12 Volt heated gear

I am getting my wife a Warm & Safe heated layer shirt and heatroller for Xmas. So I need some advice since I am very new to BMW and electric circuitry. The bike is a 2014 F700GS. I would like to use the 12 volt powerlet that is located just to the left of the ignition key as the power supply for the heated gear. The heat-troller comes with an inline fuse, but my question is "Is there a fuse for the 12 volt powerlet? And if so where is it located?" Or "Is the overvoltage protection covered by the CANBUS?"

So at the end of the day do I use the inline fuse that comes with the heat-troller or rely on CANBUS to manager things?

Don't know about your specific bike and questions, but … I do know from experience that the alternator of the F800 bike (and probably on your 700) has quite limited output (400 amps as I recall?). I use Gerbing heated liner and gloves in the coldest times and I have to run the bike at least 4,000 rpm (higher than normal in around town riding) to keep from discharging the battery. Not a problem, but something you and your wife should be aware of. I simply have learned the habit of running in a lower gear during the winter. I always thought it poor engineering on BMWs part to put such a small alternator on a bike sold for any type of touring (mine is a "sport" tourer).

Good luck.

Chances are your new system will come with a connector that will go directly to the battery. In my opinion, it’s the best way to go. You can put a connector on for a Battery Tender while your in there ‘iffin you want.
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OM

To directly answer the question, the accessory outlet is not fused per se, but is microprosessor controlled to limit the amperage permitted to flow through the outlet - generally called the CANBUS. Some models/years were limited to 5 amps; other models/years were said to be limited to 10 amps. If an excess draw is detected the system shuts the outlet down until it is reset with a key-off condition.

I personally prefer this type of use to be connected to the battery with a 10 amp fuse which allows the use of the heated shirt/jacket/etc, as well as sufficient amperage to run a small pump for tire repair.

The Warm and Safe garment will most likely come with a small coaxial electrical connector and a matching female coaxial connector to connect to the battery. If you use the BMW accessory plug you will need to get an adapter for coaxial to DIN, or have a DIN male connector attached to the garment wiring.

Thanks for the responses folks.

Yes the heat-troller does come with a coaxial electrical connector and at the other end it is setup with an inline fuse to go to the battery. I guess that is the way I will go is direct connect.

As far as the charging system output, I hope it is 400 watts and not 400 amps. But at any rate I can always run a voltmeter to track charging progress.

Pretty sure output is 400 watts like the F800GS. It runs my bike, vest and gloves without a problem. Enjoy the warmth.
OM
For reference, 400 amps is a whole ‘nuther thing but still not a problem at 12 volts.

Omega Man said:

For reference, 400 amps is a whole ‘nuther thing but still not a problem at 12 volts.

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Yep 400 AMPs would be like an Owens generator on an RV. Bigger than the bike. LOL

grabcon said:

Yep 400 AMPs would be like an Owens generator on an RV. Bigger than the bike. LOL

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My house has a 200 amp service from the power company.

I have a 2019 BMW F750 with a warm and safe jacket, gloves, and socks. The controller blinks on and off for heating which means the heat is not on all the time full blast but I have never seen my voltage drop below 14.2 even when using all three at same time while at idle. So I believe the charging must be keeping up with the amperage requirement.

dwl911 said:

I have a 2019 BMW F750 with a warm and safe jacket, gloves, and socks. The controller blinks on and off for heating which means the heat is not on all the time full blast but I have never seen my voltage drop below 14.2 even when using all three at same time while at idle. So I believe the charging must be keeping up with the amperage requirement.

Click to expand...

As best I have figured, the temperature control for heated gear is controlled through a bit of pulse width technology. There is no actual thermostat involved, as it would be a whole other problem. The on and off time of the pulse becomes user adjustable in relationship to the temperature requirement.
OM