Evening all, Having enjoyed the ability to plug my optimate charger in to the small cigarette lighter socket on my BMW to charge it I did a quick google to see if my 2017 1200 Multistrada DVT could be charged this way too. It seemed it could be when I plug the charger in to the socket next to the dash - it just keeps making loud clicking noises so I hastily unplugged the charger before I damaged anything. Should the optimate 4 work to charge the battery or do I need to keep it old skool and connect direct to the terminals?
Get the SAE lead jobbie & attach to battery terminals, I think the sockets turn off due to canbus lark.
Indeed, direct to battery. I'm not sure you can charge through the port you're referring to, I wouldn't try. FYI, here is a USB adapter for that charge socket (it's intended purpose): https://optimate1.com/nl/product/optimate-usb-o-115/
This is the lead that you require. It connects to the diagnostic port under the seat. Though I would look to buy it somewhere other than the Optimate website as it can be found significantly cheaper on the likes of eBay. This is what I use on my 1260 Mutley. Or you can of course use the Optimate direct to battery lead that came with your charger.
Fucking hell, 35 quid!!! That is a total rip off, just connect to the battery unless you think you'll need to charge it every day.
Thanks all - I got the bike with a Ducati tank bag that included a "Ducati" branded USB hub with 4 ports (one of which has "blackberry" written above it). It also has a waterproof connection on the back of the tank bag to let you connect the supplied cable to the mini cigarette lighter next to the screen to power up the USB hub. Sadly, it doesnt work.
You're right - you can get them much cheaper on eBay brand new ... £23 I have one, it's convenient not to have more wires connected to the battery as I keep my bike on charge over winter. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165263348761
I have not checked, but I thought those power connectors were only live when the ignition is live ? The one under my seat that I use to power my camera system certainly works that way.
I have the same setup albeit with the Givi version of the bag and the adapter, same product but cheaper (although the bag has a carbon effect upper and Ducati branding. I found that it's very easy to blow the 10A accessory fuse whilst plugging in the Hella DIN plug into the socket on the dash. I now carry a few more spares and make sure that I only plug that in with the ignition off, as HootOwl suggests, the socket isn't powered unless the ignition is on. I changed the Hella DIN plug for a right angled version. This doesn't get in the way as much and has the added advantage that the top edge of this specific model of 90º plug actually engages with the lip of the spring loaded cap on the dash socket making even more secure.
This is just a suspicion so don't hold me to it but I think using the 047 is dangerous if you're not careful. Allow me to explain. I have two of those and they're great for low power items such as a phone or GPS up front but the hazard is forgetting that and using it to power higher amperage items such as heated gear. Best to go with an SAE cable, 16 AWG wire and fuse directly to the battery. The 16 AWG can handle 13 amps when fused accordingly.
The OP was enquiring about plugging in an Optimate. I agree that using that connection to power accessories is probably not a wise course of action. My 2nd post re. his tank bag USB power strip; we're talking about the Hella DIN accessory socket on the dash. Not the Optimate 047 connector.
