I have checked the relays/relay sockets on my new Interceptor and found what looks like (I'm not a grease expert 🙂) to be lithium grease in huge quantities! I have removed all the grease using an electrical contact cleaner and will be replacing the relays with Hitchcock's relays.
Update from India: RE is finally doing something about this. They've started using a better relay but still packing it with grease for protection during shipping. The stock relays' internal switch is not very durable Just a light wiping of the grease + better relays and you're good to go
Do you think they slather on the grease to create a waterproof seal? I can’t imagine any other reason why they’d do that. Tempted to replace the relays and stick them in raw (no grease) but not sure if a little grease had a use? Maybe a just little grease around the edge once they’re snapped in?
Really love the videos and your commenters. I cleaned the top three and will look for the fourth on my 350 Classic. Really hoping to solve speedo troubles. I'll get new Hitchcock relays but cleaning for now. Thank you so much for posting.
That grease won't short anything out, it will however lead to open circuits. The RE 650 twins have the same problem (mine had this problem a couple of years ago). It's about time Royal Enfield addressed this problem. Every manufacturer has some unfortunate problems but there is no excuse for ignoring this one for so long. This is a safety issue (riders have had the engine cut out with no warning) but for me it just prevented the starter motor from functioning (but with no kick starter, while not dangerous it was more than a little annoying).
Hi BW, I think that white grease is what's called "dielectric grease" and is formulated to do 2 jobs : 1 protect the contacts from corrosion & 2 reduce the possibility of shorts. In this sort of environment I would be cleaning them with a. aerosol brake cleaner with 'red straw' fitted to get rid of the bulk of the grease, then aerosol switch cleaner.
That white grease is not dielectric grease, clean the whole conections with electric contact cleaner ( wont harm plastic ) and the use clear type proper " Dielectric grease " ......
@Dave-in-Franc I also thought of using the aerosol brake cleaner and then electrics aerosol cleaner, hopefully the aerosol would get right inside, then a light smear of Vaseline,(conducts electricity and keeps damp out).
I cleaned mine yesterday after the bike had some starting glitches the day before. I’d heard the stories about the relay grease, but my bike had run fine for the 3 months I’d had it. I bought it used with one thousand miles on it, and it now has a little over two. I stopped after a 90 minute ride for a break, and when I tried to restart it, no lights came on on the dash, and it was dead. I cycled the key a few times, and the bike eventually started. My first thought was the relays, so I got home and cleaned them. I didn’t replace any (yet), but I removed a lot of gunk. The job would have been quicker if you’d posted this video a day earlier. My side cover had a bent tab on the lower grommet, and fortunately had the one bolt securing it. Otherwise I may have been looking for it along the road. I don’t know who bent the tab, though I’m sure it wasn’t one of the highly trained Enfield factory technicians since the factory spent millions on training them. Thanks for taking the time to do this video. I’m sure it will help others with this task.
Olá amigo, esses relés podem impedir a partida da moto? A minha estava funcionando normalmente, e após uma parada, ela não funcionou mais...a bomba de combustível "entra", o motor de arranque gira, tem centelha na vela, mas a moto não pega!
My hunter 350 is meant to be arriving tomorrow, so I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow afternoon once I get home from the dealer! I'm in aus and was hoping to get some replacement relays, it's a bit too dear shipping from hitchcocks, so I'm going to have to find the part number for some bosch relays to order in and switch out later
Hello. After replacing the speedometer, there was another electrical problem on the classic 350. When I turn on the ignition after a few days without working, the clock appears reset, as if the battery had been disconnected. Yesterday there was even the sound of roasting chestnuts on the right side in the battery area, and a new reset on the clock and speedometer needle. It only happens at the first ignition after a few days of stopping. The following times it will be normal. Could it be the issue of relays full of white grease? Thanks.
My month-old interceptor cut out on me yesterday, just as I pulled the clutch to change up. I was able to start the bike immediately and finish my journey with no further issue. My relays were also packed with white gease, which i have cleaned out with contact cleaner. Has anyone got rid of the grease and still had problems with the RE relays? Just wondering if the new relays are absolutely necessary.
