F Series Gen II - HEX ezCAN

Installing the ezCAN F800 for BMW motorcycles

This is a step-by-step guide to installing the HEX ezCAN F800 (Generation I and Generation II) on compatible BMW motorcycles.

IMPORTANT:

This installation guide is only applicable to the BMW motorcycle models listed below.
If you are purchasing an ezCAN for, or installing an ezCAN on a BMW that is not in the model list below, refer to the ezCAN for BMW Installation Guides main page for the model on which you want to install an ezCAN.
The ezCAN F800 is compatible with earlier F800GS models (model code K72) and F800GS Adventure models (model code K75). The ezCAN F800 is not compatible with later F800GS models (model code K80). If you want to purchase an ezCAN for a K80 F800GS, visit the HEX ezCAN K1600 for BMW Bikes purchase page.
Although the ezCAN K1600 must be used on F800GS models with model code K80, the installation procedures on this page are applicable to all BMW F800GS models, regardless of model code.

The following bikes are supported:

F700GS (K70)
F800S (K71)
F800ST (K71)
F800GT (K71)
F650GS (twin-cylinder models only) (K72)
F800GS (K72)
F800R (K73)
F800GS Adventure (K75)
K1300S (K40)
K1300GT (K44)

HEX ezCAN F800 for BMW packaging:

Device and packaging (from June 2024 onward):

Device and packaging (prior to June 2024):

What the previous ezCANs looked like

IMPORTANT: Generation I ezCANs are no longer in production. All ezCANs currently in production are Generation II.

Generation l 3-wire ezCAN (55mm / 2,2″ silver main body; white packaging carton):

Generation l 2-wire ezCAN (55mm / 2,2″ black main body; white packaging carton):

What's in the box

ezCAN installation kit contents (June 2024 onward):

1x ezCAN device (Black body, BMW DWA connector)
1x MicroUSB-to-USB C cable with included USB C-to-USB A adaptor
20x cable ties
4x 2-wire stub connectors (Black/Orange wiring)
4x 1-wire terminal wires (Orange)
4x rubber blanking seals
3x power-circuit blanking plugs

ezCAN installation kit contents (prior to June 2024):

1x ezCAN device (Silver body, BMW DWA connector)
1x MicroUSB-to-USB A cable
2x Velcro strips
4x rubber blanking seals
2x power-circuit blanking plugs
4x cable ties
4x 2-wire stub connectors (Black/Orange wiring)
4x 1-terminal wires (Orange)

STEP 1:

DOWNLOAD, INSTALL & CONFIGURE THE SOFTWARE

This is a good time to:

Unbox the ezCAN.
Decide what and how many accessories you will be installing, and their requirements. Must some accessories be connected in a specific manner and/or to specific power circuits? As an example, low-powered ‘smart’ accessories must typically be installed on the ezBUS (White) power circuit.
Read the Installing for Life section of the ezCAN User Manual (downloadable from here), and evaluate your planned installation according to the guidelines in that section.
Register your ezCAN (All you need to do to register the ezCAN is connect it to your computer using the supplied USB cable, meaning you can do it at the comfort of your desk.)

STEP 2:

LOCATE THE DWA CONNECTOR, BATTERY, AND HORN

On all twin-cylinder BMW F650GS, F700GS, and F800 models, the ezCAN is controlled through the bike’s factory DWA (anti-theft alarm system) connector, whether or not the bike is equipped with the factory BMW anti-theft alarm system.

Twin-cylinder BMW F650GS, F700GS, and F800 models have a number of important differences in terms of component placement and disassembly/re-assembly procedure.
Always follow the instructions in the drop-down for the correct model below.

F650GS (twin-cylinder models) / F700GS / F800GS / F800GS Adventure

Needed tools:

T25 and T30 Torx drivers

Step 1: Locate the DWA connector

Remove the one-piece seat.
The DWA connector is located in the compartment behind the seat, in front of the tail light (below).

