2013 - 2015 V7 over voltage problem & poll

[spowell]

Question for someone who knows more about mc electrical systems than I do:

So, I changed my VR last night because it was running at 14.1 at idle and 15.2v at 3000 rpm. Swap was easy and when done, I started the bike and my voltmeter indicated 13.8 at idle and 14.1 at 3000rpm. So, I thought all good. I went for a 2 hour ride today, (75% stop and go, 25% hwy with three stops) and when I got back home, I checked the voltage again. Now its reading 12.4 at idle and 13.2 at 3000rpm. So, a now little bit concerned. Seems a bit low.

Just put it on the tender and had a solid orange light (indicating less than 80% charged) and after 10 min solid green (indicating fully charged).

Bad battery or bad VR or something else?  I have a 2014 V7R with the original battery. Bike has been sitting for a week before I did the VR swap. Thoughts?

[jas67]

Sounds like a bad connection or bad VR.

[JProdun]

Looks like i'll have to measure mine as well. Mine is a '14 with no issues at this point, but doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

So is there a plug and play replacement available at this time?

Thanks


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[Kiwi_Roy]

Before changing out the reg I would inspect the grounding and the multi-way connector (1) very closely.
http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzi007/schematics/2013_V7_Series.gif
The wiring between alternator (23) and regulator (24) looks straight forward but sometimes there are hidden features

Don't forget to scrape and Vaseline the battery terminals.
Also inspect the 30 Amp fuse for discolouration of the plastic, the VIIs used to fry that up pretty good.
The schematic shows the battery lead connected Tee fashion, I doubt it's really like that.

I haven't had a close look at a V7 but I wouldn't be surprised if there's some simple fault causing the over Voltage similar to the VII

[mr_pacman]

Bumping this thread.

Did anyone find a plug and play solution that didn't require cutting wires (and then having to crimp/solder) or fabricating a plate to replace the voltage regulator?

I've got a North American spec 2014 V7 racer that is charging in the mid 15's.

This one appears to be a plug and play unit but curious if anyone has used it:

https://rmstator.com/en_us/mosfet-voltage-regulator-rectifier-for-moto-guzzi-california-vintage-1100-nevada-750-v7-special-750-2006-2014

Thanks
James

[mechanicsavant]

While doing my pre purchase research I saw this issue mentioned. So , shortly after I brought my 16 V7 II home I fitted a voltmeter purchased from Aerostich it’s a wee unit that i tagged into the b+wire on the accessory plug up by the steering head . I’ve, so far not seen anything over 14.5 v . It cycles all the time between 12.5 v & 14.5 v . So , keeping my fingers crossed . 19k Mi. So far & I run a jacket heater in cold temps .

[SmithSwede]

Ok, I’ll follow up on my prior post back in 2016.  I still have the original R/R that charges a bit high. Bike is now at 120,000 miles.  Nothing bad has happened; entire electrical system works great.   I tend to think Guzzi designed it this way and there is nothing to worry about. 

[Vagrant]

Didn't you have to replace several cam position sensors?

[Kev m]

Ok, I’ll follow up on my prior post back in 2016.  I still have the original R/R that charges a bit high. Bike is now at 120,000 miles.  Nothing bad has happened; entire electrical system works great.   I tend to think Guzzi designed it this way and there is nothing to worry about.

When you say charges a bit high, how high?

[SmithSwede]

Didn't you have to replace several cam position sensors?

Yes, I have.  But I’m convinced that the cam position sensors do not “see” system voltage.  I could be wrong.  The “failed” sensors were not open circuit or burnt, and passed the Ohm test.  I’m pretty sure my problems were bad connection or corrosion at the connector. 

[SmithSwede]

When you say charges a bit high, how high?

15.37 v above 3,500 rpm

[Kev m]

15.37 v above 3,500 rpm

Thank you.

If you would continue to indulge, can you tell me about the battery/batteries?!?

[SmithSwede]

Thank you.

If you would continue to indulge, can you tell me about the battery/batteries?!?

Of course.  Data = good.  And agreed—the only potential downside I see from arguable excess voltage is reduced battery life. 

My batteries always tend to last about 3 to 3.5 years.  I think that’s due to the Texas heat and the fact that I ride a lot.   So there are a lot of starting cycles per unit time.  I’m not sure you can validly compare how long a battery lasts unless you also know how much use it got. 

3 years is not unique to my arguably overcharging Guzzi.   Had the same experience on a Yamaha FJR, BMW F800S, and Ninja 250.  I had a voltmeter on the BMW and it was “normal” in the sense of providing about 14.7 max volts.   Batteries didn’t last any longer. 

I always buy Yuasa batteries.   Maybe I’d get better life from a different brand. 

Final thought.   A weak or failing battery is the source of many woes and heightens unreliability.    So I tend to be pretty aggressive about replacing a suspect battery since I figure I avoid a lot of hassle.    And I’ve twice had a battery totally and completely fail with almost no warning.   I figure one expensive tow service you avoid pays for a lot of batteries!

[Kev m]

Of course.  Data = good.  And agreed—the only potential downside I see from arguable excess voltage is reduced battery life. 

My batteries always tend to last about 3 to 3.5 years.  I think that’s due to the Texas heat and the fact that I ride a lot.   So there are a lot of starting cycles per unit time.  I’m not sure you can validly compare how long a battery lasts unless you also know how much use it got. 

3 years is not unique to my arguably overcharging Guzzi.   Had the same experience on a Yamaha FJR, BMW F800S, and Ninja 250.  I had a voltmeter on the BMW and it was “normal” in the sense of providing about 14.7 max volts.   Batteries didn’t last any longer. 

I always buy Yuasa batteries.   Maybe I’d get better life from a different brand. 

Final thought.   A weak or failing battery is the source of many woes and heightens unreliability.    So I tend to be pretty aggressive about replacing a suspect battery since I figure I avoid a lot of hassle.    And I’ve twice had a battery totally and completely fail with almost no warning.   I figure one expensive tow service you avoid pays for a lot of batteries!

 

Thanks.

More to think about. But you've certainly made an argument for not worrying about it so much.

[fossil]

Hmmm.... 2013 V7 Stone. First regulator, first battery. 32000 km. Even the first lamps are okay. However when I fitted the "super" lamps from Osram and Philips they lasted for 20 minutes...