Take all relays out, lift the rubber casing that holds the relays and blast it with brake cleaner, that'd what I did to my 21plate himalayan not had a problem since, keep up the good work matey. 👍
Hi there. I first became aware of this, when I saw a previous video of yours about cleaning the relays on the Classic 350, so I removed mine, thoroughly cleaned the connectors on the sockets and the relays and sprayed them with ACF 50. All good. Can you tell me why it is necessary to fit new relays? I am more than happy to do so but is there a problem with the original ones? Thanks.
Reports have said that due to relays being affected by the grease, there is a possibility that the contacts can stick within them, over time. I'd say that if you haven't had any problems with starting etcetera, you will be okay to re-use the OEM one's mate.
I'm looking to buy the RE 650 Interceptor, but concerned over the relay problems (Well grease) Do i need to worry? or is it just the case of removing the grease and fitting better quality relays? Should i being do this on a new motorcycle?
Thank you so much for posting! Mostly I hate "Modern Life and all the useless drivel posted on the internet." BUT.....! This is the sort of information Tim Berners-Lee envisioned when he invented the Internet. Thanks for taking the time to put this up. I've just checked my (So far, perfectly ok ) bike. The white grease has begun to dry out and turn to varnish. Probably just in time, I've cleaned out the connector housings and will upgrade to new relays and a dab of dielectric grease on the spade connectors! 👍👍.
what do you think to royal enfield going it alone next year stuart fillingham he thinks it may be better i dont know we shall see i have all got my bikes from robbinsons and got good deal and look after so i am happy
Morning TBW I’ve looked at my Himalayan and it’s fine but on my Classic I haven’t looked not even taken the cover off 👍now are you sure that there’s only 3 on the Classic? If you look at the bottom right there’s what looks like another one labelled aux start 😳 👍 another great video
I can understand wanting to use the grease to protect the contacts from moisture corrosion, but that amount is bordering on stopping the flow of electrons and everything else.
My 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 500 is having starting issues. Sometimes the fuel pump will energize and sometimes not. It is worse when the engine is hot. I have to wait 45-60 minutes for the engine to cool to start. The relays were replaced but the fuel pump still acts up. The engine warning light remains on after turning the key. The closest dealer is over 200km away and I have a sidecar attached to need a full-sized bed to carry it.
This is a well documented problem here in the U.K. , therefore you would think that RE would address the problem at the assembly stage. I would have thought they were aware of this by now
I have experienced 7 occasions of intermittent miss fires in 600 miles on my Classic 350 so I followed your lead and my relays were 'drowned' in white grease, I haven't ridden it since I cleaned them but if the miss fire is still there new relays is the next step.......
I HAVE A 21 HIMALAYAN. I HAD A PROBLEM RIDING HOME ONE DAY AND IT COMPLETELY STOPPED! AT 50 MPH! I HAD JUST RINSED IT AT THE 2 DOLLARS WASH, BOUGHT A SIX PACK AND NOW- NOTHING- NO JUICE!! TIME TO WALK.... AT LEAST I HAD SOME BEER!! FRIEND SAW ME.. DROVE ME TO MY PALACE, WE GOT MY TRAILER AND TRUCK-- STRAPPED THE HIMMY ON- GOT HOME... NEXT DAY- WENT INTO YOU TUBE UNIVERSITY- FOUND A VIDEO- AND REMOVED THE TWO FI AND FUEL PUMP RELAYS UNDER THE SEAT- AND I THOUGHT THAT SOMEONE SHAT ON THE CONNECTORS-- SOO, BOUGHT SOME ELECTRICAL CLEANER SPRAY, DI-ELECTRICAL GREASE- SPRAYED, THE RELAYS- CONNECTING HARNESS, ETC. USED TOOTH-PICKS, Q-TIPS AND RESUMED MY PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY NOT CHARGING AS IT SHOULD...BACK TO YOU TUBE!! WATCHED AN INDIAN (INDIA- WHERE THEY LOVE LOTTSA GREASE DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, MAYBE-) WITH NO ENGLISH AND THEY OPENED THE MINI-FUSE BOX THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT. AND SURE ENOUGH, THE 25 AMP CHARGING PLUG HAD BLOWN!! WATER, SHORT CIRCUIT- I DO NOT KNOW FOR SURE! REPLACE FUSE- NOW CHARGES THE BATTERY! AND I DO HOPE THAT WILL CORRECT MY CONCERNS ABOUT A FUTURE CAMPING TRIP....JOHN IN CO.USA
I have checked the relays/relay sockets on my new Interceptor and found what looks like (I'm not a grease expert 🙂) to be lithium grease in huge quantities! I have removed all the grease using an electrical contact cleaner and will be replacing the relays with Hitchcock's relays.
