V7 I / II Fuel Cap Replacement

[Dirk_S]

I’m looking at maybe buying a used V7 II fuel tank to install on my V7 III (it’s the right color and price, so why not?). The fuel cap for the V7 I & II is the type that sits flush inside the ring and simply locks, no screw mechanism. The tank does not come with a fuel cap, so I’d have to purchase a fuel cap as well. Two questions—

• Can the existing lock cylinder be easily drilled out on these fuel caps?
• Are there aftermarket options for this style of fuel cap, or do I have to go with an OEM fuel cap?

Pics for reference:

[malik]

It looks like it should fit, although dont know for sure. You will really want to see if you can get hold of a lockset- so you can go back to.one key only - cheaper from a parts wrecker. Refer to the Spare Parts Manual (the last page in some manuals) showing all 3 locks. Note that I think you'll find other models have the same cap & tank cap surround, for example the Cali 1100. Don't forget the cap surround.

[DoubleGuzzi]

This should be interesting, as I may be in a similar position. I'm not keen on a Monza style cap that's fitted to a steel tank on a V7 C. I think the matt Azzurro tank may have come from a V7 Stone but I don't know which series.
(I don't have a better pic, at this time..)




If you can reach the underside of the cap, then I reckon you might be able to remove/replace the lock without drilling.

[Dirk_S]

It looks like it should fit, although dont know for sure. You will really want to see if you can get hold of a lockset- so you can go back to.one key only - cheaper from a parts wrecker. Refer to the Spare Parts Manual (the last page in some manuals) showing all 3 locks. Note that I think you'll find other models have the same cap & tank cap surround, for example the Cali 1100. Don't forget the cap surround.

Sorry, Malik, I think I might’ve explained my query confusingly. The gas cap shown belongs to the same tank shown—both are off a V7 II. If I buy the tank and gas cap, I’ll obviously have to have a key for the gas cap. I’d prefer the lock match my existing key for the V7 III, so I was wondering if the lock cylinder can be replaced. The parts fiche for the V7 II, shown below, doesn’t show a separate cylinder—just the gas cap. Makes me wonder if perhaps the cylinder can’t be replaced at all.

[DoubleGuzzi]

^ I was about to give you bonus points for saying fuel instead of gas - you blew it! 

[Dirk_S]

^ I was about to give you bonus points for saying fuel instead of gas - you blew it! 

Well, fine. Then I’m knocking your Euro card for not defaulting to ‘petrol.’

[DoubleGuzzi]

Pounds, please, Scottish ones at that.

This image from Stein-Dinse suggests that the lock can be interchanged..

[Dirk_S]

Pounds, please, Scottish ones at that.

This image from Stein-Dinse suggests that the lock can be interchanged..

Excellent! My cursory search on S-D had only shown the gas cap with the lock cylinder already installed. Now, to figure out the type of cylinder. And I’ve never purchased a spare key or cylinder before, so I’m not sure if one can have a cylinder fitted to a key, or if it’s only the other way around.

[n3303j]

At least on my V11 the flush fit fuel cap disassembles and the cylinder is removable.

The pins (tabs) lock the cylinder in position through a slot in the lock body with the key out. When the key is inserted it shifts the pins (tabs) to a position where they are all flush with the cylinder and the cylinder can be rotated to the unlock position. (Yup, we already knew that stuff)

Now, if your ignition key is the same blank as the gas cap you can remove the lock cylinder and install your ignition key in that cylinder. Some pins will stick proud of the cylinder. Dress these flush with a flat file and then your ignition key will open the gas cap lock. When it locks it might be only one or two pins holding it shut but that's enough to keep gas in and folks honest.

You can fiddle with the order of the pins and maybe have to file off a bit less. Not necessary

This does not work on more complex locks that drop mating pins against the cylinder to detect cylinder pins that come up short.

[DoubleGuzzi]

I've done something similar for a 2nd hand topbox, where I didn't have the key. Removed and re-arranged some pins, so that the original ignition key could lock the topbox. IIRC I ended up with 4 pins instead of six, therefore not so "secure" but these locks are only an opportunistic deterrence anyway.
 

[DoubleGuzzi]

This might help,if you're thinking about trying the V7III lock on the other tank cap..
https://www.af1racing.com/606800m-oem-moto-guzzi-billet-gas-cap-blk-606800m
Scroll down for disassembly details.

Expensive options and cheaper with the lock and keys -go figure..
https://www.gutsibits.co.uk/pr/TheShop/index.php?f=e&Shnew=&Model=&ModelName=All%20Models&Cat=TAA&CatName=Tanks%20and%20Fittings&Sort=PriceDesc&spPage=1

Same item but cheaper and gives a full list of compatible bikes, so you know what to look for. 
https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/item-1-1024377.html

[malik]

I confirm that the (flush) fuel cap can be disassembled to remove the cylinder. Don't know anything about its internals. I got hold of a second hand lockset & took it apart to clean & polish when changing the locks on the 2014 V7 Special. You do have to watch the orientation of the cylinder within the cap on reassembly - insert it the wrong way & the key won't turn past the stop. Test with the key before buttoning it up. (Ask me how I know, for a while there I thought I might have wasted my money).

The ignition on the V7C melted in 2014. There was no new ignition in the country at the time, but there was a lockset. $AUD230 in 2014 dollars. Don't know what it would be in 2026 dollars. The ignition switch itself was then $180 odd to replace. Fast forward to 2024, the second hand lockset cost $AUD143, & in the following year the V7 Special's ignition switch failed. Parts on the shelf. Did have to pay for an extra 2 keys $34.

Good luck with playing with the cylinder insides. I had an idea that a decent locksmith should be able to cut a key to fit the lock mechanism, but all services cost. For me, changing all the locks was a neater solution.