Battery charger

[vyzas]

Goodmorning,
Recently bought a 2002 R1150R, my first bike ever and I am very excited but quite scared for an older man!!!
Anyway, bought a BMW battery charger yesterday from my dealer and then saw after the fact that it is for Gel batteries; it does say on the box that it is good for some other batteries.
Considering that I dont think it is a good idea fishing for the battery, does anybody know what battery the 2002's had and if the BMW charger is OK?

Many thanks,

Michael

2002 R1150R black

[Mr. Frank]

That model charger should work fine with the standard lead acid battery, but they say it won't charge as quickly. You can see your battery pretty well by taking the seat off. You just can't get to the terminals that way.

[vyzas]

Frank,
Thank you so much; you can tell I am bit at a loss...but extremely excited.
So, bottom line, I keep the charger for the winter months and I dont worry about time performance

[Mr. Frank]

Right. My understanding is the gel battery chargers have a slightly lower maximum charging voltage for safety to avoid blowing up the sealed battery. It shouldn't make much of a difference. If I'm wrong, someone will point it out.

[Mr. Frank]

One more thing. If you do have a standard battery, it will be necessary to monitor the acid level occasionally. Top it up with distilled water as required.

[lorazepam]

If you get an adapter, you can charge the battery using the auxillary power socket, and doint have to fool with removing the seat and pulling the battery out.

[latelifecrisis]

Something to watch. I got the BMW gel battery charger and it worked great for about 8 months. Then I noticed the red light just kept blinking and would never get to green. I took it back to the BMw dealer to check it out. Turns out the terminals in the plug had worked loose from heat expansion and contraction. Check the lights from time to time and if there is a problem check the plug first.

[Mr. Frank]

Originally posted by latelifecrisis
Something to watch. I got the BMW gel battery charger and it worked great for about 8 months. Then I noticed the red light just kept blinking and would never get to green. I took it back to the BMw dealer to check it out. Turns out the terminals in the plug had worked loose from heat expansion and contraction. Check the lights from time to time and if there is a problem check the plug first.

I had the same problem. The BMW plug was not very well attached and came loose in a few months. It's worth checking before it becomes a problem. It could cause arcing.

[Cliffy777]

E-Z solution for you my friend. Ride the bike every few days and you can exchange the battery charger for some other piece of BMW fun.
Welcome to the forum. R1150R is a great bike, you should have a blast. Did you take an MSF course yet? (You did say you were a new rider, didn't you?)

[vyzas]

Cliffy 777,
Thanks for your very good comments: first, I agree the best way to charge the battery is riding the bike, that's the reason I bought it! however, I dont think I want to do it during the winter, in CT.
Yes, I took the MSF course and I still "practice" when I ride...age has a few advantages...