To check the current flow in the charging circuit, use the “DDS” tester, which is equipped with an inductive clamp-type ammeter:

refer to “Testing the battery charging system”, Sect. D 5. With the “DDS” tester you can determine the engine rpm required for the alternator to produce sufficient current to charge the battery, feed the fuel injection/ignition system and all the electrical equipment on the motorcycle. When applied to a cable, the ammeter clamp detects the magnetic field generated by the current passing through that cable. The tester performs an automatic calibration routine using its own transducer.

If the measured current is a positive quantity, this means that alternator is powering all the electrical loads and charging battery at the same time. A negative value means that charging system is not powering the loads and a significant amount of current must be supplied by the battery, which is discharging at the time of the measurement.

Alternatively, a multimeter can be used (Sect. P 9, Diagnostic instruments); connect the multimeter probes to the battery terminals, select the DC scale on the multimeter and check for the presence of 14.5 V±0.5 at an engine speed of 3000 rpm.

If polarity is reversed when clamping the ammeter onto the cable, the sign of the readings will also be reversed, giving rise to incorrect diagnosis.

Charge the battery if the open circuit voltage is lower than 12.8 V. Leaving the battery discharged for more than one month could damage it. Check the battery charge with a voltmeter.

Always check the condition of the battery before recharging and 1 to 2 hours afterwards.

Pay careful attention to recharging times. Stop charging immediately if the battery becomes too hot to the touch. Leave to cool before resuming charging.

Use fast charging in emergencies only.

If the battery voltage is less than or equal to 11.5 V, it must be recharged.

Use a voltage of 16-17 V.

If the ammeter shows no change, increase the voltage to the maximum of 25 V.

Charge for 5 minutes.

If the ammeter shows a change, return the voltage to 16-17 V; otherwise replace the battery.

Read carefully the relevant safety rules before working on the battery (Sect. A 3, General safety rules).

If the liquid comes into contact with the skin, wash thoroughly with cold water. If it comes into contact with the eyes, wash thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and consult an ophthalmologist. In the event of accidental ingestion, drink large quantities of water or milk, and continue with milk of magnesia, beaten egg or vegetable oil. Do not allow sparks, flames, cigarettes or any other heat source to come near the battery, as it produces explosive gases.

When recharging or using the battery indoors, make sure that the room is adequately ventilated. Do not inhale the gases produced during recharging.

Make sure that all the electrolyte has flowed out. Gently tap the bottom of the reservoir (2) to encourage complete discharge of the liquid. Carefully extract the container (2) from the battery.

Place the cap strip (3) previously removed from the electrolyte container (2) on the battery, making sure that the strip closes all the electrolyte filler holes correctly.

For 3-12 Ah batteries, leave to stand for at least 30 mins.

For batteries of over 12 Ah, leave to stand for at least 1 hour.

Rest the cap strip on the filler holes without fixing it. Recharge the battery as described in the paragraph “Recharging the battery”.

If using an automatic charge reducing battery charger, make certain that the charger current (amps) is greater than or equal to the standard (STD) recharging system indicated on the battery.

Read carefully the relevant safety rules before working on the battery (Sect. A 3, General safety rules). When under charge, batteries produce explosive gases. Keep batteries away from heat sources, sparks or open flames.

Never remove the valve cover on the top of the battery or add more liquid to the battery. If the block, cover or terminals are broken or if the valve cover has been tampered with it is essential to change the battery.

If the motorcycle is left unused for more than 30 days, remove the battery and store it in a safe, cool place.

References (48) and (44) are the same as those indicated in the plates in the chapter “Routing of wiring on frame”, Sect. P 1.

Remove the seat (Sect. E 3, Removal of the seat).

Check that the contacts are not oxidised and tighten the terminal clamp bolts (48) and (44) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings); apply a water repellent spray.

Refit the seat (Sect. E 3, Refitting the seat).

The motorcycle is equipped with a 12 V, 520 W alternator, consisting of a stator (A) located in the left-hand side crankcase cover and a rotor (B) fixed to the crankshaft.

To check the charging system for faults, use the DDS tester and follow the instructions given under the heading “Checking the charging system current”, Sect. D 5.

The absolute value of voltage measured across the terminals of two of the three yellow cables (measured value will be the same whichever the combination) must be within the range indicated in the table below.

(Ambient temperature: 20 °C)

If checks have a favourable outcome, reconnect the alternator to the regulator with ignition key on OFF. Make sure that no cables are damaged or disconnected.

Remove the alternator-side crankcase cover, the stator (A) and rotor (B) (Sect. N 8, Removal of the alternator-side crankcase cover).

The rectifier/regulator consists of an aluminium casing containing the diodes that rectify the current produced by the alternator. It also contains an electronic device that regulates the current supplied by the alternator in accordance with battery voltage. If the battery is drained, the current has the value necessary to restore optimum operating conditions of the battery. In contrast, if the battery is fully charged, the current value will be lower.

Check the charging current using the DDS tester, following the instructions given in the paragraph “Testing the battery charging system” (Sect. D 5).

Disconnect the main wiring loom connector (B) (see plates in the chapter “Routing of wiring on frame”, Sect. P 1).

Unscrew the bolts (2) securing the regulator to the frame: recover the horn (3), which is secured by one of the two bolts (2) and the spacers (4).

Tighten the bolts (2) to the specified torque (Sect. C 3, Frame torque settings).

Connect the regulatorr to the main wiring loom (Sect. P 1, Routing of wiring on frame).

The 30 A fuse located on the fuel tank protects the electronic regulator. To gain access to the fuse, remove the seat (Sect. E 3, Removal of the seat) and disconnect the contactor connector (A).

Switch the ignition key to OFF before replacing a fuse to avoid possible short circuits.

Never use a fuse with a rating other than the specified value. Failure to observe this rule may damage the electric system or even cause fire.