Can't start my MG V7 stone. Please help?

[finimits]

Hi everyone,

My V7Stone won't start. When I hit the button, there's a series of rapid clicks and then nothing. Either the battery voltage is really low or the terminals are corroded. I have a few questions
1. Can I charge the battery without removing the side panels via that hanging connector on the right side near the side panel? It seems to be a charging connector.. but I am not sure. In this case, what type of charger should I use?

2. I wasn't able to get the side panel off with the stock allen keys in the glove compartment.. Do any of you know if there's a special tool to remove the side panels in case I have to clean the terminals?

3. How do I clean the terminals if I have to?

Thank you!!

[jackson]

Definitely sounds like a battery problem.  Either the battery is low on charge or dead..........or you have a corroded connection between the battery & the starter.  My V7 is an earlier model (and I've also owned a V7 Breva) and both had a single Allen head screw that had to be removed.  Once it is removed, there are two plastic plugs that go into rubber grommets so you just pull the panel lightly for each to release.
You'll need a long Allen head wrench.  If you have a Harbor Freight store nearby, you can either buy a set of longer ones there for a very cheap price.  Personally, I use a long extension type that connects to my 3/8" ratchet.  Harbor Freight also sells those in sets of short and long versions.  You can also buy any of the Allen head sets at Lowes or Home Depot but they'll charge you more for the same quality. 
BTW; the batteries that are used in all Guzzis shouldn't corrode at the terminals unless you're leaving the bike outside in the rain and/or humid weather on a regular basis.  It wouldn't hurt to put a little grease or Vaseline on the terminals just to keep them corrosion free but chances are that you simply have a low or dead battery.

[lucian]

Any auto parts store or MC shop will have a battery tender/ charger you can connect to the plug you mentioned. If you do a lot of short trips on the bike it is likely that the battery is drawn down by the starter and lights more than it has had time to recharge. The tender will make up the difference and automatically shut off when not needed. good luck     dave

[Perazzimx14]

Please do not take offense but if you can't figure out how to get the side panel off, determine what charger to use or if the plug hanging down is for a battery charger step away from the bike. Post your location and there is a good chance a member on here lives close. Maybe they can come over and assist you. If that is not an option then a trip to the shop is in order.

[gerryp]

he has the same post on gzzitech.

Location: Charlotte, USA

[Dilliw]

he has the same post on gzzitech.

Location: Charlotte, USA

I'm in Charlotte  today. 

[pyoungbl]

Please do not take offense but if you can't figure out how to get the side panel off, determine what charger to use or if the plug hanging down is for a battery charger step away from the bike. Post your location and there is a good chance a member on here lives close. Maybe they can come over and assist you. If that is not an option then a trip to the shop is in order.

:1:  I was thinking that this is a joke but if not....step away from the bike.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Can you not access the battery terminals by taking the seat off? Taking the side covers off will only grant you access to the sides of your battery?

1. the plug you mention is probably like this?


if so, you can get a 'Battery Tender' from any chain moto shop (M.R. Motorcycle or cyclegear) or Amazon dot com for like $35
A battery tender will trickle charge it overnight and also maintain it charged if you are making many short trips.

2. Have you tried to bump start it? That would be my first route.. esp if you suspect a dead battery

3. Check the terminals, loosen the connections, brush with a wire brush, coat with a thin layer os vaseline and clamp back down.  Follow
the negative lead from the battery to the main ground, you can check/clean/tighten the ground point as well... how old is your bike, is it stored in the elements? hard to imagine it's too corroded to start

4. I think your battery is just dead, when was the last time it ran?

5. There are several member who will help you out around charlotte, but do you have any neighbors or buddies who are mechanical? anyone who changes their own oil or does basic maintenance on their lawnmower could probably help you sort it out.

[Zinfan]

Also have someone who owns a multi meter check the output of the charging system.  I had to replace the regulator/rectifier on my 2013 V7 Stone after it started putting out 15.3 volts.

[Guzzistajohn]

This is something you really need to learn. A common issue in motorcycle ownership. Might be a good idea to get a cheap volt meter and learn how to use it. How old is the battery? You might need to change it. You may have to take it to a battery shop and have it draw tested.

