docc

So, can it be said (with my layman's understanding) that when the battery is fully charged, the charging voltage is the same, but the regulator is allowing less current through?

In the meantime: another electrical question: While my EnerSys charger actually sets the voltage lower in the float phase, the regulator does not. Is it that the way the regulator “skips pulses” it controls charging by reducing the effective current while the voltage remains the same?

Absolutely. This recall should have been performed beginning late 2003. Yet, LeMaynes has a Sport that, apparently, did not get seen to and suffered a gearbox failure: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20313&p=230443 I completely agree with LowRyter that anyone with an early V11 install the frame support plate! [edit: link to a link for the transmission recall: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=14680&p=158632]

I can only be cautiously optimistic, at best, because of my ever quixotic reverse placebo-itis.

Well put! So, from what I gather, the flicker at idle is 1) "normal" if the battery is in a high state of charge, or 2) a sign that the regulator is on its way out, or 3) a sign of sketchy connectivity somewhere. I just couldn't leave the terminal stack on the battery and rebuilt my junction block configured differently for improved contact and no stacked terminals. Of course two out of four vibration blocks to mount the ECU had to be rebuilt as well. With the battery showing 12.70v, I sparked it off and then voltage at high idle (~1500 rpm) is 14.17v. Now to wait on a day to ride to see if 1) flicker remains, and 2) if it throws another charge failure fit when hot.

Perhaps submitting the VIN to Piaggio to confirm the gearbox recall has been performed?

While fooling around with the grounding at the battery with the bike hot, it went into a fit. Red light full on, could not keep it running, voltage steady just under 12.8v. Once it cooled down, back to the usual flicker at idle. The regulator can develop heat sensitive failure?

My next step is to *simply* reinstall all my grounds/earths. My understanding is the V11 has three terminals stacked on the negative side of the battery: 1) Main Ground Cable to the gearbox; 2) Fuel/Ignition harness; 3) Lighting/Charging/all other "Electrical System." Other than my "accessory" grounds, those are the only three terminals on the V11 battery negative?

Watch this thread for news on the springs: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20201&p=230507

Nice, Chuck! (That is one of your handmade springs?)

LowRyter, if you have a sloppage plate, then there are two gaskets above the sump spacer. And it means someone has had it apart before. That would be a good place to start. Perhaps it just needs snugged up?

Probably timing chest gasket. Certainly, nothing like you went through with your gearbox! See if you can clean it off (soapy water and a brush or a spray solvent, if you like). Once dry, spray a common foot powder around the timing chest seam (bottom, top, and both sides) then go for ride and keep checking to see where the foot powder starts to discolor. There is the leak. That said, there is a Sump Spacer gasket that may be the culprit.

Perform the "Livin' Easy Test" on Relay #1: http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=19755&p=216435 Livin' Easy? Later harness (like 2004) with current stressing the Ignition Switch. Ain't Livin' Easy? Early harness (like 1999) stressing Relay #1. Use The High Current relays referenced in the linked thread. Let us know! {edit: Kiwi_Roy just posted a way to differentiate the early and late harnesses by seeing if #30 to the Start Relay (#1) stays hot with the key off:http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20254&p=230555]

This is a noble goal! No value in increasing the red charging wire gauge? Sorry did I miss something ? Hmm, well, Kiwi_Roy has long cast aspersions on the way the V11 regulator picks up its voltage reference from the Headlamp circuit. Those of us who have removed the headlamps from that circuit with dedicated power and separate relay(s) are affecting the reference voltage, perhaps adversely. It "may be" good method to source the voltage reference somewhere else in the harness (K_Roy favors the ECU/ 4th Relay) (This is my basic understanding at this point.) K_Roy's full post here:http://www.v11lemans.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20152&p=229728 -> [i'm just trying to learn here . . .]

I'm rebuilding my negative terminal junction block (a good thing), but suspect my regulator is played up. Going to be dedicating myself to finding the reference voltage that will let my fourth regulator "outlast the bike."

I can't imagine your clutch would need anything at those low miles. Mine was "ready" at 105,000 miles. Yet, "while in there", I would inspect the retention washer on the gearbox input hub to be certain it is fully staked into the special nut. Clutch Service/ Input Hub Inspection Easy enough to inspect for excessive friction material debris as Tomchri found: Also, inspect the common leak points in that space. There are eight places a V11 can leak between the back of the engine and the gearbox. The most common are the two lower bolts on the main bearing housing and the gasket for the crankcase vent. Easy to see to these "while in there."

That's a cool tool! 104 Sports left from a high of 177 in 2006. That's up from 77 just a couple years ago. Seems you chaps are resurrecting them!

Good plan. Along with considering the Run Switch's feed from the Sidestand Switch. If it acted up rolling in gear, then straightened out parked it could be that the alternate current path through the Neutral Switch/ Relay#3 temporarily "solved" the problem. Which 3 positions get the High Current Relays?

love the photo mate. reminds me... we should do a "valve adjustment" tutorial at the next SR tech session? Y'all just need to bring the appropriate *assistants* to hold the valve covers . . . I'll bring the *feeler gauges* . . .

woah! You're serious about this Ride:Wrench ratio thing!

I still can't conceive why red garters don't appeal across the board. Maybe one has to be in the mood . . .

okay, okay, now I admit to being bothered by this sort of thing . . .

I was scrolling through Jaap's Gallery (The Most Complete Collection of V11 Images on the planet! ), and saw this image from the "V11 Meeting Sibbe 2010." We can be certain of its authenticity since, there it is. The Hammer. How can the business of hammers be complete without Hammerschlägen?

Why is that so common in motorcycle ( and other kinds of) dealers? Like you have to know the secret handshake. . .

Terrific story! I've been fascinated by LSR since seeing Craig Breedlove's "Spirit of America" on exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Living on the Ohio River as a boy, it was quite a thrill when the Unlimited Hydroplane racing came around. I don;t remember the Ohio ever being glassy-smooth as a Scottish loch on a gentle morning . . .