HEX ezCAN Installation Guide

HEX ezCAN K1600 for BMW motorcycles

This is a step-by-step guide to installing the HEX ezCAN K1600 for BMW motorcycles.

IMPORTANT:

This installation guide is only applicable to the BMW motorcycle models listed below.
If you are purchasing a HEX ezCAN for, or installing a HEX ezCAN on a BMW that is not in the model list below, refer to the HEX  ezCAN for BMW Installation Guides main page for the model on which you want to install a HEX ezCAN. 

The HEX ezCAN K1600 is also designed for F800GS models manufactured from 2022 (model code K80). The HEX ezCAN K1600 is not compatible with F800GS (model code K72) and F800GS Adventure models (model code K75) manufactured between 2008 and 2017. If you want to install a HEX ezCAN on either of these models, visit the HEX ezCAN F800 for BMW Bikes purchase page.

HEX ezCAN K1600 for BMW motorcycles packaging (from April 2024 onward):

The following bikes are supported:

  • K1600GT (2022 onward, model code K48)
  • K1600GTL (2022 onward, model code K48)
  • K1600GTL Exclusive (2022 onward, model code K48)
  • K1600 Bagger (2022 onward, model code K61)
  • R18 (2020 onward, model code K34)
  • R18 Classic (2020 onward, model code K34)
  • R18 Roctane (2023 onward, model code K34)
  • R18 Bagger (2021 onward, model code K35)
  • R18 Trans­continental (2021 onward, model code K35)
  • S1000XR (2014-2019, model code K49)
  • S1000XR (2024 onward, model code K69)
  • M1000XR (2024 onward, model code K69)
  • M1000R (2024 onward, model code KM3)
  • F800GS (2023 onward, model code K80 models only)
  • F750GS (2016-2023, model code K80)
  • F850GS (2016-2023, model code K81)
  • F850GS Adventure (2017-2023, model code K82)
  • F900GS (2024 onward, model code K81)
  • F900GS Adventure (2024 onward, model code K82)
  • F900R (2019-2023, model code K83)
  • F900XR (2019-2023, model code K84)
  • RnineT (2017-2023, model code K21)
  • RnineT Pure (2017-2023, model code K22)
  • RnineT Scrambler (2016-2023, model code K23)
  • RnineT Racer (2017-2019, model code K32)
  • RnineT Urban G/S (2017-2023, model code K33)

HEX ezCAN installation kit contents:

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

HEX ezCAN K1600 for BMW motorcycles packaging (prior to April 2024):

The following bikes are supported:

  • K1600GT (2022 onward, model code K48)
  • K1600GTL (2022 onward, model code K48)
  • K1600GTL Exclusive (2022 onward, model code K48)
  • K1600 Bagger (2022 onward, model code K61)
  • R18 (2020 onward, model code K34)
  • R18 Classic (2020 onward, model code K34)
  • R18 Roctane (2023 onward, model code K34)
  • R18 Bagger (2021 onward, model code K35)
  • R18 Trans­continental (2021 onward, model code K35)
  • S1000XR (2014-2019, model code K49)
  • S1000XR (2024 onward, model code K69)
  • M1000XR (2024 onward, model code K69)
  • M1000R (2024 onward, model code KM3)
  • F800GS (2023 onward, model code K80 models only)
  • F750GS (2016-2023, model code K80)
  • F850GS (2016-2023, model code K81)
  • F850GS Adventure (2017-2023, model code K82)
  • F900GS (2024 onward, model code K81)
  • F900GS Adventure (2024 onward, model code K82)
  • F900R (2019-2023, model code K83)
  • F900XR (2019-2023, model code K84)
  • RnineT (2017-2023, model code K21)
  • RnineT Pure (2017-2023, model code K22)
  • RnineT Scrambler (2016-2023, model code K23)
  • RnineT Racer (2017-2019, model code K32)
  • RnineT Urban G/S (2017-2023, model code K33)

HEX ezCAN installation kit contents:

  • 1x HEX 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)

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

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

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

Step 1

Download, Install & Configure the Software

This is a good time to:

  • Unbox the HEX 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 HEX ezCAN User Manual (downloadable from here), and evaluate your planned installation according to the guidelines in that section.
  • Register your HEX 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 and Battery

Step 1: Locate the DWA connector

  1. If a rear top box is installed, remove the rear top box.
  2. Remove the front and rear seats.
  3. If your bike has heated seats, unplug the seat-heating connectors under the front and rear seats.