[finimits]

Thanks everyone for your tips and inputs esp. Mayor_of_BBQ. Yes, the connector is the same as the picture you posted.

Perazzimx14, I was only asking because it was late last night when I was trying to remove the side panel with the stock allen key it seemed to be slipping a bit and I didn't want to shear off the socket. I didn't know for sure if there was a metric/english mis-match or not.
I was going to work on it this evening, but wanted to run it by the experts like yourself first.

I didn't use the bike for a few weeks, so my plan is
1. Remove the side panel and check the voltage and subsequently the condition of the terminals.
2. Depending on what the issue is, I'll clean the terminals and most probably jump the battery (with the car off)
3. I don't have a tender with me (obviously) so I'll buy it and then use that going forward.

I just realized that my original post sounded like a frikking SOS signal.  So I take the mild trolling in my stride.. 

Thanks guys!

[jackson]

Finimits; BTW, the Allen head screw for the side cover IS metric unless they've changed the screw to a Torx head.

[pyoungbl]

The OEM tool kit is a real joke.  You will find that there is no allen key to fit the bolt that secures the tank.  That will be a real problem is the fuel quick disconnect decides to disconnect on you...I speak from experience.  For just a few $$$ you can buy a metric allen key set and carry the 3-4 sizes that actually fit something on the bike.

My voltage regulator was another one putting out 15+Volts so I replaced it prior to it frying the battery.  I hope I caught that in time.

Peter Y.

[threebrits]

On removing the side panel.  I think it is a 5mm and it's on there tight.  I was finally able to get the side panel off with out too much damage to the hex bolt by pressing real hard while turning.  It will likely strip with rotational force only.  I ended up using a t-handle hex wrench in order to apply enough axial pressure while turning.

The little folding hex bit set didn't cut it.

[finimits]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks once again for all the tips. Helped a lot. I got the side panel off with a little trouble.. I used a 4mm hex cox the 5 mm didn't go in at all. I may have loosened it but it started slipping so I used a torx head with a lot of axial force and slowly got it out.
Anyway, the battery terminals looked perfectly fine but the voltage was low... so charged it up with the tender (bought it for $17 at Harbor Freight, they had a liquidation sale going on). After a few hours, it started up fine!

Thanks everyone!

[twhitaker]

For just a few $$$ you can buy a metric allen key set and carry the 3-4 sizes that actually fit something on the bike.

Think Snap-On not Craftsman and you will be swearing less in the future.

[Loftness]

I'm just curious, those tender leads don't come stock with the bike, so I'm assuming your dealer installs them on the bikes for customers...did they not give you the charger that goes with it?

[Zinfan]

Don't forget to check the voltage output of the charging system, if the regulator is putting out too much voltage it will ruin the battery.

[Dharma Bum]

Loftness,   My daughter recently bought a used CBR250 from a local BMW/Triumph/Ducati dealer.  They install the tender leads on all of their used units and no, they don't provide the charger to go with it!

[ITSec]

While you may have solved the immediate problem, I strongly suggest you look up the threads that describe installation of a relay and more direct wiring from the battery to the starter. This will allow you to start the bike more easily in a wider variety of conditions, including marginal battery levels.

[malik]

Aren't the side cover bolts torx 

  Dusty

4mm hex on the 2014 V7 at least, (Phillips on the V7C) - recommend a few T bar allen keys (Aldi over here sells a decent set cheaply - you should have equivalents over there). A little grease on the two pins on each side cover should help those pins slide into the grommets, not push them out. You'll have to check each time that the grommets are still there - very easily lost.

[sib]

Sounds to me like a drained battery.  Here's a tip about the newer V7's that everyone who owns one should know about.  Because of the way little starter lockout switch on the clutch lever is wired up, if the lever fails to open completely and depress the plunger on the switch, the circuitry draws much more current and will drain the battery in a week or so, even when the ignition switch is off.  Check the clutch lever and make sure it isn't binding, and opens all the way.