[NPV]

Originally Posted by NPV

Odo is nearing the 20k Km mark now and nearing the 10 year mark

Finally reached the 20,000 km mark after almost 10 years!



The turn indicator’s buzzer is going limp, need to get the part and have it replaced sometime soon. Other than that, the scooter is trouble free.

[ManasN95]

Hi guys, as mentioned in some posts previously, I have decided to keep the Aviator (subject to the below issues getting sorted out as cheap as possible)

It has run more than 50,000 KMs, and recently it was struggling to pick up, to start and what not, and we as a whole family were frustrated, because despite spending close to 3K to sort out these issues, those pertained. We had even started taking test rides of Jupiter and Access, but had put that on hold till the rains subside and to take chances at good discounts around Diwali.

By chance, as a last ditch attempt to resolve the starting issue, I gave her to a workshop on my way for the first time, and surprisingly, he solved both the issues, starting issue, and the pick up issue (almost solved, feels 80% better than before) and we are quite happy.

So we're back to the drawing board, thinking is it worth spending 40,000 as down payment and then pay an additional 1800 per month as EMI and plus petrol too or keep with the Aviator, for which, I have paid the green tax and renewed for another 5 years. I had gotten an offer of 11,000 for the scooter recently, which I declined.

So the current issues that I want to address:

1. I am getting a mileage of just 30 kmpl. For me to completely put off the topic of getting a new scooter, I need to have atleast 40 kmpl, as our running is quite a lot.

2. The front shockers thuds are a lot, the roads are shambles as well. So I would first try to service them, see if by changing the seals and refilling the shocker oil does the trick, or do I have to change the whole assembly which would cost 4200 + labour. I don't want to spend so much on one part of the scooter. I have heard Endurance makes the suspension for Honda? Can the members please suggest which brand I can go for in case I need to change the whole assembly?

3. The rest of the scooter, mechanically, feels fine. The scooter is otherwise running smoothly, and apart from the above two issues, other things that I would like to sort are just cosmetic ones - I would like to completely repaint the whole scooter, thinking about whether do I repaint in the same silver shade, or try out some another shade, give it a fresh look, of course, I would need to amend the RC. The body is in a bad shape, rusts, cracks, discoloration and dents everywhere, plus I would also need to change the indicator lens F+R as well as the brake light lens. I have heard it comes as a completely assembly, and not just the lens. It's coming to around 2300 for these on their own.

So all in all, I am looking a the following expenses, to bring her back to almost new like condition

1. Suspension (if the whole assembly) - Rs. 4200 + labour.
2. Low mileage trouble shooting - No idea what would this cost., getting checked as I type.
3. Lens assembly - F+R Indicator lens, brake light lens, meter glass - Rs. 3000 + labour
4. Complete painting (same shade) - Rs. 5,000 approx, need to confirm.
5. Some miscellanous fixes of any broken panels, emblems, etc - Rs. 1500
6. Rear tyre - Rs. 1500

So total is coming to approx - Rs. 15,000 + low mileage troubleshooting, which is quite a lot considering the age and the resale value I would get down the line.

But on the other hand, spending 40,000 + EMI for a new scooter is a bigger expense, and I just got a car, so the itch to get something new has been scratched.

Guys, sorry for the long read, but please suggest me regarding the front suspension, I don't want to spend that amount of money on one singular part.

Can I go with Endurance, or Gabriel?

[audioholic]

Originally Posted by ManasN95

Guys, sorry for the long read, but please suggest me regarding the front suspension, I don't want to spend that amount of money on one singular part.

Can I go with Endurance, or Gabriel?

My Dio was nearing 30K kms when I started feeling it had aged and there was some issues with the suspension, engine was becoming sluggish even after oil change, brakes were gone. Thought of changing the scooter to a new one or an Ebike and realised that I have to spend around 1L rupees for basically nothing great of a change. Considering I have used the Dio so sparingly, I just headed to an FNG and told him to change whatever he wants to get back the vehicle to a brand new condition mechanically. After two days and 7k rupees, the vehicle rides amazingly, no more issues and is smoother than ever. The mechanic changed all cables, all filters, cleaned carburettor, clutch shoes, brake shoes and a huge list of other components. I have done 1k kms since the service and can’t appreciate his work and the scooter better. Will keep this scoot until its banned from use.

For front suspension, get the entire fork assembly changed. Thats the best thing. And get Honda genuine parts. Aftermarket is just not worth it.

[r2212xx]

Originally Posted by ManasN95

So the current issues that I want to address:

I had noticed similar issues with my 2012 Aviator, and this is how I approached them:

1. Switch to another fuel. Try outlets of different brands. In my case, it turned out the machine loves a variety in its appetite. Alternating between fuel outlet brands for each refill significantly improved the mileage. The Aviator works fine with regular fuel of around 90 octane. But it being a Honda, it can work with any type of petrol. I have tried IOCL’s XP95 and 100, and they work fine, but they are pricier.

2. Refill the front shock oil. No need for replacement, considering the scooter ran around 50,000 km unless the vehicle was subjected to extremely uneven terrains. The authorised service centre should be able to do it. Research about a service centre with the best reviews as a preliminary check.

3. Repaint is a good option, provided you get a bike painter who can match the exact shade. I sensed the paint on my vehicle just looked dull, so buffed it with compound, followed by polish and wax. Rust can be addressed with specialised sprays, and minor scratches can be fixed with automobile touch-up spray paints. Both sprays are easily available online.

Front indicators are sold individually, and I reckon it is the same for the rear. If metal panels have dents, the service centre can hammer them back to as good as new condition.

If you decide to replace some components, it will still be an okay solution, thanks to a lot of part-sharing with Activa.

[Bhuvan]

Originally Posted by ManasN95

2. Low mileage trouble shooting - No idea what would this cost., getting checked as I type.

Always start with engine, low mileage needs to be diagnosed on priority and all other issues become trivial if engine is not healthy. I am typing this as getting similar issue fixed for my 2016 Jupiter.

Get the carburetor(if your scooter came with one and a costly component to replace) cleaned, replace spark plug and fuel filter(if any), this will set the path forward. While replacing spark plug, practice caution as the last guy who changed it on my Jupiter messed the threads on head and I am fuming as I type this.
Honda engines are very robust and durable, if the mileage is back on track then go ahead with refurbishment of front shock absorbers, if the fork tubes are fine.
Cosmetic issues can be an irritant to look at and at the same time very costly to fix, it's your call, personally I don't mind another scratch/dent on already damaged panel. If this is a beater then apart from functional things like lights, switches, side mirrors etc, rest can be left as it is and 5k for full body paint is a gamble, proper stripping and rust treatment alone will cost more than this. 11k for 15+ years old scooter is a good deal.

If it's sentimental then ignore my advice and go ahead with best possible labour and OEM parts, will be worth every rupee spent.

Whatever you decide to do, please use original parts at every step.