Connecting battery charger to C650 Sport

[chris dexter]

I wish to attach a suitable cable so that I can use a battery charger easily when necessary. The handbook say don't connect to the glove box accessory point but to use the under seat accessory point. There doesn't appear to be one on my bike. Any suggestions?

 

[DrCohen]

I wish to attach a suitable cable so that I can use a battery charger easily when necessary. The handbook say don't connect to the glove box accessory point but to use the under seat accessory point. There doesn't appear to be one on my bike. Any suggestions?

See the thread at https://www.bmw-scooters.com/index.php?threads/added-under-seat-power-plug.1489/
Then you need a cigarette-lighter style jack for your battery maintainer, and they typically don't come that way. Battery maintainers normally include a pigtail with ring terminals that connect directly to the battery posts and an SAE connector that mates with the charger.
Many BMW shops (including the one I use) routinely install the pigtail on the battery of every bike they sell.
IMHO this is cheaper and easier than the under-seat item.

 

[chris dexter]

Thank you very much Dr Cohen. I chose the least expensive option and used the pigtails supplied with the Optimate charger straight to the battery, drilled a 20mm hole in the side of the right hand glove box to feed the connector through and job done. Thanks for your advice but isn't it a complicated way to access the battery (having to take panels off) poor design by BMW. Kind regards Chris

 

[DrCohen]

Thank you very much Dr Cohen. I chose the least expensive option and used the pigtails supplied with the Optimate charger straight to the battery, drilled a 20mm hole in the side of the right hand glove box to feed the connector through and job done. Thanks for your advice but isn't it a complicated way to access the battery (having to take panels off) poor design by BMW. Kind regards Chris

I haven't removed that panel yet on my new C650GT, but I lived with a 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650 for many years and miles. The Burgman has the battery under the seat, but it's a difficult reach into a cramped space. In some ways, at least, it may be better to remove a panel and have totally clear access. (I hope so).

 

[Skydiver]

Thank you very much Dr Cohen. I chose the least expensive option and used the pigtails supplied with the Optimate charger straight to the battery, drilled a 20mm hole in the side of the right hand glove box to feed the connector through and job done. Thanks for your advice but isn't it a complicated way to access the battery (having to take panels off) poor design by BMW. Kind regards Chris

I haven't removed that panel yet on my new C650GT, but I lived with a 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650 for many years and miles. The Burgman has the battery under the seat, but it's a difficult reach into a cramped space. In some ways, at least, it may be better to remove a panel and have totally clear access. (I hope so).

I did the same. Little hole and a very short cable with the connector inside the right glove box. (Just taken out the front and right side panel.)

 

[MMR of SAT]

I wish to attach a suitable cable so that I can use a battery charger easily when necessary. The handbook say don't connect to the glove box accessory point but to use the under seat accessory point. There doesn't appear to be one on my bike. Any suggestions?

I have mine coming out in the front wheel area, underneath the headlight. No need for drilling. Since the charging cable coms with a protective cap, and can be easily stored behind plastic molding, I have never had issues with water, even when riding in the rain, not to mention the washing. In addition, while bike is in a storing mode (winter, weather, etc.) the access is easy to hook up the trickle charger. When I am about not to use a bike for few days, I use bike dolly to stand it on: I can slide the bike around, if called for.

Merry Xmas, stay safe and happy riding.

 

[Bubboon]

I have mine coming out in the front wheel area, underneath the headlight. No need for drilling. Since the charging cable coms with a protective cap, and can be easily stored behind plastic molding, I have never had issues with water, even when riding in the rain, not to mention the washing. In addition, while bike is in a storing mode (winter, weather, etc.) the access is easy to hook up the trickle charger. When I am about not to use a bike for few days, I use bike dolly to stand it on: I can slide the bike around, if called for.

Merry Xmas, stay safe and happy riding.

Thanks for this post! I just bought a 2016 C650 Sport and wasn’t sure if it had a pigtail attached to the battery. I was planning to open the battery panel and install one, but I checked under the headlight area and there it was! Charged up the battery perfectry and saved me from taking off the panel. Thank you!

 

[MMR of SAT]

Thanks for this post! I just bought a 2016 C650 Sport and wasn’t sure if it had a pigtail attached to the battery. I was planning to open the battery panel and install one, but I checked under the headlight area and there it was! Charged up the battery perfectry and saved me from taking off the panel. Thank you!

you are most welcome, at times we get those little morsels in life...

 

[Riding Foo]

I purchased a 2020 C650 GT and am keeping it at another property. I want to put a smart charger on it but I couldn't find the second socket. Am I reading this correctly that the second socket is factory installed under the headlight area?
This would be extremely helpful because I'm going there soon and would like to take the right parts if it's not factory installed. Thanks in advance.