BMW R 1250 RT - Owner's Manual > Maintenance instructions

Correct upkeep, recharging and storage will prolong the life of the battery and are essential if warranty claims are to be considered.

Compliance with the points below is important in order to maximise battery life:

• Keep the surface of the battery clean and dry.
• Do not open the battery.
• Do not top up with water.
• Be sure to read and comply with the instructions for charging the battery on the following pages.
• Do not turn the battery upside down.

ATTENTION On-board electronics (e.g. clock) draining connected battery

Battery is deep-discharged; this voids the guarantee

• Connect a float charger to the battery if the motorcycle is to remain out of use for more than four weeks.

NOTICE BMW Motorrad has developed a float charger specially designed for compatibility with the electronics of your motorcycle. Using this charger, you can keep the battery charged during long periods of disuse, without having to disconnect the battery from the motorcycle's on-board systems.

You can obtain additional information from your authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

Charge battery when connected

ATTENTION Charging the battery that is connected to the vehicle via the battery terminals

Damage to the on-board electronics

• Disconnect the battery at the battery terminals before charging.

ATTENTION Recharging a fully discharged battery via the power socket or extra socket

Damage to the vehicle electronics

• If a battery has discharged to the extent that it is completely flat (battery voltage less than 12 V, indicator lights and multifunction display remain off when the ignition is switched on) always charge the disconnected battery with the charger connected directly to the battery terminals.

ATTENTION Unsuitable chargers connected to a socket

Damage to charger and vehicle electronics

• Use suitable BMW chargers.

  The suitable charger is available from your authorised BMW Motorrad dealer.

 

• Charge via the charging socket, with the battery connected to the motorcycle's on-board electrical system.

NOTICE The motorcycle's on-board electronics know when the battery is fully charged. The on-board socket is switched off when this happens.

• Comply with the operating instructions of the charger.

NOTICE If you are unable to charge the battery through the on-board socket, you may be using a charger that is not compatible with your motorcycle's electronics. In this case, directly charge the battery at the terminals of the battery that has been disconnected from the vehicle.

Charging battery when disconnected

• Charge the battery using a suitable charger.
• Comply with the operating instructions of the charger.
• Once the battery is fully charged, disconnect the charger's terminal clips from the battery terminals.

NOTICE The battery has to be recharged at regular intervals in the course of a lengthy period of disuse.

See the instructions for caring for your battery. Always fully recharge the battery before restoring it to use.

Removing battery

• Switch off the ignition.
• Remove screws 1.
• Remove battery cover.
  • with anti-theft alarm (DWA) OE
• If applicable, switch off the antitheft alarm (DWA).

• Disconnect battery negative lead 1 and disengage rubber strap 2.

• Pull retaining plate in position 1 outwards and remove in an upward direction.
• Slightly lift the battery and ease it clear of the holder until the battery positive terminal is accessible.

• Disconnect battery negative lead 1 and remove the battery.
• The battery is removed.

Installing battery

• Secure battery positive lead 1.

NOTICE The fuse for the alternator regulator can blow if the 12 V battery is installed incorrectly or if the terminals are swapped (e.g. when using a starting aid).

• Push battery into the mounting.

• First push the retaining plate under the battery at position 1 and then seat it in mounts 2.

• Secure battery negative lead 1.
• Secure the battery with rubber strap 2.

• Insert battery cover into the fixture 1 and press into the fixtures 1 and 2.

• Install screws 1.
• Switch on the ignition.
• Adjust the time and date in the Settings - Clock and Settings - Date menu.

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