Jumping the battery?

[yechave]

I was wondering how does one jump a battery on the 1100RT, if need be.

 

I removed the seat the other day to take a peak, saw the post on battery removal today, have to print that one out. Glad I didn't make that attempt first. Need at some time to hook up the leads for the battery tender for winter.

 

If the battery needed a boost, how do you do that? I do not have the strenght to attempt a push start. Anyone carry a boost stick device you plug into lighter outlet?

 

We are planning to take our first trip with this newly purchased, used 99, and my first BMW ever, the end of the month. We are both too old (plus FUBAR'd), to take any unnecessary risks. The more info I have before we leave, the better I feel about it.

 

Thanks!

[Ken H.]

There is a postive battery terminal extension kit that came out for the '04 R1150RT that can be retrofitted to any R1100RT or R1150RT.

 

Beyond that in a pinch use a long screwdriver as a 'jumper extension post' to reach the positive terminal of the battery.

[Geoff2]

You can charge the battery with a trickle charger through the auxilary input on the dash, otherwise jump starting I found a bit fiddly, but managed to push a couple of crockadile clips from the jump leads under the tank and start the bike. If your battery is struggling, it may be past its sell by date and need replacing.

[BarryBrisco]

The battery terminal extension kit is a very worthwile investment, I have it on my bike though fortunately have never had to use it.

 

But most importantly, since it sounds like you don't know how old your battery is, just invest in a new, good quality battery. Then you will have peace of mind on your trip. If you don't, and you have a battery failure out in the boonies, you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it!

 

Have a good trip!

[yechave]

I must say, I asked repeated, prior to buying the bike, for the service records from the dealer, and none were provided. They said the bike was bought new, had two owners and told us about the upgrades last installed, but I have nothing else to go by.

 

I was told on a previous auto purchase, the dealers will not provide any records with the previous owners name, for privacy reasons.

 

Nonetheless, that leaves me guessing how old the battery is, what problems the bike may have had, and what was done to it. It does have the service stamps in the manual.

 

I have the trickle charger, just seemed to make more sense to have them install the wires doing the 36k mile service, which was part of the purchase agreement, which is in writing.

 

I anticipated having the 36k service done before we left on the trip, only to find they did not have any opening for any service, until Nov 13th!

 

We have a very limited window of opportunity to make this trip. I am doing everything possible to be as prepared as I can be. Just asking questions, just in case.

 

We appreciate the suggestions!

[flars]

Like Ken said - long handled screwdriver to get to positive post. Ground wherever you can get one.

Battery can be charged through the aux port once you get the necessary BMW adapter for the battery charger.

[yechave]

Surprisingly, no one at the dealership was aware of the screwdriver jump trick. I would not have thought of that, but good to know. We did check, I have what looks like a recent Gel battery, and the records indicate the owner had purchased two. The flip side to this is, he purchased four bikes. Waiting for him to call so I know when this was last replaced.

 

Appreciate the posts. Thanks!

[Slyder_Steve]

If you're intersted in the modification to add the jumper post to the positive side of the battery the part numbers are:

 

Angle piece pn 61217671334

Connector(post) pn 61137671354

Protective cap pn 61137672395

 

It's three parts that connect together--really easy job.

 

I got mine from Chicago BMW and spent more time taking off the tupperware than installing the parts.

 

Good luck

 

Steve