V7 850 Stone - power dip ?

[spencer_spencer]

Hi all, I’m new to the forum and recently bought a ‘21 V7 iv and so far it’s been great! I bought it from a dealer and it had a recent engine oil change and filter. However came with little else in the way of service history.

I’m not sure if this is a common issue but I’ve noticed when I’m trying to maintain a speed (and this seems to be in any gear but most noticeable around 30mph) and at around 3k rpm, the engine will randomly completely shut off (or at least feel like it).  It feels like I’ve completely let go of the throttle and even pulled the front brake in too for good luck.  And then it’ll go back to normal.  This lasts literally a fraction of a second.  All in all it just feels very lumpy around this rev range and I don’t like to cruise around here as it feels like it might happen at any second. There’s no issue in opening up through this rev range, it pulls completely fine, it’s just when trying to hold the revs.

Is my first point of call checking the valve clearances? Not sure if my dealers warranty would cover something like this..

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

[rocker59]

Start with checking valve clearance.  In the past, I've had bikes with a stutter at around 2800 rpm and subsequently found a couple of tight valves.  Once I reset the clearances, most of the stutter was gone.

If adjusting the valves doesn't fix it, then you might check with the dealer for an updated EFI map download.

[Dr. Enzo Toma]

First thing I would do is bring it to the dealer and confirm if the ECU is up to date. There was a calibration update that was meant to fix issues like what you have described. A dealer would need to update this with a P.A.D.S. diagnostic tool.

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION G_220377_TC_EN 19/04/2022
The main contents of the available update are:
* elimination of fuel feed fluctuations at constant speed;
* the “Traction Control” warning light goes off at the end of the wheel radius learning
phase as reported in the Use and Maintenance Manual in paragraph “MGCT system
calibration procedure”;
* improved fuel supply both with hot and cold engines

[Dave Swanson]

This sounds like the infamous V7-850 hiccup.  It has been a well documented and somewhat common ailment.  The good thing is 50 cents and five minutes of your time will fix it. 

The problem resides with the evap control system on stock bikes.  Rather than remove the whole evap system as many prefer, I just removed the lower hose from the Evap control valve and capped it with a rubber cap.  Works like a charm. 

It took me longer to figure out the right push/pull combo to get the left side cover off (refer to your owners manual) than doing the fix.  Stop at your nearest hardware store to find a proper sized rubber cap.  Don't worry about plugging the hose that is removed, its not necessary. 

[spencer_spencer]

Thanks for all your responses! I will start with that evap tube as that sends the simplest and then move onto the ECU map/valve clearances at the dealer. Cheers 

[kingoffleece]

Guzzis like to rev.  When you fix it stay above 3K.  Too low for that motor.  Yes, you CAN but why?  It likes to rev a bit.

[faffi]

Guzzis like to rev.  When you fix it stay above 3K.  Too low for that motor.  Yes, you CAN but why?  It likes to rev a bit.

I hear this a lot on this forum, but I still cannot understand why anyone would cruise at any higher rpm than needed, as it is a waste of fuel and cause additional wear (load on engine parts are the square of rpm increase, meaning the load is 16 times higher @ 8000rpm than at 2000). When you are having fun on a winding road, sure, keep the revs up. But sitting at 50 mph on a level piece of tarmac, I see no reason not to be in top gear.

[Bulldog9]

I hear this a lot on this forum, but I still cannot understand why anyone would cruise at any higher rpm than needed, as it is a waste of fuel and cause additional wear (load on engine parts are the square of rpm increase, meaning the load is 16 times higher @ 8000rpm than at 2000). When you are having fun on a winding road, sure, keep the revs up. But sitting at 50 mph on a level piece of tarmac, I see no reason not to be in top gear.

No one is saying keeping pegged at 7500-8k. Guzzi motors THRIVE in the 4-6k.

Too many lug in the sub 4k range and miss out on the joy of the Guzzi motor.

[kingoffleece]

Exactly.  The smallblock doesn't like 3K just totting about.  The motor will tell you where it's happy.  Listen to it, or don't.

[Vagrant]

You just need to accept the fact that you are wrong in regards to Guzzi's. It will get way better fuel mileage at 4000+ than at 3000 because it IS lugging there.

[ff73148]

It took me a while to understand why Guzzi's run better at higher revs. I keep my Eldorado one gear lower than I would on any other bike. Much better performance and no flat spots. Hondas perform like that also.

[faffi]

You just need to accept the fact that you are wrong in regards to Guzzi's. It will get way better fuel mileage at 4000+ than at 3000 because it IS lugging there.

