To check the current flow of the recharging circuit, use the “DDS” diagnosis instrument, which is equipped with an inductive clamp-type amperemeter: refer to chapter “Testing the battery charging system”, Sect. 6 - 11

With the DDS diagnosis instrument you can determine the engine rpm required for the alternator to produce sufficient current to charge the battery, feed the injection/ignition system and all the electrical equipment on the motorcycle. When applied to a cable, the clamp-type amperemeter 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, it means that generator is feeding all electric items 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.

Or it is possible to use a multimeter (Sect. 6 -11, Diagnostic instruments); connect the multimeter probes to the battery terminals, select the DC scale on the instrument 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.

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.

Before carrying out any operations on the battery, keep in mind the safety standards (Sect.1 - 3, General safety rules). The electrolyte in the battery is toxic and can cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin because it contains sulphuric acid. Wear protective clothing, a face-mask and goggles when adding electrolyte. 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. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Place the electrolyte container (2) upside down. Align the six sealed elements with the six filler holes on the battery. Push the container (2) downwards with sufficient force to break the seals and allow the liquid to flow out.

3 -12 Ah batteries: leave to stand for at least 30 min.

12 Ah batteries: 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”.

When using an automatic reduction battery charger, check that the charger current (ampere) is equal or higher than the value of standard charging system (STD) indicated on the battery itself.

Before carrying out any operations on the battery, keep in mind the safety standards (Sect.  1 - 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 located on top of the cover. If the block, cover or terminals are broken or if the valve cover has been tampered with it is absolutely necessary to replace the battery.

Always charge the battery before the first operation and after long storage periods – such as before selling the vehicle.

Loosen screws (3), remove the positive cable (4) and the (ABS) positive cable (5) from the positive terminal, and the negative cable (6) from the negative terminal, always starting from the negative (-) one, and remove the battery (7) by pulling it upwards.

Fit battery (7) on the relevant support, connect the positive cable (4) and the ABS positive cable (5) to the positive terminal, and the negative cable (6) to the battery negative terminal, always starting from the positive (+) one, and start the screws (3).

Check that the contacts are not oxidised and tighten the screws (3) of the terminals to a torque of 10 Nm ± 10%, applying wa­terproof spray.

It is equipped with a 12 V, 500 W alternator, consisting of a fixed element (stator, A) located on the generator cover and of a movable element (rotor, B) fixed to the crankshaft.

To check the battery charging system for faults, use the DDS diagnosis instrument and follow the instructions given in the para­graph, “Testing the battery charging system“ (Sect. 6 - 11).

The absolute value of voltage measured across the terminals of two of the three yellow cables (the measured value will be the same whichever combination of cable is used) 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.

Disconnect the cables of the alternator-side electric system (Sect. 6 -1, Routing of wiring on frame).

Remove the generator cover, the stator (A) and the rotor (B) (Sect. 9 - 8, Removal of the generator cover).

Connect the cables of the generator side electric system (refer to the table in chapter “Routing of wiring on frame”, Sect. 6 - 1).

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.

Control the charger current by using the DDS diagnosis instrument (Sect. 6 - 11, Diagnostic instruments).

Tighten the screws (4) to a torque of 10 Nm ± 10% (Sect. 3 - 3, Frame torque settings).

To avoid possible short circuits, replace the fuse in key OFF condition.

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.