Battery Tender Cable Installation

[scorpion56]

Hi folks. New to this group and about to purchase a '19 F3 Limited. The first thing I do with all my motorcycles is to install the SAE cable for a Battery Tender. One of my bike models gets so upset when the battery gets disconnected that it has to go back to a dealer to have them reset the electronic information system. Just wanted to know if there is a similar situation with the Spyder losing its mind when the battery cables are even briefly disconnected. And I guess, while I'm at it, what is the best way to route the Tender cable to provide easy access to plug it into the Battery Tender? I've found that leaving any bike connected to its tender when not in use results in excellent battery life. Thanks!

 

[Stache]

Hi folks. New to this group and about to purchase a '19 F3 Limited. The first thing I do with all my motorcycles is to install the SAE cable for a Battery Tender. One of my bike models gets so upset when the battery gets disconnected that it has to go back to a dealer to have them reset the electronic information system. Just wanted to know if there is a similar situation with the Spyder losing its mind when the battery cables are even briefly disconnected. And I guess, while I'm at it, what is the best way to route the Tender cable to provide easy access to plug it into the Battery Tender? I've found that leaving any bike connected to its tender when not in use results in excellent battery life. Thanks!

I’m sorry, this isn’t an answer to your question. Your post tickled my funny bone. Assuming it’s one of the BMWs that has issues when the battery is disconnected, I have to ask: does BMW stand for “Battery Might Work”?

 

[AeroPilot]

We haven't had any issues with disconnecting the battery leads on the wifes 16 F3T or RTs. On the F3 we routed the SAE lead out the left side behind the A-arm and zip-tied it to the top A-arm with a black zip tie.

Its handy for the battery tender and for a portable compressor with a 7.5 amp fuse in the link...

 

[timd35]

I have disconnected the battery to install accessories on my wife's 19 F3 Limited with no issues. I have done the same for my 2019 F3-S with no issues. On both I installed dual power plates on the center handlebars which had USB power and 12 V plug (cigarette lighter style). Connected it straight to the battery so I plug my battery tender into the 12V plug.

 

[Mikey]

I don't think it's going to lose it mind if it's disconnected, but while your there putting that jumper on the battery put some star washers on the terminals keeps the connections nice and tight!

 

[scorpion56]

Not a common BMW definition. Although, my newest one was recalled almost immediately for a suspect battery, so maybe you have something there! Our owner clubs (and probably everyone else who has owned one) calls BMW: Break My Wallet. They are well engineered bikes with nice features, but pricey both on the purchase side and the maintenance side.

 

[rbell0]

My F3t came from the dealer with a battery tender plug in the front trunk. They do it at the predelivery inspection.

 

[Phloid]

I took my battery out last winter as my garage is unheated. I have a 2018 F3 Limited. Figured I'd do the same as I do for two wheelers. I put the batteries on a tender before I return them to the bikes in the spring. All I had to do was reset my clock on the F3 this spring. Everything else was fine.

As a side note, I added the SAE connection to the F3 this season. As someone indicated above, it's pretty easy to route the lead up to the frunk. The initial panel you pop out to access the battery has just enough room on the left side to simply run the lead into the frunk without any need for drilling or modifying.

I'll likely just leave the battery in this winter and just leave it hooked up to the tender. I'm told even in -30°C this isn't a problem. I'd like to hear from someone who might think this is a bad idea because my mind still isn't made up on this. One more battery on the pallet in my basement isn't a big bother for me should it come to that.

 

[SportsterDoc]

My dealer installed a battery tender cable, which I removed as I intend to ride year round. Not wanting the accumulated MPG on the fuel stats to clear, I was able to remove the cable without the battery connection being interrupted... by simply keeping finger pressure on the connector to the battery post.
YMMV

 

[SportsterDoc]

AGM batteries can be stored down to minus 40.

 

[RICZ]

Did you check to see if there is a SAE connector in the frunk (front trunk)? My '17 F3L came with one installed.

 

[Bfromla]

Might already have pigtail installed ( some dealers have been nice like that)& might loose trip meters. Think mine reset on one battery swap (was small detail didn’t find till next fill up) also might wanna try:
http://www.lamonstergarage.com/battery-post-risers-lamonster/

 

[Rattlebars]

There is an SAE plug in the frunk, but it's fused for 7.5 amps. You can easily replace that fuse with a 10 amp. The wire is heavy enough gauge to run 10 amps (probably 15). Just remove the body clips and lift. You will find it.