Optimate Battery Charger

[Longtom]

Hi Guys
I may come across as a bit dense, but I can't work out from the instructions with an Optimate  battery charger if it's ok to keep my GTR connected to it  through the accessory plug on the dash to keep it charged  up through the winter.
I'd be  grateful for any info or advice.

[doebag]

Ideally it should be connected direct to the battery, or to a fly lead connected direct to the battery.

You will notice that the output lead of the optimate is quite heavy gauge wire, the optimate may not work to it's best if trying to charge through the smaller size wire on the bike.

Also once connected the optimate is designed to be left on all the time.

[shaggs147]

Hi tom, that socket only becomes live with the ignition turned on, so it won't be any good to use with your optimate. You need a direct connection to the battery.

[viper]

Yes you will need a direct lead to the battery , I thought that you would get one of these with the unit , when not in use it tucks nicley into the bodywork somewhere.
I don't have an optimate on my bike and its not used from october to about April, I have a flying lead on the battery and once a month or so a check the volts with a meter , when the volts drop below 11.5v I plug my normal bike charger in through the same lead until its fully charged ( 1 hour) , I only have to do this 2 or 3 times right through the winter.
I had an optimate on my classic car and it ate batteries , literally a new one every other year , batteries like to be run down and topped back up rather than a constant trickle, however " intelligent " the charger claims to be

just my 2 cents

[Longtom]

Thanks everyone, I reply appreciate the replies, the Optimate instruction booklet definitely says that it will 'activate' the power socket on the dash and will do something to the 'can-bus'! sounds like something I'd rather not have happen and so I am going to go with an  Optimate lead wired to the battery and, like Viper said, check, and charge when necessary. Funnily enough, an ancient Land Rover of mine (another passion) had its  fairly new battery die after a winter connected to an earlier version of this charger.
Well,as like minded folk,  if you're ever in Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean, drop in for a brew and a chat. Thanks again.

[BigAlan]

I have the optimate lead straight from the battery dangling out of the side, fits nice and neat as well.

Just down the road from you, Eynsham West of Oxford.

Alan

[SirToU]

I use an optimate all the time, unfortunately, I don't live work enough from home to charge it.

The colour coded battery cover is only 1 Allen bolt, so the optimate cable can be hidden behind there if, like me you don't like it dangling out in the open!  :-)

I hear what you are saying about the batter.... And it has me a little worried....

Neil

[Rusty]

Yep, the Optimate 4 is a really decent bit of kit that you can't be without, especially with winter upon us .... as soon as the GS is parked up in the garage on it goes .. straight to the battery and never a problem for those cold early morning commutes .. it pays to keep the battery tip top.

[Richard]

Hi

I have bypassed the control relay on the accessory socket on mine so it is always on.
Handy for phone charging etc and plug the optimiser into when the trike is parked up, works fine.

Richard

[Debs]

Why do you need an Optimate? I just ride baby if the battery starts getting low 

[CyrilleGTR]

Hi guys,

good timing for this subject.
I've installed a brand new waterproof lead on my GTR but have a bit of an issue as it doesn't seem to work properly. All I have is the charger keeps changing mode everytime it's switched on, like if positive and negative were in contact. I have checked everything and no problem with the lead or the charger.

Last solution is that I have wired the extension wrongly.

Did you connect the lead directly to the battery or have you used the positive and negative ports on the side of the battery and on the frame (which I have done!!)?

cheers

Cyrille

[PCPeteUK]

Why do you need an Optimate? I just ride baby if the battery starts getting low 

Like it :)

[doebag]

Did you connect the lead directly to the battery or have you used the positive and negative ports on the side of the battery and on the frame (which I have done!!)?

Personally, I would go direct to the battery pos/neg terminals. Does the lead have an in line fuse ? If so, is it the right amperage and intact ?
Double check your extension lead polarity.

[CyrilleGTR]

I will check everything again and move the lead onto the battery itself once the weather is better... not having a garage is a real pain!!

Yes it does have a fuse and I double checked it, fuse was intact, exchange it with a new one to be sure as well. Polarity was ok but really wondering if, as you suggested, the trick is to connect directly on the battery itself.

Anyway can wait  after the weekend as weather is going to be rain, rain and more rain... lead is tucked away nicely and not affecting the bike at all. Also discovered another similar lead in the original optimate box so can try that one as well...

thanks

[tapps]

i had my optimate lead fitted by my dealer,they fitted the live on the battery terminal & the negative on the earth point on the frame.