Newbie maybe...ce04

[ghostrider4]

I might consider one although I've yet to ride it to see if I like it. My main concern will be how it handles over bumps sole with the small diameter wheels and suspension travel. Range is not a factor per say nor highway miles and figure cold is not the bikes battery packs friend.
1. Don't know if level 2 cable is a good option or slower home charging is better for battery.
2. How often and when to charge?

Though if I do get one, it would be nice to get some thoughts concerning storage expandability side such as saddle bag, rear trunk, backrest for passenger which likewise can be used to tie things on back seat maybe. All the rest I guess I'll figure out on my own and check the forum posts.

If you have any owner experiences that you would like to share am happy to hear. Good, bad, indifferent, purchased/sold. Good mods else good bmw accessories bmw offers for it. I have many other bikes for long distance travel though would be first electric ride for me.
thank you

 

[triangletom]

I might consider one although I've yet to ride it to see if I like it. My main concern will be how it handles over bumps sole with the small diameter wheels and suspension travel.

Bumps haven't been a problem. The suspension is pretty decent although as you've noted, the travel is limited (4.3" up front, 3.6" in back).

Over 3600 miles, I've bottomed it out at least twice on country backroads, which felt a little jolting, but the bike just kept traveling in its intended direction as if nothing happened. Even with the smaller tires, rutted gravel roads haven't been a problem.

Range is not a factor per say nor highway miles and figure cold is not the bikes battery packs friend.
1. Don't know if level 2 cable is a good option or slower home charging is better for battery.
2. How often and when to charge?

L1 vs L2 shouldn't matter for battery longevity, particularly on the BMW CE-04 where the L2 is limited to (6.6kW). In my experience, those concerns are mostly the domain of folks who are regularly charging up at 150kW+ DC chargers.

I charge when I'm at 25% or less battery or if I have somewhere to go that requires more charge. The CE-04 is my only form of motorized transportation, so I charge it about twice a week.

Though if I do get one, it would be nice to get some thoughts concerning storage expandability side such as saddle bag, rear trunk, backrest for passenger which likewise can be used to tie things on back seat maybe.

The helmet compartment underneath is good for ~30L of storage. My bike came with a side bag which is cute but limited to 10L. Together, both are plenty enough for limited touring. I use a Shad 47L top-case when I need to pick up a passenger.

Limitations to be aware of: The BMW top-case interferes with the passenger seating area. The BMW side-case rack interferes with top-case racks from other manufacturers, but can be modified to fit.

All the rest I guess I'll figure out on my own and check the forum posts.

If you have any owner experiences that you would like to share am happy to hear. Good, bad, indifferent, purchased/sold. Good mods else good bmw accessories bmw offers for it. I have many other bikes for long distance travel though would be first electric ride for me.
thank you

Welcome! There is a lot of great information hiding around in the threads here. I've been very happy with mine - it's an amazing commuter bike. I'm eyeing the possibility of other rides for improved touring support (DC fast charging, longer range) in the future.

 

[ghostrider4]

Thoughtful reply and good information, thank you.
I will need to read up on charging options. If L1 is home charging, just using my standard USA 120v wall socket it seems about 4.5hrs from empty to full, though maybe better to not let it drop below 20% most times if such an option inwhich case it would take less time.

L2 then seems to be the standard for most charging stations, though many here have the cable to be used attached to the charging station for use so maybe no need to buy one from bmw. From empty a drop less then 2hrs to recharge.

Not certain about DC charging stations nor cable adapter needed. Guessing DC charging is less battery friendly then L1/L2.

Then there's a thing about giving the battery time for all the cells to balance themselves out during charging cycles if that is a thing maybe.

Indeed, travel over bumps will not be as kind to my lower back sadly so that could be a concern. Got a Herniated disk a few years ago so it doesn't take kindly to harsh bumps. I can make it work, for the enjoyment of the ride on my ICE bikes though they are not scooters thus more forgiving over bumps.