I think my 59 mpg avg say otherwise, but I will await someone to prove me wrong.

[Tkelly]

Mileage may vary depending on the bike.

[Moparnut72]

Mileage may vary depending on the bike.

Of all the bikes I have had no two were the same. I always run them where they are the happiest. My Mandello gets better fuel mileage in the low 3,000's but it is not happy, high 3,000's into the 4's is where it likes to run. The 1400 I had liked to cruise at 3,800 which is where I ran it so I can't say if it did better or higher or lower rpm's. My V7 likes to run about anywhere but is happiest around 4k. The Harley I had, 1800cc was happiest at 2,700 would run lower without complaint it definitely did not like running at 3,500 or more. It got the best mileage at lower rpm's, upper 40's. I don't know about higher revs because it just wasn't happy up there. I also had a 1200 Triumph that seemed to get the same mileage no matter how I rode it, 57 mpg. However it had a fairly narrow range where it liked to run, shuddered below 2,500 and a high pitched vibration above 3,500 rpm. The main reason I traded it for the Mandello not a good tourer in my opinion. These are just my observations yours may differ.
kk

[blu guzz]

I believe that the engine's character or where it is happy is partially a function of the origin of the machine.  If you think about Harleys.  Made in Milwaukee.  What is it like there, it's basically flat and straight.  So, the HD motors were designed originally to deal with what it was like in that area and low end grunt with ability to go miles and miles.  In Italy, and especially Mandello, the terrain is hilly and mountainous, so smaller bikes with good midrange would work better there, and so we have bikes made more for that area that have a powerband that favors over 3,000 rpm operation.  I know on my twisty roads, I just put it in 3rd for excitement or 4th for relaxation and roll, no real shifting required and very little braking either.

[spencer_spencer]

So I bought a evap kit off the internet with a rubber cap. Successfully removed said hose to find the cap doesn’t fit! (Typical) now I’m trying to put the hose back on and I CANNOT get this damn clip back in. I’ve never seen one of these, it’s not a usual spring loaded or jubilee clip.

Any advice?!

[Dave Swanson]

Any advice?!

Go down to your hardware store and buy a cap or a stopper.  Job done.

[spencer_spencer]

Thanks but I mean any advice for getting that clip back on until I can get some caps! Like you have on the hose you have detached. I note you have put a different clip on?

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks but I mean any advice for getting that clip back on until I can get some caps! Like you have on the hose you have detached. I note you have put a different clip on?

Any hose clamp will do. For now you could seal it off with Duck Tape temporarily.  Doesn't need to be fancy.

[John A]

What Dave says. Those crimped clamps are a one time use.

[Huzo]

Hi all, I’m new to the forum and recently bought a ‘21 V7 iv and so far it’s been great! I bought it from a dealer and it had a recent engine oil change and filter. However came with little else in the way of service history.

I’m not sure if this is a common issue but I’ve noticed when I’m trying to maintain a speed (and this seems to be in any gear but most noticeable around 30mph) and at around 3k rpm, the engine will randomly completely shut off (or at least feel like it).  It feels like I’ve completely let go of the throttle and even pulled the front brake in too for good luck.  And then it’ll go back to normal.  This lasts literally a fraction of a second.  All in all it just feels very lumpy around this rev range and I don’t like to cruise around here as it feels like it might happen at any second. There’s no issue in opening up through this rev range, it pulls completely fine, it’s just when trying to hold the revs.

Is my first point of call checking the valve clearances? Not sure if my dealers warranty would cover something like this..

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Well if it’s 30 mph and 3,000 rpm it’s not in “any gear”, that only applies to one gear.
However I think I get your assertion.
Do you say that 3,000 rpm is the danger zone or 30 mph…(I’ll bet on the revs).

[xackley]

The only time I "keep the revs up" is when winding up and down and around the hills. Engine braking and accelerating with a twist of the throttle with minimal braking. Even then I let the engine relax when I decide to slow down to enjoy the view.
Most times just just let them relax and flow. Wind it out when merging with traffic will hit the speed limit in 3rd gear on the v7. In city traffic short shifting will avoid running into the back of the car in front of you.
Good motorcycles are built to function well whether you are lugging or racing the engine and drive. Moto Guzzi builds a good motorcycle. Ride and shift reflecting your mood and it will respond. If it doesn't, something needs an adjustment. Reving out past the problem is not a solution. If I have a wobble at 40 mph, riding at 50mph is not a solution.
If guzzi was building 2 strokes, then the philosophy of needing the revs up would make sense. I had a kawasaki 500 triple that was worthless outside its power band, then could scare you when you down shifted.


Don