive just subscribed to your channel thanks once again

[@sdecarteret]

I must be missing something because I simply use my battery charger and plug it into the CAN bus plug in next to the handlebars

[@gsd32i]

Sometimes the canbus system can throw a bit of a wobbly and close the charger down as some people have said on other sites . Also being direct to the battery allows me to use an electric air pump if on a trip . The big one was that I didn’t want to fork out money for a canbus specific battery charger as I already have a normal charger that I use on my other bike . Yup skin flint on a 20k machine !! 🙈

[@carlton683]

Good job 👍

[@gsd32i]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@christophermarquez5505]

The content is good. Get a stand or tripod for your camera. It strains my eyes with the constant movement.

[@RTdragon]

Mind explaining why using that positive and not the one on battery? Going installing my optimate cable to my 2018 RT

[@gsd32i]

I have connected the optimate directly to the battery . Mainly because I don’t have to buy a separate dedicated can bus charger which would then plug directly into the charging socket below the seat on the left side . Several ways to connect the charger to the bike . I have 2 bikes and didn’t want to buy another charger !!

[@RTdragon]

@@gsd32i ah ok. I'm new to BMW so more surprised at the 2nd positive point (one you connected cable to as apposed to the positive on battery). Having tried taking battery out of mine can see benefit of 2nd positive point! Was told that point (to right of battery) was for jumping only. I'm learning more about bike though. Thanks for answer.

[@gsd32i]

@@RTdragon everyone uses that positive point from what I have seen on the tube !

[@RTdragon]

@@gsd32i no worries. Hence why I was asking about it. Had it on my older bikes on battery directly so this is new to me 👍

[@RTdragon]

@@gsd32i sorry 1 more question as it's an optimate you have. Do you use the canbus setting to charge battery or normal setting through the direct battery cable? I was told canbus if through DIN socket and normal if connected direct to battery. Thank you 😊

[@mitjapozar2725]

You make very, VERY nice and informational videos but it would be very helpful if you would add links to actual products that you use instead of a homepage of a webstore from where you purchased them. For this exact video I would like to know which exact charging lead and charger you use or recommend? thank you!

[@gsd32i]

Hi Mitja, i have gone into description and updated it. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@mitjapozar2725]

@@gsd32i perfect 👍

[@mitjapozar2725]

@@gsd32i do you think it would be possible to connect it straight to the bike's dedicated charging plugin, the one dedicated for OEM charger?

[@gsd32i]

@@mitjapozar2725 I’m not sure . But if you plug anything into the dedicated charger then it would have to be can bus compatible.

[@Iz_Zammit]

Is this accessory good to be used for jump starters?

[@gsd32i]

I cant's see why not as it is used to plug in for battery conditioning and the lead is connected directly to the battery....BUT I AM NOT EXPERT!

[@stefgreenall59]

Hi enjoying your videos. Could you tell me do you have to put your optimate in normal mode or change it to canbus to charge your battery ? Cheers ste

[@gsd32i]

Hi, I had a look on the internet regarding this before I installed it.Basically I have used my older non Canbus optimate charger, that I have had for a number of years and simply connected the charging lead directly to the battery, thereby doing away with it going through the Canbus. This also gives me the option to use a mini compressor plugged into this lead in the event of someone needing their tyres pumped up! It also means I didn't have to fork out for a Canbus charger too, just used my trusty old optimate. Hope that makes sense 🤪

[@samhill3496]

To complicated. Run it down and ziptie it to the main frame where you can get to it easily and plugin. Then you can charge it with the seat on. You may be in a situation where that is desired.

[@gsd32i]

Yes there are certainly other ways to do the install , appreciate the input . Ride safe 👍

[@neilhutton1528]

Are you ever going to ride it? Asking for a friend 🤪

[@gsd32i]

Hahaha 🤣 just fitted the mudsling rear mudguard and going out now to see if the anakee adventure tyres run on it . It’s been too wet recently to dirty it !

[@neilhutton1528]

@@gsd32i Anakee adventures work fine with the mudsling. I have both on mine 👍

[@podunkman2709]

Nice charger but quality of cables are rather low and the connector between the battery and the charger is too tight.

[@gsd32i]

Thanks for sharing this. Had them on my fire blade, Africa Twin and now my ktm890r and bmw r1250gs and not had any issues with connections, yet!

[@FourIntoOne]

I enjoy watching your content- thank you. But please maybe buy yourself a cheap tripod to free up that other hand!

[@gsd32i]

thanks, thing is I have a tripod and some of the videos I use it and others I don't, this one was kind of done real time on the fly.👍

[@TheVolumeSociety]

Tripod please.

[@gsd32i]

You didn't say it, but I hope you found the video useful, even without the tripod. Have a great weekend.😁

[@TheVolumeSociety]

😊 Sorry. Absolutely. But the camera movement sends me into a head spin. I had to stop short. The one hander stuff I have a hard time with. Love the channel though. Be well from chilly Toronto. 🇨🇦

[@fransbester1674]

Get a tripod man. Very nice info and advice but the one handed camera is REALLY ANNOYING.

[@gsd32i]

Oh yes a tripod . I have one of those now 👍

[@carlton683]

Very good job,how about getting your wife to hold the camera for you 👍

[@gsd32i]

It was a on the run video ! Fitting the mudsling rear mudguard and front mudguard later so will use tripod ! 🤪