 

[triangletom]

L2 then seems to be the standard for most charging stations, though many here have the cable to be used attached to the charging station for use so maybe no need to buy one from bmw. From empty a drop less then 2hrs to recharge.

That's correct. In the USA, you won't need to buy a separate L2 cable as all charging stations provide one. If you wanted one for home, you can certainly buy far cheaper J1772 chargers than BMW's. I personally use the Tesla Mobile Connector with a Tesla->J1772 adapter (the TeslaTap Mini).

2 hours is a worst-case scenario - and one I have yet to observe: my average charge time at an L2 station is ~35 minutes. Like a cell phone, once your charge is over 80%, the charging rate begins to slow down, so I usually jet before I'm at 90%. The few times I need to charge from 15% to 99%, that's about an hour.

Not certain about DC charging stations nor cable adapter needed. Guessing DC charging is less battery friendly then L1/L2.

Unfortunately, there are no DC (CCS/Chademo) to AC (J1772) adapters available. It's technically possible, but it'd be inefficient and heavy.

One thing that gets a little confusing in these discussions is that the Tesla charger standard (NACS) supports DC or AC. The only DC Tesla chargers are labeled "Superchargers"; the AC ones are "Destination Chargers".

Then there's a thing about giving the battery time for all the cells to balance themselves out during charging cycles if that is a thing maybe.

It's not something I've worried about personally. These are low-maintenance batteries - just go out and ride the thing. The only thing I'd be concerned about is leaving it empty for an extended period (weeks).

Indeed, travel over bumps will not be as kind to my lower back sadly so that could be a concern. Got a Herniated disk a few years ago so it doesn't take kindly to harsh bumps. I can make it work, for the enjoyment of the ride on my ICE bikes though they are not scooters thus more forgiving over bumps.

You might be surprised how resistant to bumps the CE-04 is. It's true you will feel the road better than on an ICE bike, but that's because the distraction of the engine vibration and noise isn't there. I'd characterize the comfort level out of the box as significantly better than my F650GS Dakar but not as cushy as the R1150GS I had afterward. It's good enough for a 300-mile day, but if I was doing them constantly I'd consider an Airhawk seat or something similar to go on top.

 

[Fullum]

Hello
I have the back seat from Shad and it's fine I stop losing my wife on the green light since...
For side bags I brought from Unit Garage from Italy the unit is 20 to 26 liter and cheaper https://www.unitgarage.com/special_..._side_pannier_in_tpu_right_subframe_bmw_ce_04
and I considering buying the left side as well since I started doing my grocery with it, I use mine everyday for commuting I charge every four day depending my use, I charge at home at night with the 120v charger or near work on a station witch it faster depend, price wise charging at a station is really cheap for exemple 6.36 kWh cost me 2.86 taxe included. Dynamic pack is great especially in the traffic when you want to disappear from a crowded intersection.
Cheer
Yves

 

[triangletom]

For side bags I brought from Unit Garage from Italy the unit is 20 to 26 liter and cheaper https://www.unitgarage.com/special_..._side_pannier_in_tpu_right_subframe_bmw_ce_04

These bags look great! I have not seen them offered in the US. It looks like one might be able to modify the Unit Garage mounts so that they work with a Shad top case.

Dynamic pack is great especially in the traffic when you want to disappear from a crowded intersection.

Indeed! Dynamic mode is pure hooligan mode. Even in Eco mode, I can hit 30mph before leaving an intersection - which is more than enough for me. I do ride in Dynamic when I'm looking for a bit of extra fun but worry about losing traction accelerating through a turn on a slippery surface.

 

[Fullum]

These bags look great! I have not seen them offered in the US. It looks like one might be able to modify the Unit Garage mounts so that they work with a Shad top case.



Indeed! Dynamic mode is pure hooligan mode. Even in Eco mode, I can hit 30mph before leaving an intersection - which is more than enough for me. I do ride in Dynamic when I'm looking for a bit of extra fun but worry about losing traction accelerating through a turn on a slippery surface.