Update from India: RE is finally doing something about this. They've started using a better relay but still packing it with grease for protection during shipping.
The stock relays' internal switch is not very durable
Just a light wiping of the grease + better relays and you're good to go
Cheers buddy that’s very interesting and good news
Do you think they slather on the grease to create a waterproof seal? I can’t imagine any other reason why they’d do that.
Tempted to replace the relays and stick them in raw (no grease) but not sure if a little grease had a use?
Maybe a just little grease around the edge once they’re snapped in?
Really love the videos and your commenters. I cleaned the top three and will look for the fourth on my 350 Classic. Really hoping to solve speedo troubles. I'll get new Hitchcock relays but cleaning for now. Thank you so much for posting.
You're most welcome..... 4th relay is just below the three
That grease won't short anything out, it will however lead to open circuits.
The RE 650 twins have the same problem (mine had this problem a couple of years ago).
It's about time Royal Enfield addressed this problem. Every manufacturer has some unfortunate problems but there is no excuse for ignoring this one for so long. This is a safety issue (riders have had the engine cut out with no warning) but for me it just prevented the starter motor from functioning (but with no kick starter, while not dangerous it was more than a little annoying).
Yes it shouldn’t be left to every new owner to sort it or at least the dealerships should include it in the PDI 👍🏻
A nice job , clearly shown 👍
Thank you sir 👍🏻
Nice job Bingley, I now have jobs to do , Himalayan and Classic 350 ,methinks next available rainy day! Cheers DINO.
Thank you you're most welcome
Great video mate. I’ll be doing the Himalayan tomorrow.
Cheers buddy look forward to seeing it
Hi BW, I think that white grease is what's called "dielectric grease" and is formulated to do 2 jobs : 1 protect the contacts from corrosion & 2 reduce the possibility of shorts.
In this sort of environment I would be cleaning them with a. aerosol brake cleaner with 'red straw' fitted to get rid of the bulk of the grease, then aerosol switch cleaner.
Yes that sounds like a good call buddy 👍🏻
aerosol brake cleaner - Yep, that's just what I was thinking. Might do a better job.
That white grease is not dielectric grease, clean the whole conections with electric contact cleaner ( wont harm plastic ) and the use clear type proper " Dielectric grease " ......
The dielectric grease I have is clear,vs the opaque white lithium used by R E.
@Dave-in-Franc
I also thought of using the aerosol brake cleaner and then electrics aerosol cleaner, hopefully the aerosol would get right inside, then a light smear of Vaseline,(conducts electricity and keeps damp out).
I’ve not had any problems with my Classic 350 up to now but I’ll check them out now just in case. 👍
Prevention better than cure 😀👍🏻
Ist es nicht besser Kettenreiniger zu verwenden ? Wegen dem Plastik ?
Ich möchte sie direkt gegen Boschrelais tauschen , weiss aber die Art Nr. nicht
I cleaned mine yesterday after the bike had some starting glitches the day before. I’d heard the stories about the relay grease, but my bike had run fine for the 3 months I’d had it. I bought it used with one thousand miles on it, and it now has a little over two. I stopped after a 90 minute ride for a break, and when I tried to restart it, no lights came on on the dash, and it was dead. I cycled the key a few times, and the bike eventually started. My first thought was the relays, so I got home and cleaned them. I didn’t replace any (yet), but I removed a lot of gunk. The job would have been quicker if you’d posted this video a day earlier. My side cover had a bent tab on the lower grommet, and fortunately had the one bolt securing it. Otherwise I may have been looking for it along the road. I don’t know who bent the tab, though I’m sure it wasn’t one of the highly trained Enfield factory technicians since the factory spent millions on training them. Thanks for taking the time to do this video. I’m sure it will help others with this task.
