BMW R 1200 GS Rider's Manual page 140

If the battery is not discon-
8
nected, the on-board elec-
tronics (e.g. clock, etc.) gradually
138
drain the battery. This can cause
the battery to run flat. If this hap-
pens, warranty claims will not be
accepted.
Connect a float charger to the
battery if the motorcycle is to
remain out of use for more than
four weeks.
BMW Motorrad has de-
veloped a float charger spe-
z
cially designed for compatibility
with the electronics of your mo-
torcycle. 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 ob-
tain additional information from
your authorised BMW Motorrad
dealer.
Charging battery when
connected
Charging the connected
battery directly at the bat-
tery terminals can damage the
vehicle electronics.
Always disconnect the battery
from the on-board circuits be-
fore recharging it with a charger
connected directly to the battery
posts.
If you switch on the igni-
tion and the multifunction
display and indicator lights fail
to light up, the battery is com-
pletely flat (battery voltage is less
than 9 V). Attempting to charge
a completely flat battery via the
extra socket can cause damage
to the motorcycle's electronics.
If a battery has discharged to the
extent that it is completely flat, it
has to be disconnected from the
on-board circuits and charged
with the charger connected dir-
ectly to the battery posts.
Only chargers suitable for
this mode of charging can
be used to recharge the battery
via the on-board socket. Unsuit-
able chargers could cause dam-
age to the motorcycle's on-board
electrics.
Use BMW suitable chargers. A
suitable charger is available from
BMW Motorrad your authorised
dealer.
Charge via the power socket,
with the battery connected
to the motorcycle's on-board
electrical system.
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 in-
structions of the charger.