HarleyTechTalk

Technical Forums => General => Topic started by: Nastytls on January 29, 2020, 05:12:19 AM

Title: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: Nastytls on January 29, 2020, 05:12:19 AM
I just saw a Canbus specific trickle charger from Optimate, I wasn't aware that such a thing existed. Anyone know what the difference is? Is it entirely necessary? What can happen if you use a regular trickle charger?

I use an HD branded charger for my RG because it came with it,  and I use a regular trickle on my Canbus BMW R9T. Neither one has any designation of Canbus compatibility.
Title: Re: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: smoserx1 on January 29, 2020, 05:17:13 AM
Here is some info.  Can't speek for its validity but it sort of makes sense.

https://www.theglforum.com/forum/motorcycle-discussions/general-motorcycle-discussion/gold-wing-2018/103098-battery-maintainer-on-a-canbus-system

I'm so glad I got an old fashioned simple motorcycle.
Title: Re: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: Pirsch Fire Wagon on January 29, 2020, 08:32:09 AM
Dealerships use "Batterytender" Brand around the world.
Title: Re: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: Karl H. on January 29, 2020, 09:40:43 AM
HD-LAN doesn't communicate with the charger via Canbus. No need to use a Canbus specific charger!

Karl
Title: Re: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: PoorUB on January 29, 2020, 09:49:58 AM
Like the link states, it is a BMW  thing, IF you are charging through a Powerlet port only. The BMW Powerlet port shuts off after a few seconds and goes dead. The Canbus equipped charged tells the ECM  to keep the Powerlet port active.

If you connect your charging cable right to the battery it is not needed on any brand.
Title: Re: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: rageglide on January 29, 2020, 08:50:46 PM
As PoorUB said, BMW and maybe others, charging thru the oem power ports is a problem.  Best to use a pigtail off the battery and no worries.
Title: Re: Canbus Specific Battery Charger
Post by: Nastytls on January 30, 2020, 04:14:35 AM
Sounds good. I charge both through a pigtail, so I guess, no worries for me.