OptiMate 4 Quad Program

OptiMate 4 Quad Program — 12V Motorcycle Charger for Standard and CAN-bus Systems

The OptiMate 4 Quad Program is a smart 12V charger/maintainer designed for motorcycles and powersports vehicles. It provides four selectable programs to match how you connect (battery terminals or accessory/DIN socket) and the bike’s electrical system (standard or CAN-bus). It is widely used on BMW models with CAN-bus, as well as on non-CAN-bus bikes via direct battery connection.

Who it’s for

• Riders with BMW or other bikes using CAN-bus accessory sockets who want keyless “wake-up” charging through the DIN port.
• Owners of AGM, GEL, or flooded lead-acid batteries needing safe charging, testing, and long-term maintenance.
• Seasonal riders who store bikes for weeks or months and want automatic maintenance without overcharge.

Key features

• Four selectable programs: choose standard terminal charging or accessory-socket charging, with or without CAN-bus activation.
• CAN-bus socket wake-up: charges through BMW-style DIN ports without turning the ignition on.
• Battery rescue for weak lead-acid batteries: gently recovers sulfated or low-voltage batteries when possible.
• Automatic maintain mode: monitors, tops up, and tests so the battery stays ready without overcharging.
• 1A-class output: appropriate for typical motorcycle batteries (about 3–40 Ah).

Battery compatibility

• Lead-acid: AGM, GEL, and flooded 12V batteries (commonly 3–40 Ah; check your battery label).
• Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4): only if your OptiMate 4 unit is specifically labeled for LiFePO4/DUO. If not, use an OptiMate Lithium/DUO model instead.
• Not for 6V or 24V systems.

How the Quad Program typically maps

• Program 1: Standard charging via battery terminals on non-CAN-bus bikes.
• Program 2: Charging via accessory/DIN socket on non-CAN-bus bikes.
• Program 3: CAN-bus charging via DIN socket with automatic socket wake-up.
• Program 4: Alternate profile for connection method or chemistry where supported (check your unit’s label/manual).

Note: Naming and availability of programs can vary slightly by regional/packaged variant. Always confirm on the unit or in the manual.

Charging time estimates

Approximate time to full charge = (battery Ah ÷ 1A) × 1.3. Examples:

• 8 Ah battery from 50%: ~5–6 hours.
• 12 Ah battery from 50%: ~7–8 hours.
• 20 Ah battery from 50%: ~11–13 hours.

For large touring batteries (>24 Ah), expect slower charging; consider a higher-amp OptiMate (e.g., 6/7) if you want faster turnaround.

Setup and use

1. Identify your system: standard vs CAN-bus, and confirm battery chemistry on the label.
2. Connect appropriately:
   • Direct to battery: use the fused ring lead for ongoing maintenance, or the included clamps for temporary charging.
   • Through DIN socket: use the DIN plug/accessory lead for compatible bikes (e.g., many BMW models).
3. Select the program that matches your connection method and system (and chemistry if your unit supports LiFePO4).
4. Power on the charger; it will test, charge, and then maintain the battery automatically.

Safety and best practices

• Charge in a dry, ventilated area; avoid sparks and open flames.
• Do not charge a frozen battery (below 32°F / 0°C). Warm it to room temperature first.
• Match chemistry: do not use a lead-acid-only program on LiFePO4 batteries. Confirm your unit’s labeling.
• Inspect cables and fuses; replace damaged leads before use.
• If the charger cannot recover a deeply damaged battery, replace the battery rather than repeated recovery attempts.

Pros and cons

• Pros: CAN-bus wake-up via DIN socket, automatic maintain mode, recovery for weak lead-acid batteries, gentle 1A charging protects smaller batteries.
• Cons: 1A is slower for large batteries, not suitable for 6V systems, LiFePO4 support depends on variant.

What’s included (typical)

• Charger/maintainer unit (100–240V AC input).
• Fused SAE ring-terminal lead for permanent install on the bike.
• SAE battery clip lead for bench charging.
• User guide. Some kits include a DIN accessory lead; check package contents.

Alternatives

• OptiMate 1 DUO: compact maintainer that auto-detects lead-acid or LiFePO4 for simple storage use.
• OptiMate 6/7: higher-amp chargers for faster recovery on larger batteries.
• OptiMate Lithium (4s series): dedicated LiFePO4 charging and balancing.

FAQ

Will this charge through my BMW’s accessory socket without the key?

Yes—select a CAN-bus program. The charger wakes the DIN socket and charges without turning on the ignition.

Can I use it on LiFePO4 batteries?

Only if your OptiMate 4 is specifically labeled for LiFePO4/DUO and provides a LiFePO4 profile. If not, use an OptiMate Lithium/DUO model.

Is 1A enough for my battery?

Yes for most motorcycle batteries (3–20 Ah) and maintenance on larger units. It will be slower on 24–30 Ah touring batteries; consider a higher-amp model for faster charging.

Can it recover a deeply discharged battery?

It can often recover lead-acid batteries that have been moderately sulfated or discharged. Severely damaged or shorted batteries may not recover and should be replaced.

Does it overcharge if left connected?

No. After charging, it switches to test/maintain cycles to keep the battery at a safe, optimal state for long-term storage.