Dear members, I have an year old Thunderbird 500. It has done almost 20,000 km including a 3000 km Leh trip in June this year. it has worked exceptionally well during the trip.

but recently I am facing these issues: (I am not well versed with the motorbike technicalities, so please excuse my lay man language)
1. electrical issues: just few days back, I had to replace my relay wire as the bike refused to shut down at a petrol pump even when I turned off the engine cut-off switch (red one) and took the key out. the RE mechanic told me that there was wiring issue with the relay wire, which also happened to discharge the batteries. he changed the wire and then filled up the electrolyte in the battery. But I get low battery sign in my digital display more often than not. Is it common to have battery discharged in only a year's usage?

2. The bike refuses to start: After I key in and turn on the red ignition switch, the usual efi lamp glows along with the mechanical feeling of the fuel pump working which stops generally after 2 secs. but recently, either the efi indicator keeps on glowing along with the pump working until i cut off the ignition switch or the efi indicator stops glowing after 2 seconds as usual but the pump keeps on working. the self start doesn't work no matter what jn both the cases.

it may sound weird but this usually happens when I park the bike on the main stand. I have observed that when the bike is parked on the stand stand or when i tilt the bike a little to the left, there is no problem in self starting it.

I have taken my bike to 2 of the RE service centres. There without any examination, the SC guys told me that either there is a sensor problem or problem with fuel pump which needs to be replaced. my query is how can a year old sensor/fuel pump be damaged so soon? and why it can't be repaired and has to be replaced which I was told will cost around 13000/-.

My usual SCguy told me that this is a problem with RE TBTS 500s and advised me to change to a carburettor system which will be easier to maintain. it will cost around 20000/-. Should I?

I usually travel alone and like to explore the unexplored regions. now I am afraid, because of these issues, that i may get stranded if efi doesn't work.

are RE's EFI/Sensor system/Wiring this fragile? Should I take up the issue with RE?

Will appreciate any help/advice on the matter.


p.s: this is my first motorcycle, so unaware of any issues that is part and parcel with.

Hi Guys,
I just picked up a 2012 tb 500 yesterday, this thread was influential in my decision making, thanks


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Well.. Fitted GT's indicators on my TB but haven't liked their looks on TB so removed..
Also
changed front tyre to CEAT Grip XL.. 90-90-19.. It looks great/superb..
But there's very mild vibrations on handlebar due to tyre pattern.. Some pics of tyre..[ATTACH]160955[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH]160960[/ATTACH]


CP
Barmer
7891720083

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Sorry.. One pic is not visible.. Here's again [ATTACH]160961[/ATTACH]


CP
Barmer
7891720083

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Is this tyre a rear true fitted as a front tire??
And is it tubeless?

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Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure
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