Depending on whether your bike has DWA (the factory BMW anti-theft alarm system), the DWA connector will be seen in one of two configurations:

If your motorcycle has the BMW DWA system: The DWA connector will be plugged into the DWA module.
If your motorcycle does not have the BMW DWA system: A resistor plug will be connected to the DWA connector (below).

Step 2: Locate the vehicle battery

Remove the one-piece seat.
Remove the upper centre trim panel in front of the seat.

3. The battery is located in a recessed compartment above the engine airbox (above).

Step 3: Locate the horn

The factory horn is located between the front forks, under the lower triple clamp.

To reach the factory horn connector:

Remove the upper centre trim panel in front of the seat.
Remove the left-side front trim panel covering the left side of the radiator (above).

F800S / F800ST / F800GT / F800R

Step 1: Locate the DWA connector

1. Remove the seat.

2. The DWA connector is located inboard of the fuel filler cap (above).

Depending on whether your bike has DWA (the factory BMW anti-theft alarm), RDC (the factory BMW tyre-pressure monitoring system), or does not have either system, the DWA connector will be in one of two configurations:

If your motorcycle has the BMW DWA and/or RDC systems: The DWA connector will be plugged into the DWA module.
If your motorcycle does not have the BMW DWA and/or RDC systems: A resistor plug will be connected to the DWA connector (above).

Step 2: Locate the vehicle battery

Remove the one-piece seat.
Remove the upper centre trim panel in front of the seat.
The battery is located in a recessed compartment above the engine airbox (below).

Step 3: Locate the horn

The factory horn is located under the left front main trim panel, next to the left fork leg. The horn can be reached from the bottom edge of the trim panel (below).

STEP 3:

PLUG THE ezCAN INTO THE CAN-BUS

IMPORTANT: Do not connect the ezCAN’s CAN-bus connector to any part of the motorcycle other than the diagnostic connector. If you do, the ezCAN will not function.

On twin-cylinder F650GS, F700GS, F800GS and F800GS Adventure models, it is generally advisable to install the main body of the ezCAN in the compartment behind the seat, in front of the tail light.

F800S, F800ST, F800GT and F800R models have slightly more underseat space. On these bikes, it is generally advisable to install the main body of the ezCAN in the general region of the factory DWA connector.

Ensure that all ezCAN wiring is routed safely and securely, in a way that does not allow it to chafe or pinch. Where needed, secure all wiring to frame tubes or other components using the cable ties supplied with the ezCAN installation kit.

Depending on whether your bike has DWA (the factory BMW anti-theft alarm), RDC (the factory BMW tyre-pressure monitoring system), or does not have either system, the DWA connector will be in one of two configurations:

If your motorcycle has the BMW DWA and/or RDC systems: The DWA connector will be plugged into the RDC or RDC+DWA module.

Connect the male ezCAN CAN-bus connector to the female BMW DWA connector.
Connect the female ezCAN CAN-bus connector to the BMW DWA module.

If your motorcycle does not have the BMW DWA and/or RDC systems: A resistor plug will be connected to the DWA connector.

Connect the male ezCAN CAN-bus connector to the female BMW DWA connector.
Connect the BMW resistor plug to the female ezCAN CAN-bus connector.

STEP 4:

CONNECT THE ezCAN TO THE BIKE'S BATTERY

ezCAN cable routing may depend on a number of factors, including your personal preference.

Ensure that the wiring is routed safely and securely, in a way that does not allow it to chafe or pinch. Where needed, secure all wiring to frame tubes or other components using the cable ties supplied with the ezCAN installation kit.

WARNING: For safety reasons, always disconnect the negative battery terminal first, and re-connect it last.

Start the installation by locating the main body of the ezCAN in a place that allows straightforward, logical wiring runs. We recommend installing the ezCAN main body in the owner’s manual/tool tray located behind the battery, as this allows easier access for firmware updates and diagnostics.
Disconnect the negative wiring harness terminal from the negative battery pole.
Disconnect the positive wiring harness terminal from the positive battery pole.
Connect the terminal on the orange ezCAN power cable, and the bike’s positive wiring harness terminal, to the positive battery pole.
Connect the terminal on the brown ezCAN power cable, and the bike’s negative wiring harness terminal, to the negative battery pole.
Tidy the CAN-bus and battery cable routing. Secure all loose cables using the cable ties included in the ezCAN installation kit, making sure you have easy access to the four power circuit plugs.