I've order mine directly, the service was great They ship FedEx if I'm not mistaking the only thing I had to pay custom upon arrival.
Yves

 

[ghostrider4]

Ok, tossing caution to the wind and planning to buy the bike subject to a test ride. Even ordered some bmw goodies (tall screen, gray fabric side bag, Vario expandable top case (keyed to bike), and of course…had to get the factory rear wheel decals just cause I like the color orange.

Dealer on east coast of Florida got two top of the line 2022 gray models with like 200 miles each (demo units) from a dealer up north that closed and are selling them for $12,000 (well ad listed them for $11,999) plus bmw Motorrad is offering 1.9% finance for 60 months so that is what caught my eye first. Of course $1k dealer fees but such is life. They say bmw tosses in an extra six month warranty so might end up with 3ry/36k will see. Then reading about this e-ride and this forum, and more youtube videos then I can count, pushed me over the edge. Plus I really like the fast charge times and have a free charger down the street when I walk my doggies though can change at home of course.

So, if the demo ride makes me happy they will stall all the accessories Friday afternoon. Hoping, not certain, the bike will fit corner to corner in my ford maverick hybrid pickup truck which is about 65” of space if parked that way. Or at least it will fit and can close the trail gate 45 degrees upward (the ford has cables for the purpose). Bed is only 4.5” deep.

Thanks all for welcoming thoughts and will post a photo if I bring her home. I really am taken with Style Avantgarde color and how it makes the CE04 look. No orange/black seat sadly though it does have a black comfort seat on it.

The bmw plug on the bike seems to match a Level 2 charger plug (if I got that right). Thought I saw a youtube review and the plug on the bike looked different (don’t know if it was a base, instead of a upgraded model else maybe Euro bikes come with a different plug (when you open that flap door on the right side).

I know, even on normal windscreens, some purchase a little extension screen (say 3 to 4 inches wide and 1 or 2 inches tall) to better channel air flow higher so no helmet buffing. Will see what is out there now days.
Thank you again everyone and ride safe.

 

[triangletom]

Dealer on east coast of Florida got two top of the line 2022 gray models with like 200 miles each (demo units) from a dealer up north that closed and are selling them for $12,000 (well ad listed them for $11,999) plus bmw Motorrad is offering 1.9% finance for 60 months so that is what caught my eye first. Of course $1k dealer fees but such is life. They say bmw tosses in an extra six month warranty so might end up with 3ry/36k will see.

Sounds good! If they ask for more money to extend the warranty, I'd say no - unless they'd be willing to cover whenever you eventually break one of the rear indicators (see the tie-wrap trick mentioned elsewhere).

Then reading about this e-ride and this forum, and more youtube videos then I can count, pushed me over the edge. Plus I really like the fast charge times and have a free charger down the street when I walk my doggies though can change at home of course.

Being able to charge at home is wonderful. Waking up with a full charge every morning is a game-changer for EVs.

So, if the demo ride makes me happy they will stall all the accessories Friday afternoon.

One tip that I didn't get for the demo rides is that there are two different feet positions on the CE-04:

- Feet all the way forward on the angled portion: I'm in this position 90% of the time
- Feet down, like a motorcycle: I'm in this position when I need to make tight turns.

The other tip I have is to try the different modes for the test ride:

- Dynamic: Where the real fun is - powerful regen, looser traction/stability control
- Eco: A good balance of fun & economy - good regen. This is the mode I use 95%+ of the time.
- Road: Kinda bland everything
- Rain: Limited power, limited regen, no fun at all.

tip: Don't start your first ride out of the dealer parking lot in Dynamic mode - first get used to the acceleration!

One other quirk to be aware of: out-of-the-box, the CE-04 is limited to 10A so that folks don't accidentally blow a fuse. You'll want to set this to 30A the first time you charge - the bike will auto-negotiate with the power source for whatever seems appropriate. I wish I had realized this when I rode my scooter home and was wondering why all the public chargers were so slow. The charge limiter is useful for charging from dodgy hook-ups, but the only time I've used it is when charging from a power bank.

