V7 Engine Removal/Swap

[Parashootist]

Just picked up a used engine to swap into my 2015 V7 Special. It has a left cylinder knock and I figured swapping in another motor would be easier than tearing my current motor down.

How difficult is removing the engine on a V7? I've done quite a few engine rebuilds/replacements but this will be my first transverse Vtwin. Any advice is appreciated that will make the process easier.

[Dirk_S]

Not difficult, but more involved than many transverse-crank motors. Do you have the service manual for your V7? If so, there’s a section instructing how to remove the motor from the bike.

Essentially it comes down to:

• Remove exhausts.
• Support the rear of the bike (hanging strap, jack stands, et al).
• Support the engine under the sump when ready to remove (milk crate works!).
• Remove swing-arm & wheel.
• Remove intake snorkel, disconnect injectors.
• Disconnect throttle & clutch cables (careful of the clutch arm spring).
• Disconnect sensors/wires.
• Disconnect the gear shifter connection.
• Remove the 2 gearbox-frame mounting bolts in the back (NOT the lower frame rail mounts…yet) and the 4 bolts in front connecting the lower frame rail to the main frame. Removing these 6 bolts releases the motor & lower rails from the frame (have that motor supported!). I’d recommend removing one pair of bolts in the front first before removing the two bolts in the back, so as not to stress the front rail-frame connection when the rear section frees up.
• Pick one—Lift the frame up off the motor, or lower the motor from the frame, making sure to disconnect the neutral switch—don’t forget or risk damaging.
• Remove the lower frame rails from the motor.
• Drink beer.

[Huzo]

Not difficult, but more involved than many transverse-crank motors. Do you have the service manual for your V7? If so, there’s a section instructing how to remove the motor from the bike.

Essentially it comes down to:

• Remove exhausts.
• Support the rear of the bike (hanging strap, jack stands, et al).
• Support the engine under the sump when ready to remove (milk crate works!).
• Remove swing-arm & wheel.
• Remove intake snorkel.
• Disconnect throttle & clutch cables (careful of the clutch arm spring).
• Disconnect sensors/wires.
• Disconnect the gear shifter connection.
• Remove the 2 gearbox-frame mounting bolts in the back (NOT the lower frame rail mounts…yet) and the 4 bolts in front connecting the lower frame rail to the main frame. Removing these 6 bolts releases the motor & lower rails from the frame (have that motor supported!). I’d recommend removing one pair of bolts in the front first before removing the two bolts in the back, so as not to stress the front rail-frame connection when the rear section frees up.
• Pick one—Lift the frame up off the motor, or lower the motor from the frame, making sure to disconnect the neutral switch—don’t forget or risk damaging.
• Remove the lower frame rails from the motor.
• Drink beer.

That’s really informative. I am on the cusp of removing my V85 motor to remove the black paint..

[Dirk_S]

That’s really informative. I am on the cusp of removing my V85 motor to remove the black paint..

I’m making minor edits to the steps for clarity, so you might want to check back before jumping in.

PS—high-five to bringing that beautiful motor back out of the dark and into the light ;)

[John A]

On older small blocks you block under the engine, then unbolt the upper frame . Then you can wheel the frame on its front wheel off the engine and transmission, I don’t know if its still that way or not but it worked well.

[Dirk_S]

On older small blocks you block under the engine, then unbolt the upper frame . Then you can wheel the frame on its front wheel off the engine and transmission, I don’t know if its still that way or not but it worked well.

John, my steps are pretty much that, just detailed. And yes, other than all the extra wiring that comes with the modern ECU, the frame and engine mounts are the same setup as the older ones.

[Parashootist]

Excellent. Thank you. I'm hoping I can tackle this soon.