Fuses

[LeftCoastMan]

OK, I have an '06 R1200RT. I tried to run a tire compressor from the accessory plug, and I guess it drew too much power, and it shut down. I assumed I had blown a fuse, but I guess fuses on this bike are unnecessary. The owner's manual says that I just restart the bike, and it should be fine.

 

I haven't tried it, just in case I've done something terrible. And why would an air compressor that is supposed to plug into an accessory plug not work on my BMW? It works in my car.

 

What am I missing here?

[johnlt]

Yes, it will re-set upon a re-start. Not uncommon for a tire pump to draw too much for accessory socket. You might add an additional socket in the rear section or if you already have one, re-wire it to run directly from the battery but add a fuse in that line. Thay way, a high current item like a tire pump will work fine. It will also allow a normal battery tender to be plugged into the direct line.

[Albert]

I suspect the air you are trying to pump is not "rarified". To get reliable performance from your BMW powered pump you'll need to drive to an upscale neighborhood.

[JayW]

You've done nothing terrible, just exceeded the capacity of the virtual "fuse" built into the ZFE module/CanBus system. I believe the capacity of that circuit is only 10 amps on your model (though it is only 5 on some).

 

I wired my power port directly to the battery with an inline fuse and use it for my Gerbings gear as well as my compressor. The other benefit of this arrangement is that there is no need to even have the key on hand in order to power an accessory.

 

Jay

[LeftCoastMan]

You've done nothing terrible, just exceeded the capacity of the virtual "fuse" built into the ZFE module/CanBus system. I believe the capacity of that circuit is only 10 amps on your model (though it is only 5 on some).

 

I wired my power port directly to the battery with an inline fuse and use it for my Gerbings gear as well as my compressor. The other benefit of this arrangement is that there is no need to even have the key on hand in order to power an accessory.

 

Jay

 

Thanks for this information. Are you saying that you've disconnected your accessory plug from the CanBus system and connected it directly to the battery? This sounds like a great idea, especially if I want to run power to my laptop or mobile phone.

 

I think I can do this, but I was wondering if you had just some brief instructions, especially which wire under my seat runs from the accessory plug, or is there something else I should do?

[LeftCoastMan]

I suspect the air you are trying to pump is not "rarified". To get reliable performance from your BMW powered pump you'll need to drive to an upscale neighborhood.

 

In other words, I need to buy the $400 version that has a big BMW stamped on it?

[johnlt]

Do you have an additional socket in the rear on the left side? If so, it is easy to just disconnect the wire from it and run it directly to the batter. If you don't have a socket there, you can easily install one at that location and wire it directly. This way, you can leave your front socket in an OEM configuration.

[JayW]

I bought the wiring from Powerlet, or you can make your own from readily available materials. Some disassembly is required for installation, but it is not hard. You simply disconnect the wires from the back of the powerport, plug in one end of the Powerlet cable, then snake the other end to your battery and hook it up. The original cable going to the powerport can be tied off somewhere and remains unused.

 

After work I can look up the part number I used from Powerlet if you want me to.

 

Jay

[LeftCoastMan]

Do you have an additional socket in the rear on the left side? If so, it is easy to just disconnect the wire from it and run it directly to the batter. If you don't have a socket there, you can easily install one at that location and wire it directly. This way, you can leave your front socket in an OEM configuration.

 

I do have the rear socket, so this is a great idea. Thanks.

[Albert]

Another alternative that I used was the connector for my Battery Tender. It's an SAE plug that's hooked directly to the battery via an in-line fuse. During the winter months I leave the pig tail out beneath the seat and can plug in quickly when I feel like it (it has a weatherproof cover over the plug). The added bonus is the Slime pump I bought also has an SAE plug. If I"m on the road and need the pump I just pop the seat and connect right up.

[Ken H.]

Another alternative that I used was the connector for my Battery Tender. It's an SAE plug that's hooked directly to the battery via an in-line fuse. During the winter months I leave the pig tail out beneath the seat and can plug in quickly when I feel like it (it has a weatherproof cover over the plug). The added bonus is the Slime pump I bought also has an SAE plug. If I"m on the road and need the pump I just pop the seat and connect right up.

Yes, that’s the approach I have taken with my battery tender, air pump and heated clothes as I rarely ride with any two of them connected at once.

[cpallen]

I have a 20A cig lighter-type plug in my glove box. Can charge my cell phone, mp3 player, etc too.