Divya Sharan

Hi all,

I know similar threads for engine oils exist, but I thought this is slightly different in some aspects. Its more of a comparison than personal experience.
Here we go.

My dad has a HH Splendor. 1998 model to be precise. He has crossed a staggering 1 lac 49000 kms on the odo assuming it was always repaired/ remained functional. The engine has NEVER been opened .
He rides around 50-60 kms daily and is a speed freak. You never see him doing less than 70 kmph!!!

His reasoning for the engine's well being - "Beta, I change the mobil/engine oil every 1500 kms. Also I ensure the chain is lubricated." [Plus he sincerely washes the bike twice a week - any season...]

My question - Is 1500 km too much to change the oil??? Or simply wrong?
I feel we can wait till maybe 2500 or 3000 kms. Its all about the feel, right?
You feel your engine is struggling, hence its the time to change. Am I right or wrong?
NOTE:- He changes the oil at 1.5k, never tops it up. (dunno why)

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Noor

Query approved

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Aneesh@4GHz

Will depend on the oil using and riding style.

We use engine oils to ensure smooth and healthy engine,So whenever the gears become harsh and engine overheats,Its time for an oil change.


Top up's? Its of no use.Always change oil instead of topping it up.

I have a ZMA 2006 Model,When using HH 10W30 oil,I changed oil every 1000kms,Now shifted to Gulf Pride 4T Plus 20W40,Now engine is smooth,cool and will lasts upto 3000kms if ridden sanely,I have a mixed riding style so changes oil every 2000kms.
Just y personal thoughts.

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aargee

There's nothing wrong or right; he's simply changing the engine oil probably he has lot of money, or learnt something hard way out of experience or peace of mind or whatever personal reason he has.

If one stays/rides upto 80% of redline, then the vehicle's engine oil interval is as per the manufacturer's specification. Changing at earlier intervals doesn't improve anything.

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icemang

Congrats to your father for keeping the Splendour in such fine fettle!

At that odo reading of 1,49,000 kms, there would be no oil change schedule timeline mentioned in the user manual at all.

Another factor in this is the manifold increase in oil consumption/degradation as the engine piles on the miles. The next time he changes the oil, ask him to closely monitor the oil consumption.

Does the bike smoke blue smoke? If no, then the engine is ok. If yes then it is guzzling oil - over prolonged use and without piston ring replacement, oil from the sump creeps up, leaks out thru the piston rings and gets combusted in the combustion chamber leading to the typical blue smoke. Then it is time not for an oil change but a piston ring, possibly piston and cylinder assembly change.

As you have mentioned that he speeds around at 70 kmph or so, he is perhaps right in so brief an interval between changes. And correct in the change vs the topping up - mixing clean, new oil with old dirty oil is even worse than riding only on either

On another note, in the interests of your father's safety, may I recommend to him to get a new bike? 1, 49,000 kms on one engine, chassis etc is quite a bit and one never knows when some part, sub assembly or assembly will give way, at best stranding him in some odd place or at worst leading to an avoidable accident. Do take my suggestion in the spirit in which it is given - concern, care and affection for our parents.

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Divya Sharan

@icemang:- He plans to keep the bike aside and buy a new one in sometime, but he loves the splendor more than anything, more than the car even!

@aargee:- He he, if he has a lot of money, he's been hiding it from us...

I'll try to convince him to get the pistons checked for now and buy a new bike ASAP.

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Pinaki

1500-2000 kms is about the right time to drain oil and refill I have felt too and am doing the same nowdays . As you can see it's been working well for him for ages , can't argue with that .

That would mean riding 6000 kms on the 10w30 HeroHonda 4T oil !!

Stop worrying about the bike , this is the Honda cub/CT-trail engine and it isn't halfway through it's life yet .