As a side note, don't be concerned the first time you charge the bike up to 100% and you see a yellow warning sign to let you know that regen is limited. The warning looks scarier than the reality (see manual).

Hoping, not certain, the bike will fit corner to corner in my ford maverick hybrid pickup truck which is about 65” of space if parked that way. Or at least it will fit and can close the trail gate 45 degrees upward (the ford has cables for the purpose). Bed is only 4.5” deep.

Be sure to let the dealer help you out with loading it up. The BMW CE-04 manual has only the briefest mention of how to tie it down:


The CE04 manual is a good read ahead of time: https://manuals.bmw-motorrad.com/manuals/BA-Extern/IN/BA-INTERNET-COM/PDF/C_0C51_RM_0622_07.pdf

Thanks all for welcoming thoughts and will post a photo if I bring her home. I really am taken with Style Avantgarde color and how it makes the CE04 look. No orange/black seat sadly though it does have a black comfort seat on it.

I forget - is the comfort seat the one that has the built-in seat warmer? If so, that does come in black only. The orange/black is fairly rare in the US.

It's also worth noting that the short orange windscreen you see in many CE-04 photos isn't in the US model due to some obscure state laws against colored windscreens. It can still be ordered from overseas, though most US riders favor the larger windscreens for higher-speed roads.

The bmw plug on the bike seems to match a Level 2 charger plug (if I got that right). Thought I saw a youtube review and the plug on the bike looked different (don’t know if it was a base, instead of a upgraded model else maybe Euro bikes come with a different plug (when you open that flap door on the right side).

The USA-spec CE-04s all take the J1772 plug at the bike end, the same as Europe, I believe. I'm pretty sure all of the 2022 USA-spec CE-04s came with the "Quick Charge" option built-in, which allows for 30A/220V charging @ 6.6kW (~4X faster than the slow 110V charge), but I don't believe that is the case with the 2024 models. Yours should come with it already - if you plan to ever travel further than 30 miles away from home, you are going to want the Quick Charge option. It's unclear whether or not dealers are willing to install the Quick Charge option after purchase.

Even with the Quick Charge option, BMW provided me with a slow 110V cord with my CE-04, which is fine. though I've never actually used it.

I know, even on normal windscreens, some purchase a little extension screen (say 3 to 4 inches wide and 1 or 2 inches tall) to better channel air flow higher so no helmet buffing. Will see what is out there now days.
Thank you again everyone and ride safe.

My CE-04 came with both the short and the tall windscreen, I've just used the tall one the entire time. I may consider upgrading to a Puig in the future, but I have a small fear that the decreased airflow might make it more difficult for me to deal with higher temperatures.

Good luck, and feel free to pepper the forums with any questions you have - we're here for ya!

 

[ghostrider4]

Yes, at first Eco will be my friend. Don’t need to be flying off the bike just yet. My 2019 (I think not a 2018) goldwing tour airbag dct has one of ‘those’ modes…sport it might be called. I have not played with that much at all, well have not ridden the bike much really. Lordy it is HE double tooth picks HOT in Florida now days. Yes, hope the dealer does a good job with me getting the bike tied down correctly. Wonder if ok to leave it on the side stand or if it must be not be on any stand (side nor center).

Sadly my 4.5’ bed forces me to load the bike at an angle, if such is possible. Though if loaded that way might be impossible to keep bike balanced up right without putting it on the side stand.

 

[triangletom]

How far are you thinking of trailering it?

It's best to listen to the dealer's advice here - they are likely loading bikes up into a pickup truck once a day if not more. Loading a bike in on an angle sounds difficult, particularly pushing it up a ramp.

IMHO, the side stand should be fine for a short run (it feels overbuilt), but if you are talking >100 miles, I'd make sure to stand the bike up straight using the straps so that the suspension is setup properly. I've found most dealers are more than happy to deliver the bike to you on their own pick-up truck, within distance limits. Worst case, you can rent a larger pick-up from Home Depot (cheap) or ZipCar (expensive). I say this all not having ever trailered or otherwise loaded a two-wheeler into a scooter, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt.

