Repeated starting issue with my Interceptor 650 even with a new battery

When I try to start it, I just get a clicking sound. The motorcycle doesn't crank. When I press the horn button, the intensity doesn't seem like it is powered by a weak battery.

BHPian nTorq recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Folks - need your help, please. I am clueless about this!

I have a 2019 Interceptor, and it hasn't run much. I just use it for 1-2 kms every day, and it has run around 6,000 kms so far. Over the last 7-8 months, I have been having constant issues with my bike (specifically starting related). Here is the sequence of events:

• In September 2023, the battery light started to glow, and one day, the bike didn't start. Given that it was 4 years old, I got the battery replaced, and all seemed fine.
• Within 15 days, the bike refused to start again, and when I called the battery guy, he came and checked and said that the battery had somehow discharged.
• He charged it, put it back in the bike, and it ran for another 15 days.
• When the problem occurred again, he sent the battery back to Amaron, and they tested it as per their procedure and sent back a report saying it was perfect. The battery guy said it could be an issue with the rectifier, because of which the battery isn't getting charged while running.
• I took the bike to the RE service center, and they said it could be a rectifier issue, as many Interceptors have that problem, and they replaced it.
• To my shock, within a month of replacing the rectifier, the same problem occurred! This time I was livid, and I put pressure on the battery guy to get the battery replaced from Amaron, as it seemed like I had received a faulty battery.
• Now, once the replacement battery was put in, the bike ran well for around 45 days, and one (not so) fine day, the same problem occurred!

When I turn on the ignition, all the lights come up. When I try to start, I just get a clicking sound. The bike doesn't crank. When I press the horn button, the intensity doesn't seem like it is powered by a weak battery. It seems loud and strong. The headlight also seems to light up pretty bright.

Has anyone faced a similar issue? If yes, how did it get resolved?

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good service center in Bangalore? I have been visiting the RE service center in Iblur, but I have lost confidence in their ability to identify and fix this issue.

Please help!

Here's what BHPian adrift@life had to say about the matter:

I have the same make and year as you do, and problems were resolved by changing the battery. Would like to pass on what I learned about the interceptor starting system in the process.

If your battery and the rectifier is good, you must check the ignition coil, stator, and crank position sensor.

The crank position sensor is also a critical component because despite providing optimum voltage if it is at the wrong timing then the bike won't start.

I read somewhere that the interceptor has a TCI transistor-controlled ignition which is controlled by the ECU, so crank angle sensors are important.

Check these things.

What is the bike voltage as measured at the terminals before, during and after the start button is pressed?

If you have aftermarket accessories, isolate them to eliminate the source of battery drain.

Resistance of ignition coil and stator to eliminate them as problems.

Attaching some useful links to read up:

Link 1, Link 2

Here's what BHPian iamgyan had to say about the matter:

Sounds like 2 things:

• Your starter relay is gone. Replace it.
• There's a parasitic drain somewhere. Mostly mobile charger if you have one installed.

Additionally, with the kind of use case you have, the bike wouldn't get much chance to charge the battery in such short commutes considering the high drain during cranking followed by always on headlamp.

Go on longer rides.

Get an EV scoot for such short commutes.

On the topic of the service centre, I've used BikeOne Services near Jakkasandra Signal (Agara Lake corner when coming from the Koramangala side) and found them pretty honest and knowledgeable. Can try them.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.