You’re most welcome glad to be of help 👍🏻
Same here. Open headlamp shell find ignition key connector, open and clean white grease. Your bike will never have this problem again.
@@maurianoare you talking about the headlamp relay?
I have the same problem as yours now. Replaced my relays but the glitch on the startup still there.
Olá amigo, esses relés podem impedir a partida da moto? A minha estava funcionando normalmente, e após uma parada, ela não funcionou mais...a bomba de combustível "entra", o motor de arranque gira, tem centelha na vela, mas a moto não pega!
My hunter 350 is meant to be arriving tomorrow, so I guess I know what I'm doing tomorrow afternoon once I get home from the dealer!
I'm in aus and was hoping to get some replacement relays, it's a bit too dear shipping from hitchcocks, so I'm going to have to find the part number for some bosch relays to order in and switch out later
Panasonic are good too 👍🏻
good vlog as usual
Not a surprise
Hello. After replacing the speedometer, there was another electrical problem on the classic 350. When I turn on the ignition after a few days without working, the clock appears reset, as if the battery had been disconnected. Yesterday there was even the sound of roasting chestnuts on the right side in the battery area, and a new reset on the clock and speedometer needle. It only happens at the first ignition after a few days of stopping. The following times it will be normal. Could it be the issue of relays full of white grease? Thanks.
My month-old interceptor cut out on me yesterday, just as I pulled the clutch to change up. I was able to start the bike immediately and finish my journey with no further issue. My relays were also packed with white gease, which i have cleaned out with contact cleaner. Has anyone got rid of the grease and still had problems with the RE relays? Just wondering if the new relays are absolutely necessary.
result cheers!
Take all relays out, lift the rubber casing that holds the relays and blast it with brake cleaner, that'd what I did to my 21plate himalayan not had a problem since, keep up the good work matey. 👍
Cheers buddy 👍🏻😊
That's an astonishing amount of grease in these!
Yes apparently for shipping purposes!
Hi there. I first became aware of this, when I saw a previous video of yours about cleaning the relays on the Classic 350, so I removed mine, thoroughly cleaned the connectors on the sockets and the relays and sprayed them with ACF 50. All good. Can you tell me why it is necessary to fit new relays? I am more than happy to do so but is there a problem with the original ones? Thanks.
Reports have said that due to relays being affected by the grease, there is a possibility that the contacts can stick within them, over time. I'd say that if you haven't had any problems with starting etcetera, you will be okay to re-use the OEM one's mate.
Belts and braces really you can probably safely reuse the original relays once cleaned
aha! This is probably the problem with my Himalayan. I'm going to check these relays.. are the ones you changed better than what come stock?
Hi yes they are clearly better made you can get them from Hitchcocks motorcycles 👍🏻
I'm looking to buy the RE 650 Interceptor, but concerned over the relay problems (Well grease)
Do i need to worry? or is it just the case of removing the grease and fitting better quality relays?
Should i being do this on a new motorcycle?
Just see how you go on before changing anything they are very reliable bikes
Thank you so much for posting! Mostly I hate "Modern Life and all the useless drivel posted on the internet." BUT.....! This is the sort of information Tim Berners-Lee envisioned when he invented the Internet. Thanks for taking the time to put this up. I've just checked my (So far, perfectly ok ) bike. The white grease has begun to dry out and turn to varnish. Probably just in time, I've cleaned out the connector housings and will upgrade to new relays and a dab of dielectric grease on the spade connectors! 👍👍.
You’re most welcome 🙏
what do you think to royal enfield going it alone next year stuart fillingham he thinks it may be better i dont know we shall see i have all got my bikes from robbinsons and got good deal and look after so i am happy
Yes all three of mine were from Moto GB (2 from Robinson’s) all good 👍🏻
The classic has 4 relay's.
One under the 3 next to each other.