Note: The HEX ezCAN’s status LED should be solid green for approximately a minute after connection to the battery. After this time, the ezCAN enters Sleep Mode, and there will be no LED activity until the bike’s ignition is switched ON.

STEP 5:

CONNECT THE HORN TRIGGER WIRE (OPTIONAL)

IMPORTANT: Skip this step if you are installing an ezCAN K1600 on an F800GS with model code K80. The ezCAN K1600 does not have a horn trigger wire.

Only complete this step if you intend to do one or both of the following:

Power an auxiliary horn using one of the HEX ezCAN power circuits
Configure front auxiliary lights to strobe on horn activation

The CAN-bus on BMW F800 models does not include a horn trigger signal. To be able to activate an accessory horn when the horn button is pressed, a separate horn trigger input to the ezCAN is needed.

Enabling accessory horn triggering

Locate the factory BMW horn on your bike (See Step 2 above).
Familiarise yourself with the green ezCAN horn trigger lead included in the ezCAN installation kit (below):
- The male single-pin plug (1) connects to the single-pin female terminal leading from the main body of the ezCAN.
- The female two-pin plug (2) connects to the factory BMW horn.
- The male two-pin plug (3) connects to the factory BMW horn harness plug.

3. Disconnect the BMW horn harness plug from the factory horn (below).

4. Connect the ezCAN horn trigger lead’s female two-pin plug to the standard BMW horn (below).

5. Connect the ezCAN horn trigger lead’s male two-pin plug to the horn connection on the BMW wiring harness.

6. Connect the the ezCAN horn trigger lead’s male single-pin plug to the single-pin female terminal leading from the main body of the ezCAN (below).

7. If you want to install an accessory horn, connect the accessory horn to a two-pin ezCAN stub connector (see Step 6). The stub connector will be plugged into an ezCAN power circuit of your choice.

8. If the factory horn and/or accessory horn do not work when the bike’s horn button is pressed, see Testing the horn connection below.

Testing the horn connection

If the factory horn and/or the accessory horn do not work when the bike’s horn button is pressed, diagnose the horn circuit by doing the steps that follow:

Connect the ezCAN to your computer.
Launch the ezCAN configuration software.
Switch the motorcycle’s ignition ON.
Click the hamburger icon in the upper right corner of the HEX ezCAN Configuration Tool (below), then click Diagnostics.
- The Diagnostics window will be shown.

5. Read the Horn Input Voltage value (below). If the ezCAN horn trigger circuit is working correctly, the value should be at or near 0V when the horn is inactive, and approximately 12V when the horn is active.

STEP 6:

CONNECT THE ACCESSORIES, USING COLOUR CODING

The ezCAN installation kit includes four two-wire stub connectors with male connection terminals, orange power wires and black ground wires.

The following parts are also included:

4x pulse-width modulation (PWM) terminal wires (orange with white tracer)
4x rubber blanking seals

If the accessory to be connected to a power circuit has three wires, convert a two-wire stub connector to a three-wire connector as shown in the Connecting 3-wire LED lights section of the HEX ezCAN User Manual (downloadable from here).

If the accessory to be connected to a power circuit has two wires, seal the stub connector’s empty terminal cavity as shown in the Connecting 2-wire accessories section of the HEX ezCAN User Manual.

If any of the ezCAN’s power circuits will not be used, we recommend that you connect a blanking plug to the output plug of each unused circuit.

2-wire applications: insert a blanking seal.
3-wire applications: insert a PWM terminal wire.

Connect the male terminal of each stub connector to the relevant female ezCAN power circuit connector (below).

Connecting a 2-wire accessory to an ezCAN stub connector:

Connect the accessory’s ground/Earth wire (this is usually, but not always black or brown) to the ground wire of an ezCAN stub connector.
Connect the accessory’s power wire (this is usually, but not always red) to the 12V power wire of an ezCAN stub connector.

