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Interceptor 650 battery draining issue: I might have found the culprit

7th October 2024, 13:28 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

My 5-month-old Royal Enfield is on its third battery now and the only electrical accessory added to the motorcycle is the AUX light setup.

BHPian parrys recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Quick update:

The new battery died thrice. I had my trusted mechanics check the bike for any wiring issues, and they found nothing suspicious.

Now, month #5 completed, and on battery #3.

This time, as per suggestions, have swapped to Exide. If this fails again, will dig deeper into the wiring loom. We did suspect it was the aux light, but did not find any leak as such. But if this battery dies, will then try without the aux setup too.

Why have I not visited the RE workshop yet? Because given the situation, I have no faith in their ability to help resolve this.

Update 1

So, battery #3, dead. This time, even the needles did not turn, when turned the ignition on. So clearly, this is not a battery issue.

The only electrical addition on the motorcycle is the aux light setup. (Aux lights added in May, this issue has popped up since July) But the aux installation was wire-cut-free, just one connection on the terminal - which we have checked multiple times.

So today, we checked, and there could be a possible faulty relay which is the cause here. For now, just played with the relay, had the battery charged, went for a 3 km spin, and parked it.

Now I shall check after a week again. If the issue continues, then change the relays. No luck, then check the aux light switch, if the switch is faulty. If it continues again, then get rid of the aux connections completely.

I still have not visited the RE service centre. It is way too crowded, but I have my 2nd service due anyway. So maybe, I can then have them inspect the bike thoroughly too. Hoping this issue ends soon...

Life as of now, lets me swing a leg on my motorcycle only once or twice a week. Every single time that I do so now, I first have to find someone who would kick-tow me till speeds over 20-30 kmph, so that I can get the bike going in 2nd gear.

Heartbreaking!

If anyone knows of a procedure to fix this exact issue, which I should follow, please do share...

Update 2

Since the last update, tried to fire it up twice on alternate days - the bike started just fine.

Battery in place is the one which I had purchased, to replace the stock unit which came with the bike. Returned the Exide battery back to the dealer.

Going to leave the bike parked till Wednesday evening now.

*Fingers Crossed*

2nd periodic service scheduled for next weekend.

Update 3

After a 5-day gap, fired it up. It started with no drama at all! Took it for a 20 km spin to celebrate.

So I guess, the relay was faulty. Will replace them with brand new ones during 2nd service in the coming days. Then monitor it by keeping the bike standing still for a week again.

Hope this is the end of this battery problem.