On all BMW K1600 models, the HEX ezCAN is controlled through the bike’s DWA (factory BMW anti-theft alarm system) connector, whether or not the bike is equipped with the optional BMW anti-theft alarm system.

The DWA connector is located under the front edge of the top box rack/pillion grab handle (below).


Depending on whether your bike is equipped with DWA, the DWA connector will be seen in one of two configurations:

If your motorcycle has the factory BMW DWA system: The DWA connector will be plugged into the DWA module (a typical view is shown below).

If your motorcycle does not have the factory BMW DWA system: A resistor plug will be connected to the DWA connector.


Step 2: Locate the vehicle battery

The bike’s battery is located under the front seat (green icon, below). 

Play Video

Step 3

Plug the HEX ezCAN into the Bike's CAN-BUS

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

In the case of BMW K1600 models, it is generally advisable to install the main body of the HEX ezCAN under the pillion seat, forward of the DWA module.

Ensure that all HEX 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 HEX ezCAN installation kit.

Play Video
Play Video
Play Video

If your motorcycle has the factory BMW DWA system: The DWA connector will be plugged into the DWA module.

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


If your motorcycle does not have the factory BMW DWA system:
 A resistor plug will be connected to the DWA connector.

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

Step 4

Connect the HEX ezCAN to the Bike's Battery

HEX 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 HEX ezCAN installation kit.

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

  1. Start the installation by locating the main body of the HEX ezCAN in a place that allows straightforward, logical wiring runs. We recommend installing the HEX ezCAN main body under the pillion seat, forward of the DWA module , as this allows easier access for firmware updates and diagnostics.
  2. Disconnect the negative wiring harness terminal from the negative battery pole.
  3. Disconnect the positive wiring harness terminal from the positive battery pole.
  4. Connect the terminal on the orange ezCAN power cable, and the bike’s positive wiring harness terminal, to the positive battery pole.
  5. Connect the terminal on the brown ezCAN power cable, and the bike’s negative wiring harness terminal, to the negative battery pole.
  6. Tidy the CAN-bus and battery cable routing. Secure all loose cables using the cable ties included in the HEX 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 HEX ezCAN enters Sleep Mode, and there will be no LED activity until the bike’s ignition is switched ON.

Play Video
HEX ezCAN Power supply cables

Step 5

Connect the Accessories, using Colour Coding

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

Play Video
2-wire applications: insert a blanking seal. 3-wire applications: insert a PWM terminal wire.
4 x Terminal wires and Blanking seals
4 x Two Wire Stub Connectors

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

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

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


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

  1. Connect the accessory’s ground/Earth wire and power wire as described above.
  2. 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 HEX ezCAN stub connector:

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

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

  1. Smart accessories (including the HEX ezSWITCH) must only be connected to the HEX ezCAN’s ezBUS (white) power circuit. Smart accessories will not work if connected to the red, yellow or blue circuits.
  2. The ezBUS (white) power circuit can accommodate any odd or even number of individual accessories, to a maximum of fifteen.
  3. 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 HEX ezCAN user manual (downloadable from here) for detailed information on how to use ezBUS functionality.

Note that if the white circuit is set to ezBUS mode, its fuse trip limit is set to 15 Amps by default. If needed, ezBUS PWR functionality can be used to increase the white circuit’s current capacity to a maximum of 30 Amps in ezBUS mode. See the relevant section of the HEX ezCAN User Manual for details.

IMPORTANT: If the stub connectors included in your HEX ezCAN installation kit do not have orange power wires, but instead have colours that match the colouring of the HEX 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 HEX 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 HEX ezCAN. It also includes additional connectors that allow you to connect other accessories.

You can purchase the Extension Cable Kit here.

The HEX 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
Adhesive lined heat shrink & 1m sheathing
Front auxiliary lights extensions
Horn extension
Brake/Accessory extension

Step 6

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 HEX 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 HEX 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 7

Complete the Installation

Complete the HEX ezCAN installation as follows:

  1. Make sure the main body of the HEX ezCAN is well-secured in a place where it is protected from pressure, heat and impact.
  2. 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 HEX ezCAN installation kit.
  3. Replace all motorcycle components and fasteners that may have been removed to facilitate the ezCAN installation.
  4. Inspect the complete installation for mistakes or problems, and fix all problems that you have noted.
  5. Test all new accessories for correct operation a second time.
  6. If you have not already done so, download the HEX 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 HEX ezCAN and adjust its functionality.

Please note !

You will now be redirected to our primary website to view our Privacy Policy

Please note !

You will now be redirected to our primary website to view our Legal Information

Please note !

You will now be redirected to our primary website to view our Legal Information