Connecting a 3-wire accessory to an ezCAN stub connector:

Connect the accessory’s ground/Earth wire and power wire as described above.
Connect the accessory’s PWM control wire to the dual-colour (solid colour+tracer) wire of an ezCAN stub connector.

Connecting low-power smart accessories to a power circuit:

If you are installing ‘smart’ accessories (that is, low-power accessories capable of intelligent input and control through the ezCAN’s LIN bus), note the following:

Smart accessories (including the HEX ezSWITCH) must only be connected to the ezCAN’s ezBUS (white) power circuit. Smart accessories will not work if connected to the red, yellow or blue circuits.
The ezBUS (white) power circuit can accommodate any odd or even number of individual accessories, to a maximum of sixteen.
A selection of HEX ezBUS adaptors and connectors is available, allowing you to connect smart accessories quickly and easily. See the ezBUS Accessories section of the Hex Innovate online store for details.

Read the Hex ezBUS and Configuring Hex ezBUS functionality sections of the ezCAN user manual (downloadable from here) for detailed information on how to use ezBUS functionality.

IMPORTANT: If the stub connectors included in your ezCAN installation kit do not have orange power wires, but instead have colours that match the colouring of the ezCAN power circuits (as seen below), always connect like-to-like (red stub connector to red power circuit, blue stub connector to blue power circuit, and so on.)

EASIER INSTALLATION WITH THE ezCAN EXTENSION KIT

The HEX ezCAN Extension Kit contains everything you need to connect front auxiliary lights, rear accessory lights and a horn to the ezCAN. It also includes additional connectors that allow you to connect other accessories.

You can purchase the Extension Cable Kit here.

The ezCAN Extension Kit

2x 1.5m 3-core extension cables (typically used for 2-wire or 3-wire front auxiliary lights)
1x 0.5m 3-core extension cable (typically used for a rear running/brake light)
1x 1.5m 2-core extension cable, with spade connectors (typically used to connect air horns or other 2-wire accessories)
3x female MT-3 connectors, including terminal pins and terminal seals
5x male MT-3 connector kit, including terminal pins and terminal seals
5x rubber blanking seals (used in cases where only two terminals are used in a 3-wire MT-3 connector)
6x 20mm sections of adhesive-lined heat-shrink tubing
2x 6.3mm female spade connector terminals
1m cable sheathing

STEP 7:

TEST THE INSTALLATION

WARNING: Test and check your installations and accessories in a safe, controlled environment before first use. Caution is advised at all times. Extra vigilance is needed when testing new features or accessories. You do so at your own risk.

DISCLAIMER: Hex Innovate is not liable for any injury or damage, howsoever caused, and all products and services are used at your own risk.

Before finalizing the ezCAN installation or re-installing any components you may have removed, it is important that you test all newly installed accessories for satisfactory fitment and correct operation.

Many ezCAN-powered accessories can be tested by switching the ignition ON and operating the relevant controls. Exceptions include:

Accessories for which you have enabled the Only on when engine running feature (examples may include Aux 1 lights, Aux 2 lights, MotoLights, and heated clothing). To test these functions, the bike’s engine must be running.
Some brake light functions require that the bike be moving at or above a certain speed. As examples, Flash on Emergency Stop and Flash on Rapid Engine Braking functions require deceleration of more than 21 Kilometres per hour per second.

STEP 8:

COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION

Complete the ezCAN installation as follows:

Make sure the main body of the ezCAN is well-secured in a place where it is protected from pressure, heat and impact.
Make sure all factory, ezCAN and accessory cables and wiring harnesses are well clear of all moving parts, and securely fastened. Where needed, use the cable ties included in the ezCAN installation kit.
Replace all motorcycle components and fasteners that may have been removed to facilitate the ezCAN installation.
Inspect the complete installation for mistakes or problems, and fix all problems that you have noted.
Test all new accessories for correct operation a second time.
If you have not already done so, download the ezCAN user manual from this page.
Keep the manual in a safe place on your computer, tablet or phone: it contains all the information you need to operate the ezCAN and adjust its functionality.