Morning TBW I’ve looked at my Himalayan and it’s fine but on my Classic I haven’t looked not even taken the cover off 👍now are you sure that there’s only 3 on the Classic? If you look at the bottom right there’s what looks like another one labelled aux start 😳 👍 another great video
Hi yes but I’m not sure that one is a relay but I’ll have a look 👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler just saw it staring at me and I thought I’m shore that looks like one and I know that I haven’t noticed it on my Classic 😳
You are correct sir, there are 4; an excellent video all the same. Point aside my speedo packed up and I did the same and no problems since 🤞🙏
@@thebingleywheeler It's a relay, I have a classic350 and just cleaned mine (packed with grease like the top 3)
I can understand wanting to use the grease to protect the contacts from moisture corrosion, but that amount is bordering on stopping the flow of electrons and everything else.
Yes I think that’s what causes the issues
My 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 500 is having starting issues. Sometimes the fuel pump will energize and sometimes not. It is worse when the engine is hot. I have to wait 45-60 minutes for the engine to cool to start. The relays were replaced but the fuel pump still acts up. The engine warning light remains on after turning the key. The closest dealer is over 200km away and I have a sidecar attached to need a full-sized bed to carry it.
Do you have the diagnostic unit to check engine codes?
Isn't there another relay for the fuel pump under the right side cover in your scram 411?
Probably but never go round to that 😎👍🏻
@@thebingleywheeler but that's the most important one :-)
😁👍🏻
Something you think the dealer would do,mine were the same 👍🇬🇧🏍
Yes you’d think the pdi would cover it
This is a well documented problem here in the U.K. , therefore you would think that RE would address the problem at the assembly stage. I would have thought they were aware of this by now
Yes it’s certainly an oft reported issue though somewhat sporadically presents itself
So you used the same five pin replacement relay in all three bikes? Thanks.
Yes
Thank you, sir!
@@thebingleywheeler Thank you, sir!
FYI, there are 3 relays on the Euro 5 twins (like yours) and 4 relays on the Euro 4 twins.
Indeed…just like I eventually said at the end 👍🏻😀
I have experienced 7 occasions of intermittent miss fires in 600 miles on my Classic 350 so I followed your lead and my relays were 'drowned' in white grease, I haven't ridden it since I cleaned them but if the miss fire is still there new relays is the next step.......
Let me know how it goes! 👍🏻
Cant see the pins as your out of shot!! Why didnt you clean the grease out using a brake cleaner spray,, a 5 sec job!
I HAVE A 21 HIMALAYAN. I HAD A PROBLEM RIDING HOME ONE DAY AND IT COMPLETELY STOPPED! AT 50 MPH! I HAD JUST RINSED IT AT THE 2 DOLLARS WASH, BOUGHT A SIX PACK AND NOW- NOTHING- NO JUICE!! TIME TO WALK.... AT LEAST I HAD SOME BEER!! FRIEND SAW ME.. DROVE ME TO MY PALACE, WE GOT MY TRAILER AND TRUCK-- STRAPPED THE HIMMY ON- GOT HOME... NEXT DAY- WENT INTO YOU TUBE UNIVERSITY- FOUND A VIDEO- AND REMOVED THE TWO FI AND FUEL PUMP RELAYS UNDER THE SEAT- AND I THOUGHT THAT SOMEONE SHAT ON THE CONNECTORS-- SOO, BOUGHT SOME ELECTRICAL CLEANER SPRAY, DI-ELECTRICAL GREASE- SPRAYED, THE RELAYS- CONNECTING HARNESS, ETC. USED TOOTH-PICKS, Q-TIPS AND RESUMED MY PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY NOT CHARGING AS IT SHOULD...BACK TO YOU TUBE!! WATCHED AN INDIAN (INDIA- WHERE THEY LOVE LOTTSA GREASE DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, MAYBE-) WITH NO ENGLISH AND THEY OPENED THE MINI-FUSE BOX THAT IS LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT. AND SURE ENOUGH, THE 25 AMP CHARGING PLUG HAD BLOWN!! WATER, SHORT CIRCUIT- I DO NOT KNOW FOR SURE! REPLACE FUSE- NOW CHARGES THE BATTERY! AND I DO HOPE THAT WILL CORRECT MY CONCERNS ABOUT A FUTURE CAMPING TRIP....JOHN IN CO.USA
Thank you John that's an interesting story..... Glad you had the beer! 😆