On a side note, something to keep in mind is that this may be the first CE-04 this dealer has sold - especially if the dealer isn't in Miami. Don't be surprised if they say ignorant things about the bike. No one at my dealer had ever sold or been trained on the CE-04, which meant extra silliness when I took the bike in for its (absurd) 600-mile maintenance. I also got the feeling that the dealer feared what electric two-wheelers would do to their business long-term with how low maintenance they are.

 

[ghostrider4]

Good thoughts, this reminds me I could just rent a u-haul flat bed bike trailer. They are like only $15 a day so could do it for two days. Then just tow the trailer there. Probably a much batter plan. They come with a wheel chuck in the front then just need to strap it down. Hum, though since putting down the side stand is what actives the hand brake would hope just that action, and not the stand being on the ground, makes the hand back function. Hum, maybe burgman had it right lol.

Indeed, it seems a bit confusing what one is buying charging wise. It is possible the 2022 model, well top end model, only that year came with (now I am guessing a bit here) with a built in L2 charger modular (probably wrong name) plus a base home charging cable. Which, again guessing, when using that charge cable at home to sends the lower home plug current to the battery for charge purposes. Plus that home cable is matted to fit the L2 female plug inside the flip down door.

Then when going to a L2 charger the EV station cord plug is a perfect fit to plug into the bikes female plug.
Maybe bikes after year 2022 came with just the lower charger modular bult into the bike now days else the $995 bmw specail cable somehow allows for a faster charge on the bike even if the bike female plug is not a L2 plug.

Anyway, based on a post on a different thread on this site I sent a link to the sales guy to ask he confirm what is what. Though like you said, it did not seem even he was certain nor does the dealer have a L2 charger at thier shop. And indeed all dealers bike/car will have a hard time letting go of ICE to EV change over. If maintenance is so much less then ICE wonder how dealers will make their $.

It is a specialty bike, like the honda DNB1 (if that was the model; Do Not Buy One is what dealers felt it seems…they did not want them since they ever sold it seems)). Though different each can be hard to like it seems (limited range on the CE04 plus high cost).

Now I just need to buy some orange stickers, though come to think of it, they are an option on the bmw build site. Would like to put them on the back of the top case so cars behind me see me more. Though certain I could eBay some night reflective hi-ves oranges sticker squares no doubt.
Blowing 2k on windscreen, top box plus side adventure bag is not cheap stuff. But is is bmw brand so figure should all fit well and dealer is putting it all on…yes labor yet to pay for that task.

 

[2Wheelz]

Good thoughts, this reminds me I could just rent a u-haul flat bed bike trailer. They are like only $15 a day so could do it for two days. Then just tow the trailer there. Probably a much batter plan. They come with a wheel chuck in the front then just need to strap it down. Hum, though since putting down the side stand is what actives the hand brake would hope just that action, and not the stand being on the ground, makes the hand back function. Hum, maybe burgman had it right lol.

Indeed, it seems a bit confusing what one is buying charging wise. It is possible the 2022 model, well top end model, only that year came with (now I am guessing a bit here) with a built in L2 charger modular (probably wrong name) plus a base home charging cable. Which, again guessing, when using that charge cable at home to sends the lower home plug current to the battery for charge purposes. Plus that home cable is matted to fit the L2 female plug inside the flip down door.

Then when going to a L2 charger the EV station cord plug is a perfect fit to plug into the bikes female plug.
Maybe bikes after year 2022 came with just the lower charger modular bult into the bike now days else the $995 bmw specail cable somehow allows for a faster charge on the bike even if the bike female plug is not a L2 plug.

Anyway, based on a post on a different thread on this site I sent a link to the sales guy to ask he confirm what is what. Though like you said, it did not seem even he was certain nor does the dealer have a L2 charger at thier shop. And indeed all dealers bike/car will have a hard time letting go of ICE to EV change over. If maintenance is so much less then ICE wonder how dealers will make their $.

