Battery tenders on the S1000RR

NateSKRR · 03-02-2010, 11:29 AM

Ok, so I was preparing to order all of the accessories for my s1000rr at the dealer yesterday and I was considering buying a battery tender. When I asked about it they told me I have to use this special BMW battery tender that costs like $165.

I did a lot of research last night about the BMW battery tender that uses the CAN BUS. I would say about 75% of the people using it had problems with it. I've even seen a step by step install of a non-BMW battery tender on these forums.

Can someone explain to me why the dealer is telling me that a normal battery tender hooked directly to the battery will "mess up the electronics" on my bike? I know the battery is an AGM battery, thus I would be hooking a tender up that supports AGM, but I need to know exactly what the effects of this would be.

**1000RR** · 03-02-2010, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateSKRR

Ok, so I was preparing to order all of the accessories for my s1000rr at the dealer yesterday and I was considering buying a battery tender. When I asked about it they told me I have to use this special BMW battery tender that costs like $165.

I did a lot of research last night about the BMW battery tender that uses the CAN BUS. I would say about 75% of the people using it had problems with it. I've even seen a step by step install of a non-BMW battery tender on these forums.

Can someone explain to me why the dealer is telling me that a normal battery tender hooked directly to the battery will "mess up the electronics" on my bike? I know the battery is an AGM battery, thus I would be hooking a tender up that supports AGM, but I need to know exactly what the effects of this would be.

I installed a battery tender (the little one made by Battery Tender (the Junior) - ~$25-$30) on my bike already... Took it off my last bike, put it on this one. No one's fried a computer to my knowledge. Not sure how that'd fry one anyway

Can't explain why the dealer is telling you what he is, only can tell you what I've done. The bike starts every time and nothing has gone POOF yet.

BTW... the "Battery Tender" (Junior) is for Standard and AGM batteries.

Welcome to the board BTW!

NateSKRR · 03-02-2010, 12:39 PM

I'm guessing BMW is pushing down to exclude the other battery tenders and push their own battery tender which they probably thought would be convenient for the bikes with the CAN BUS, when in fact it's really just a hassle. I have the same junior installed on my Suzuki, I was just going to buy another battery cable and use the same tender on both bikes as neccessary.

Thanks for the welcome.

**sfoster** · 03-02-2010, 12:45 PM

Bob's BMW has been delivering S1000RR's with a battery tender lead already installed on the battery. I have the Junior and use it for both the K1300GT and the S1000RR. No problems so far.

Schoolbusbob · 03-02-2010, 12:58 PM

If the BMW tender plugged into a factory outlet on the bike I can understand it maybe. But not if recharging to the battery directly.
I have heated liners that blow fues on my R1200S if I plug it directly into the bikes power outlet. It will draw more currect then its allow for the CANBUS system.

**1000RR** · 03-02-2010, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schoolbusbob

If the BMW tender plugged into a factory outlet on the bike I can understand it maybe...

Is there one on this bike? Can't recall right now

I just wired direct to the battery - just makes sense

URBAN LEGEND · 03-02-2010, 02:42 PM

Using a junior with no issues.

NateSKRR · 03-02-2010, 04:23 PM

Well, from the responses I've gotten thus far I'm just going to order a 2nd cable for the S1000RR's battery and use my existing junior trickle charger and ignore the dealer's recommendation.

Thanks for the feedback.

**1000RR** · 03-02-2010, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateSKRR

Well, from the responses I've gotten thus far I'm just going to order a 2nd cable for the S1000RR's battery and use my existing junior trickle charger and ignore the dealer's recommendation.

Thanks for the feedback.

Figure you saved yourself about $150 or so!

BeemerDealer · 03-02-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NateSKRR

Well, from the responses I've gotten thus far I'm just going to order a 2nd cable for the S1000RR's battery and use my existing junior trickle charger and ignore the dealer's recommendation.

Thanks for the feedback.

that's what I would do....the CANBUS charger doesn't explain the correct procedure for charging the battery. You have to turn the key on and wait about 15 seconds, then plug in the charger to the accessory outlet, wait another 15 seconds for the computer and charger to talk, then turn the key off.