Retrofit of BMW Motorrad fog light

BMW Motorrad fog light retrofits can be done with either official BMW kits or aftermarket options, though the method differs depending on your motorcycle model and existing electrical system. Newer, CANBUS-equipped bikes often have pre-wired connectors, simplifying the process. Older models may require a traditional wiring harness and relay installation. 

Retrofitting with official BMW kits

The official BMW kit is often a plug-and-play solution, especially on newer models, but requires dealer coding to be recognized by the bike's CANBUS electrical system. 

Procedure (for CANBUS-equipped bikes like R1250GS)

1. Mount the lights: Install the BMW LED fog light housings onto the motorcycle using the designated brackets. Newer models like the R1250GS typically have mounting points already built into the frame or crash bars.

2. Connect the wiring:

   • Locate the pre-installed connectors on your motorcycle. On R1250GS models, these are typically found near the front of the bike, often behind the fairing or near the forks.

   • Connect the cables from the new lights directly to the bike's pre-wired connectors.

3. Install the control switch: Attach the official BMW switch to the handlebar or designated location. On many bikes, this involves replacing or adding a switch cluster.

4. Code the CANBUS: Visit a BMW Motorrad dealer or a workshop with official diagnostic equipment. The bike's CANBUS system must be coded to recognize and activate the new fog lights. Without this step, the lights will not function. 

Retrofitting with aftermarket kits

Aftermarket kits from brands like Touratech, SW-Motech, and DENALI typically use their own wiring harness and control switch. For a truly integrated installation that avoids extra switches, a CANBUS accessory manager like the 

DENALI CANsmart

 or 

HEX ezCAN

 is required. 

• Denali Cansmart Gen2 Bmw DNL.WHS.11702 Controller

• ฿10,186.78($314.99)

• 4.7(55)

• Hex ezCAN BMW "R1200LC

• ฿8,138.01(€214.15)

• 5.0(1)

Procedure with aftermarket CANBUS accessory manager (e.g., HEX ezCAN)

1. Mount the lights: Install the aftermarket LED fog lights and their mounting brackets onto the bike's crash bars, forks, or other specified mounting points.

2. Install the CANBUS accessory manager:

   • Disconnect the battery.

   • Install the CANBUS accessory manager by connecting it directly to the battery and the bike's CANBUS network via a specialized connector.

3. Connect the lights: Run the supplied wiring from the fog lights to the auxiliary manager unit. This unit serves as the controller for all aftermarket electrical accessories.

4. Configure the manager: Use the manager's computer software to configure the fog light's behavior. This allows you to control the lights using the motorcycle's factory switches (e.g., the turn signal cancel button or "whiz wheel").

   • You can set features like brightness control and "flash-to-pass" behavior.

5. Reconnect the battery and test: Reconnect the battery and test all functionality to ensure the new lights are working correctly. 

Procedure with a traditional relay-based aftermarket kit

1. Mount the lights: Secure the lights and brackets to the motorcycle.

2. Install the wiring harness: Run the supplied wiring harness, which includes a relay and fuse, from the lights to the battery.

3. Install the switch: Mount the kit's on/off switch to the handlebar and run its wiring to the relay.