It is a specialty bike, like the honda DNB1 (if that was the model; Do Not Buy One is what dealers felt it seems…they did not want them since they ever sold it seems)). Though different each can be hard to like it seems (limited range on the CE04 plus high cost).

Now I just need to buy some orange stickers, though come to think of it, they are an option on the bmw build site. Would like to put them on the back of the top case so cars behind me see me more. Though certain I could eBay some night reflective hi-ves oranges sticker squares no doubt.
Blowing 2k on windscreen, top box plus side adventure bag is not cheap stuff. But is is bmw brand so figure should all fit well and dealer is putting it all on…yes labor yet to pay for that task.

My BMW dealer is 150 miles away from me and I had to use a U-Haul motorcycle trailer like you mentioned. It’s the best & safest way to move your bike in your situation and it was in mine as well. I did notice that my motorcycle dealer offered a different way other than the manual to tie the front down with the endcap type tiedowns that fit on the handlebars. They worked really well with the U-Haul trailer. One thing to be careful is have some help getting it off the trailer or find a hill to make it easier to back it off the trailer. I backed it off myself using the reverse feature, which makes it a lot easier. If these photos will post, you’ll see what I mean.

https://imgur.com/Mc1s9xV

https://imgur.com/y22Lqec

 

[2Wheelz]

Here’s a better image showing the two end-cap tie downs for the handlebars that Moon Motorsports, in Monticello, Minnesota, sells for approximately $70, if memory serves. BTW, the dealer ran two hours late getting my scoot ready, so I had to rush 150 miles back home on mostly Interstate towing the scoot & trailer @ 80 mph. Yeah I know U-Haul recommends a 55 mph limit but I had an important appointment to make, so I had to “make time on the highway” as they say. It trailed great towing at that speed, but the mileage, of course did suffer.

https://imgur.com/ZzBYQMc

 

[ghostrider4]

Great, will ask if they sell those end cap straps at the dealer and forward these photos to them.

 

[triangletom]

Good thoughts, this reminds me I could just rent a u-haul flat bed bike trailer.

This is the way.

Indeed, it seems a bit confusing what one is buying charging wise.

Agreed, but also, don't overthink it. All the options and adapters are overwhelming at first, but in practice, it isn't difficult.

AFAIK, the 2022 and 2023 CE-04's were all the "Premium" package with the Quick Charge option standard. In 2024, they allow more customization, so you get to decide whether or not the onboard AC->DC conversion module (aka, the onboard charger) is an air-cooled 2.3kW (for home charging) or a water-cooled 6.9kW (for travel charging).

it did not seem even he was certain nor does the dealer have a L2 charger at thier shop.

For what it's worth, I have yet to see any motorcycle dealers with L2 chargers or even a 220V outlet to plug your own cable into. My dealer also sells Zero Motorcycles, but even then, the best they could do is trickle-charge my bike at 110V while doing maintenance. I live 60 miles from my dealer, so I found a nearby L2 charger. https://plugshare.com/ will soon be your friend.

 

[ghostrider4]

My pea mind is not up to speed.
"...the 2022 and 2023 CE-04's were all the "Premium" package with the Quick Charge option standard. In 2024, they allow more customization, so you get to decide whether or not the onboard AC->DC conversion module (aka, the onboard charger) is an air-cooled 2.3kW (for home charging) or a water-cooled 6.9kW (for travel charging)..."
So my 2022 comes with the onboard AC->DC conversion module (aka, the onboard charger) which is water-cooled 6.9kW (for travel charging)?

 

[triangletom]

That's correct!

 

[2Wheelz]

Great, will ask if they sell those end cap straps at the dealer and forward these photos to them.

Forgot to tell you, but maybe you spotted it in one of the three photographs, we did not put the bike on the center stand but we did use the side stand for help tying it up. You may not know it but the side stand deployed also puts on the brakes, so the bike wouldn’t move even though the side stand was deployed and off the surface of the U-Haul trailer. This kept it rock solid on the trailer for towing.

 

[bikesroll]

@ghostrider4 Get the scooter! I got my delivered earlier this week and I LOVE it. Much fun awaits you!