Battery Charger for the 696

[Kurt V]

Already planning for this winter. Is the plug under the seat, next to the tool bag, the adapter for a battery charger? The owner's manual makes it appear that way. How much for the adapter that fits the plug and once I get the adapter will any motorcycle battery charger (like the battery tender) work? Thanks for any help  you can provide.

[zedsaid]

nope, that's the DDA (Data link).  I keep hearing reference to a battery tender cable being standard on the bike, but i've yet to locate it.  Maybe it was something that became standard at some point after i got my bike, but in any case, the thing you're talking about is basically a USB connection for the ECU.

[JetTest]

I got my 696 May 2008, second one my dealer recieved. Had a battery tender harness already installed, routed out the left side under the fuel tank. Seemed like it came that way.

[Raux]

i have been told that SOME dealers are installing battery tender cables. AMS in Dallas did for me.

it's an easy thing to do yourself though if you don't have one.

[Special K]

My 696 was an early one and there was no battery tender harness. Easy to put on after you remove 30 bolts or so holding on the gastank/airbox skin. I also use it to power heated gear in the winter. Not sure why some do and some don't.

[Kurt V]

Thanks guys! Guess I will being getting the battery tender and getting intimate with my gas tank. 

[Raux]

it's pretty easy actually.
you have the bolts on top of the tank skins. two in front, two on the side and two under the front of the seat. then slide the skins a bit forward. there are some slide tabs, don't force anything. take the sides off. then remove the front top cover. the back cover doesn't need to come off the tank. then under the fuel cell at the rear there is one bolt to remove and either one or two on the side (some dealers are putting a second on, but mine only had one from the factory, i think it's for expansion to avoid cracking from having three firm points... but only the factory knows)
remove the O2 wire from the bottom of the rear of the tank. i suggest clipping it to the side of the subframe instead. keeps it out of the way and you don't have to move it everytime you touch the tank.
then slightly lift the rear of the tank and slide it back. you don't really slide it, but wiggle it out of the two rubber side mounts. Only back it out far enough so it's out of the mounts.. then CAREFULLY set it on the bike or hav someone hold it. The fuel pump and fuel lines are still attached so just be careful with those. also  watch the metal clips on the side of the tank... they scratch.

now you have access to the battery.
put your battery tender cable on and route it out to the frame and cable tie it to the frame.
reverse the assembly... you are done.

[Kurt V]

Wow, thanks for the great post Raux! Printing this out! 

[Kamacho]

Thanks Raux! 
Your description of the tank removal to get to the battery was phenomenal!   

The first project on the M696 was battery tender leads, and I couldn't have done it without you!

Everything was as you described - I siphoned the tank, and put the tender leads on so they terminate under the seat (for a nice clean installation), I also got a second bolt for the right side tank mount, as mine only had one on the left.

Thanks again! 

[Raux]

Thanks Raux! 
Your description of the tank removal to get to the battery was phenomenal!   

The first project on the M696 was battery tender leads, and I couldn't have done it without you!

Everything was as you described - I siphoned the tank, and put the tender leads on so they terminate under the seat (for a nice clean installation), I also got a second bolt for the right side tank mount, as mine only had one on the left.

Thanks again! 

take that second bolt out. i truly think there is no third hard mounting point to allow plastic tank expansion and flex. even the rubber bushing on the two mounts are different. the right side (clutch side) is a two-piece rubber that requires a washer and bolt to hold it on, but the left side (alternator side) is a one-piece from the top that won't come out with the tank in place.

I'm glad i could help!